My Genealogy Hound

Robert J. Irwin, one of the leading citizens of Lincoln County, Ark., was born in Alabama, May 16, 1846. He is the son of D. W. and Sarah (Beaty) Irwin, natives of Georgia, both of whom are dead, the father dying in Bradley County, Ark., in 1872, when fifty-six years old; the mother dying in Lincoln County, Ark., in 1880, being at the time seventy years old. They were married in the State of Georgia, remaining there until 1845, when they moved to Alabama, staying there one year, and then locating in Bradley County, Ark. After the death of the father, the mother came to Lincoln County with her children, and at the date of his death was living with the subject of this sketch. They were both members of the Baptist Church, and the father a deacon in same. He was a life-long Democrat, and served as justice of the peace in Georgia and also in Bradley County for many years. He was by occupation a farmer. Of their union were born thirteen children, five of whom are living at the present date, viz.: James, R. J., T. M., Mary Malinda (wife of A. D. Pagan), Nancy W. (who is now Mrs. R. M. Crawford). The subject of this sketch spent his youth in Bradley County, Ark., and in 1864 enlisted in the Confederate army. He served fourteen months, being in the battles of Poison Springs, Mark’s Mill and others. When peace was once more restored throughout the broad limits of the United States, Mr. Irwin turned his attention to farming, an occupation which he has continued to follow up to the present date. In 1874 he moved to Lincoln County, locating on Bayou Bartholomew, where he worked for wages. He rented land from 1875 to 1879, and in 1883 purchased a valuable estate, upon which he now lives. On January 13, 1887, he married Mrs. Patsy A. Collins, daughter of William J. Bowles, and widow of Mat Collins. She was born in Virginia, August 9, 1845. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Lela. Mr. Irwin is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a Democrat and a Mason. In 1888 he was elected justice of the peace, and is one of the most popular and successful men this county has ever had the pleasure of claiming.