John N. Irwin
John N. Irwin | |
---|---|
9th Governor of Idaho Territory | |
In office March 5, 1883 – December 20, 1883 | |
Nominated by | Chester A. Arthur |
Preceded by | John Baldwin Neil |
Succeeded by | William M. Bunn |
9th Governor of Arizona Territory | |
In office October 4, 1890 – April 18, 1892 | |
Nominated by | Benjamin Harrison |
Preceded by | Lewis Wolfley |
Succeeded by | Nathan Oakes Murphy |
Personal details | |
Born | Butler County, Ohio | December 25, 1844
Died | December 22, 1905 Hot Springs, Arkansas | (aged 60)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Mary Love Rankin |
Alma mater | University of Michigan |
John Nichol Irwin (December 25, 1844[note 1] – December 22, 1905) was an American businessman, politician and diplomat. Among the positions he held were Mayor of Keokuk, Iowa, Governor of Idaho Territory, Governor of Arizona Territory, and U.S. Minister to Portugal.
Background
Irwin was born December 25, 1844,
After graduation, Irwin returned to Keokuk and studied law at the firm of Miller and Rankin. He additionally studied for a time at the University of Michigan Law School. On June 6, 1871, he married his mentor's daughter, Mary Love Rankin. The couple had three children, Alice, Elizabeth, and John R.[2]
Despite his legal training, Irwin spent most of his efforts working at the family dry goods business. Performing occasional legal work, he also became a founder and director of the Keokuk Building and Loan Company.[3] He served five terms as mayor of Keokuk and two terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.[4]
Idaho Territory
Following the removal of
An unusual aspect of his tenure was Irwin returning most of his salary, claiming he could not in good conscience accept the unearned pay.
Arizona Territory
Following the resignation of
Irwin was sworn into office on January 21, 1891.[9] By this time the 16th Arizona Territorial Legislature was already in session. Secretary Oakes Murphy, as Acting Governor, had already given the session's opening address, so Irwin made his wishes felt through use of his veto. To help control the territorial deficit the governor vetoed an "outrageous" appropriation bill, forcing the legislature to pass a less ambitious spending plan.[10] Irwin was however convinced to sign a twenty-year tax exemption on newly constructed railroad lines.[11]
Among the other actions of the 16th legislature was an act calling for a
On June 15, 1891, Irwin left for the East Coast.[13] At the time of his departure the territory's bonds were selling for below par and the governor wished to negotiate with New York financial interests about the territorial debt.[14] He also used the visit to extol Arizona's virtues during a July 28, 1891, dinner.[15] Following his stay in New York he returned to Keokuk to continue his work of refinancing the territorial debt.[14]
While in Keokuk, Irwin found his mother had taken ill.[16] This prompted him to extend his stay and he did not return to Arizona until November 9, 1891. Irwin's mother became ill again in April 1892, prompting the governor to return to Iowa. Following his mother's death, Irwin submitted his resignation on April 18, 1892, to deal with resulting family business concerns.[17]
Later life
After leaving Arizona, Irwin made his home in Keokuk.
Irwin's death occurred on December 22, 1905, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.[20] He was buried in Keokuk's Oakland Cemetery.[17]
See also
- John N. and Mary L. (Rankin) Irwin House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa
Notes
References
Citations
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 120.
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 121.
- ^ Goff 1978, pp. 121–2.
- ^ a b c Wagoner 1970, p. 285.
- ^ Limbaugh 1982, p. 147.
- ^ a b Limbaugh 1982, p. 148.
- ^ "Notes From Washington". New York Times. December 28, 1883. p. 3.
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 118-9.
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 119.
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 122.
- ^ a b Wagoner 1970, p. 288.
- ^ Wagoner 1970, p. 289.
- ^ Wagoner 1970, p. 292.
- ^ a b Wagoner 1970, p. 293.
- ^ "It Was Arizona's Night". New York Times. July 29, 1891. p. 5.
- ^ Goff 1978, p. 123.
- ^ a b c Goff 1978, p. 127.
- ^ "Irwin to be Minister to Portugal". New York Times. August 19, 1899. p. 1.
- ^ "Mr. Loomis Goes to Lisbon". New York Times. June 18, 1901. p. 6.
- ^ "Ex-governor Irwin Dies in Arkansas". Arizona Journal-Miner. December 28, 1905. p. 4.
Sources
- Goff, John S. (1978). Arizona Territorial Officials Volume II: The Governors 1863–1912. OCLC 5100411.
- Limbaugh, Ronald H. (1982). Rocky Mountain Carpetbaggers: Idaho's Territorial Governors, 1863–1890. ISBN 0-89301-082-0.
- Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history. ISBN 0-8165-0176-9.