Irwin - Julia Willson
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal November 8, 1890
At a call meeting of the Orphans' Home Board, the following tribute of respect to the memory of Mrs. Irwin was accepted, and ordered printed. Our hearts were saddened by the sudden death of Julia Willson Irwin, who lived her fifty-one years in this city. Very early in life, she united with the M. E. church, later on transferred her membership to the Episcopal church where she was an earnest worker and a devout worshiper. Her distinguishing characteristic was shown in her warm sympathy with suffering children, she being one of the first persons to aid in establishing the present "Home" for Orphans in this county, and through all her remaining years was untiring in her zeal and energy in their behalf. While the Board deeply sympathize with the bereaved family in their great sorrow, they feel the irrepressible loss of one of their most active and valued members, whose vacant place in their councils cannot be easily filled. Her benefactions were not confined to any seat or people. Every tale of woe touched her tender heart and she faithfully ministered to the needy, the helpless and the distressed. She was a Christian in charity, in faith, and in hope. She has entered into rest and received the reward reserved for those who have served God's creatures best. "Better a death when work is done Than earth's most favored birth Better a child in God's great house Than the King of all the earth." Her cheerful, affectionate nature made light in a home now desolate. A devoted wife to the kindest of husbands, a loving mother, good sister and true friend, her many virtues will be a precious memory in the hearts of all who knew and loved her."? - transcribed by Kim H
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Wed 22 Oct 1890
Last evening there passed away at her home on East Main Street a lady known to nearly everyone in this city for her many virtues and charitable deeds. Mrs. Julia Spencer Willson was the eldest daughter of Col. S. C. Willson and was born in this city 51 years ago the second of last July. She was married at the age of 18 to V. Q. Irwin, who with one son, Samuel, survives to mourn her loss. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. H. B. Marsh, of Florida, and Mrs. G. H. Brown, of Greencastle, and one brother, Robert B. Willson, of Louisville. Two other brothers, Lane and Levi B., have passed before her. Mrs. Irwin was a consistent member of the Episcopal Church since her youth and has been one of the pillars of that denomination in this city. For several years past, she has had a special delight in the up building of the Orphans’ Home of this city, and to her energy and hard labor can be ascribed much of its flattering success. In the furtherance of all charitable projects she has been foremost among our people and her place will be hard indeed to fill. Her benevolence has rendered her dear with all the city’s poor and her memory will be green with them as long as with that circle of friends to whom her rare social qualities have endeared her. To her sorrowing relatives a large circle of friends extend their sympathy. The funeral services will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the home, Rev. Dr. Swan of Indianapolis officiating.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Thursday 23 Oct 1890
The funeral of Mrs. V. Q. Irwin occurred this afternoon at 2 o’clock, a large number being in attendance. The services were conducted by Rev. George Swan and the remains laid to rest in Oak Hill. The following persons from out of the city attended:
Mrs. Eliza Riley and son, William, of Indianapolis, a sister of V. Q Irwin, Mrs. Flora Erwin and daughter, Mary, of Bedford, sister of V. Q. Irwin, R. B. Wilson of Cleveland, brother of Mrs. Irwin, Rev. Montgomery Throop, of Chicago, former Rector of St. John’s Church, P. D. McDonald of Attica, G. H. Brown and wife of Greencastle, sister of Mrs. Irwin.