Edward A. Irvin

Edward Anderson Irvin
Born	Curwensville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 13, 1908(1908-10-13) (aged 70) Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, politician
Years active	1861–1908
Known for	Pennsylvania State Senate (1905–1906), bank president

Edward Anderson Irvin (January 13, 1838 – October 13, 1908) was a Pennsylvania-based American businessman and political figure. He held a seat in the Pennsylvania Senate from 1905 until 1906.

Early life

Born in Curwensville, Pennsylvania to William Irvin and Jane (née Patton), Irvin received his early education in local common schools before attending Mount Holly Academy and Edge Hill School located in Princeton, New Jersey.

Career

Irvin’s professional background included roles in the coal, lumber, and mercantile sectors. In May 1861, he was commissioned as a captain leading K Company of the 42nd Pennsylvania Regiment. During his military service, he sustained injuries at the Battle of Antietam and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Mechanicsville. His captivity lasted two months at both Andersonville Prison and Libby Prison before he was exchanged. He also fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he assumed command following Thomas L. Kane. Elevated to lieutenant colonel on September 10, 1863, Irvin was wounded by a minie ball at the Battle of South Mountain, resulting in a surgeon’s discharge due to his wounds.

In 1899, Irvin sought election to the U.S. Senate but did not succeed. From 1903 to 1908, he served as organizer and president of Citizens National Bank, which later merged with Curwensville National Bank. As a Republican, he was elected to fill A. E. Patton’s unexpired term representing the 34th district during 1905–1906. His legislative work included committee assignments on corporations, education, forestry, military affairs, and new counties; he notably chaired the library committee.

Personal life

Irvin married Emma A. Graham around 1860 or 1862. The couple had four children, among them Hugh and Elizabeth. Emma passed away before him. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

He died on October 13, 1908, at the family’s Atlantic City, New Jersey cottage and was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Curwensville.

Legacy

The borough of Irvona, Pennsylvania, incorporated on September 2, 1890, bears his name in tribute. Prior to his passing, Irvin led the commission responsible for erecting a monument commemorating his Civil War regiment; this monument was unveiled on April 27, 1908. Additionally, he donated land for the black-granite Bucktail Monument situated on State Street in Curwensville in 2003.