BIO: William U. IRVIN, M.D., Centre County, Pennsylvania

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/
_______________________________________________ 

Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the 
Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
_______________________________________________ 

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, page 118

WILLIAM U. IRWIN, M.D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Julian, 
Centre county, has attained an enviable position in the ranks of the medical 
fraternity of central Pennsylvania. Earnest study, broad research, and the 
thoughtful application of the knowledge that he has acquired, have given him 
a skill as a practitioner which makes him a most worthy representative of the 
profession.
  Born on the 9th of July, 1863, in West Union, Iowa, our subject was two 
years of age when brought to Centre county by his parents, Daniel and Eliza 
G. Irwin. The father is now a prominent merchant in Julian. The literary 
education of our subject was obtained in the district schools and at 
Bellefonte Academy, where he prepared himself for the study of medicine, 
desiring to make its practice his life work. During his youth he often 
assisted his father in the store, and while there began reading medicine, 
after which he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he 
graduated in 1890 on the completion of the three-years' course. He has since 
successfully engaged in practice at Julian, and throughout his professional 
career has been a close student of the science of medicine, keeping fully 
abreast with the progress which characterizes this nineteenth-century 
development. His worth is acknowledged by his professional brethren, and is 
attested by a large and lucrative practice.
  On May 14, 1894, Dr. Irwin was married to Miss Susie Williams, and they 
have a son, John Boyd, born July 3, 1896. Mrs. Irwin was born in Huston 
township, Centre county, August 6, 1871, is a cultured and refined lady, and 
successfully engaged in teaching previous to her marriage. Her father, 
Abednego Williams, a general farmer of Huston township, was born there August 
4, 1848, and is a son of Samuel S. and Eleanor. (Peters) Williams, who spent 
their entire lives in Centre county. Since twenty-three years of age he has 
resided upon the present farm, and is one of the most successful 
agriculturists of the locality. On January 4, 1871, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Catherine M. Hartsock, whose birth occurred January 4, 1850, in 
Huston township. Her parents, Hays and Susan (Williams) Hartsock, were also 
natives of Centre county, where they always made their home. Mr. and Mrs. 
Williams are active members of the Baptist Church, and highly respected and 
valued members of society, their true worth being fully recognized by their 
many friends and acquaintances. He is connected with the Grange in 
Unionville, and in politics is a Republican, favoring the gold standard.
  Mrs. Irwin is the eldest in a family of seven children, the others being as 
follows: Martha J., born October 25. 1872; John R.. born January 26, 1875, 
and Harry S.. born February 14, 1877, are all at home with their parents; 
Theodore L., born February 3, 1879, died July 30, 1892; Roger G., born 
February 24, 1881, is at home; and Chester M., born June 25, 1883, died 
August 29, 1892.
  Politically, Dr. Irwin affiliates with the Democratic party, in the success 
of which he takes a deep interest. He is a member of Huston township school 
board, and takes active part in the cause of education. A prominent member of 
the medical fraternity, he is now serving as president of the Centre County 
Medical Society, and is also a leading member of the Pennsylvania State 
Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Socially, he is 
affiliated with the I. O. O. F., holding membership in the lodge at 
Unionville. Financially as well as professionally, the Doctor has met with 
success in his chosen calling, and owns a pleasant home in Julian, where he 
and his amiable wife delight to entertain their many friends.