Biographical Sketch of Rev. Nathaniel IRWIN (1881); Chester County, PA

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Sandra Ferguson <ferg@intelos.net>.

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from THE HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, by Futhey and Cope (1881);

Rev. Nathaniel Irwin was born at Fagg's Manor Chester Co, Oct 17, 1756.  He 
graduated at the College of New Jersey in 1770 and was a contemporary there of 
James Madison, Davis Rittenhouse, Judge HH Brackenridge,  and others who 
subsequently rose to eminence.  He was ordained and installed pastor of the 
Neshaminy Presbyterian Church, in Bucks County May 3, 1774, and continued in 
that relation till his dean.  He was a man of much shrewdness and of a Superior 
business tact, and his advice was much sought.  He was popular with his people 
and ranked high as a preacher.  He possessed much scientific knowledge and made 
if of practical benefit to the community.  He was the first person who 
encouraged John Fitch, the inventor of the steamboat.  Fitch was a Bucks County 
man and his autobiography, in the Philadelphia Library, he addressed to Mr 
Irwin, in token of his gratitude for the encouragement which he received from 
him.  When the question of the location of the countyseat of Bucks Co was being 
agitated, Mr. Irwin advocated with ardor its location at Doylestown, and his 
influence had much to do with fixing it there.  A printed caricature of him was 
circulated at the time, representing him with hat and coat off and sleeves 
rolled up, tugging with all his strength to pull the courthouse in the direction 
of Doylestown.  He was moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly in 1801, 
and died March 3, 1812.