Irwin Family
Businessman, Mayor of Keokuk, Territorial Governor of Idaho and Arizona
Cemetery Marker Number
Date of Birth
Date Of Death
Cemetery Location
20
Multiple
Multiple
Block 15, Lot 16 & 17
John Nichol Irwin: A Distinguished Life of Service and Leadership
Written by Erika Berrett
John Nichol Irwin, an esteemed businessman, politician, and diplomat, significantly shaped his community in Keokuk, Iowa, and made notable contributions to the territories of Idaho and Arizona. His life's work and civic engagement positioned him as a prominent figure in the political and business arenas of his time.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 25, 1844, in Butler County, Ohio, John Irwin moved with his family to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1856. Here, he attended public schools before enrolling at Miami University. His education was momentarily interrupted by the Civil War, during which he served as a sergeant in the 45th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. After the war, he completed his education at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1867.
Business and Local Politics
Returning to Keokuk, Irwin entered the dry goods business with his father under the Irwin-Phillips Company. His business acumen was paralleled by his commitment to public service. Irwin was elected Mayor of Keokuk multiple times (1876, 1877, 1878, and 1887-1888), where he was instrumental in pioneering the high-head electric-power dam across the Mississippi River. This project was crucial in creating a mile-wide lake above the dam, a significant enhancement to Keokuk's industrial infrastructure.
Territorial Governance
Irwin's political influence extended beyond Iowa. In 1883, President Chester A. Arthur appointed him as the Governor of the Idaho Territory. Although his tenure was short due to health issues, his dedication to public service was evident as he famously returned most of his salary, asserting he could not "in good conscience accept the unearned pay." This act was highlighted as an exceptional display of integrity in political office.
In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him Governor of the Arizona Territory. During his term, he was proactive in setting the groundwork for Arizona's eventual statehood, including issuing a proclamation to elect delegates for drafting a state constitution. However, this constitution was never ratified by Congress.
Diplomatic Service
Irwin's service extended internationally when he was appointed U.S. Minister to Portugal in 1899 by President William McKinley. His diplomatic career, though brief, was marked by his resignation in 1901 to attend to personal and family matters back in Iowa.
Legacy and Death
John Nichol Irwin's life journey concluded on December 22, 1905, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He left behind a legacy of robust civic engagement and public service. His commitment to both his local community and national affairs was deeply rooted in a desire to improve the lives of those around him. Irwin is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, a testament to his enduring connection to the community he so diligently served.
Today, his contributions are remembered not just in Keokuk but in the broader historical narratives of Idaho and Arizona, where his efforts as a territorial governor laid foundational stones for future developments.
Sources:
Find a Grave Memorial ID 6662051
Legislative Biography Archive, Iowa Legislature
"Arizona Territorial Officials Volume II: The Governors 1863–1912" by John S. Goff
"Rocky Mountain Carpetbaggers: Idaho's Territorial Governors, 1863–1890" by Ronald H. Limbaugh
"Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history" by Jay J. Wagoner
