The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1878-03-19
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Death Of lanes n. irwin. 4 Well ksown
Cheyenne Attorney-A Brief Biography
OF the Decentralization OF the Bar

Preparations for the Funeral
0bsequies.
Lawyer Irwin is dead" was the re-
mark which passed from one to another
yesterday forenoon, and in less than an
hour after his decease three-fourths of
our citizens were apprised Of the fact.
1t was startling news to some, who
were of his serious illness, and
yet the major portion of the people
were prepared to receive the intelli-
gence. James NJ. Irwin was born at
MELVILLE, Pa, in 1886, and was there
fore, at the time of his death, about
forty-two years of age. Mr.. Irwin
studied law at Chambersburg in his ma
tive state, and at once entered upon the
practice of his profession, meeting with
great success. Some ten years ago he
removed to Decatur, Illinois, where he
soon after married into the family of a
Mr.. Luce, n of the leading citizens
of the place. While II resident of De-
catur he practiced law a portion of the
time and afterwards edited the organ
of the Democratic party of Macon
county. While so engaged he was
chairman of the Democratic County
Central Committee two years, and
came within one vote of receiving a
Democratic nomination for Congress,
which was ut that time equivalent to
an election. BY all who knew him he
was regarded as a shrewd politician
and a rising man, politically and pecu-
niarily. In September, 1875, he removed
to Cheyenne, leaving his wife and child,
a son now about fifteen years of age, at
Decatur, where both now reside. Here
he practiced his profession with mark
ed success, and for n while held the po-
sition of city attorney. Mr.. Irwin fell
sick in December last, since which time
he.,has been almost constantly confined
to his room. His illness, which was
not at first regarded of "a serious ma
ture, finally resulted in quick con-
sumption" though it is evident that
his lungs have been somewhat affected
ever since he had Il severe spell of ty-
phoid fever in 1867. His death took
place yesterday morning at 10:45, an
event which he had anticipated since
Saturday morning last. Early yester-
day morning he sent for Judge W. ii.
Miller and gave some directions about
the disposition he desired made of the
legal cases which had beer entrusted to
his care, and n few hours before his dis
solution sent for Rev. G. NJ. Sanders,
pastor of the Congregational church at
this place, who visited him and offered
such consolation a it was within his
power to render. Mr.. Irwin passed
away calmly and apparently without
pain. A short time before his death
he asked to be aided in changing his
position, which were the last words he
uttered.
In JANUARY last Rev. c. NJ. Sanders
wrote to the father of the deceased at
Walnut Hill, Pa. notifying him of his
sons severe illness, and received a
lengthy reply, breathing expressions of
deep regret ut the news, and fervently
hoping for his speedy recovery. After
Mr.. TWINS death, Rev. Mr.. Sanders
~telegraphed to his father and received
the following reply:
GREEN CASTLE, PA, March Is.
Bury him decently and draw on me
for the amount necessary to cover all
expenses.
n. l.. IRWIN.
Deceased was q man of commanding
personal presence, possessed an excel
lent education, was thoroughly posted
in legal lore, was q fluent speaker, and
Il man of fine social qualities. 1t is
safe to presume that he had not a sin
gle enemy in Laramie county.
ACTION OF THE CHEYENNE BAR.
At u meeting of the members of the
bar, yesterday afternoon, at the law
office of Johnson & Potter, Chief JUS
tice Fisher was chosen chairman, and
W. p. Carroll, secretary.
The following preamble and resolu-
lutions were read and unanimously
adopted
WHEREAS, We, the members of the
bar of Laramie county, have learned
with sincere regret of the death of our
brother James NJ. Irwin, Esq, and de-
sire to offer our tribute of respect to his
memory therefore, be it
Resolved, That in the death of our
brother, We recognize q loss to the legal
profession of Wyoming Territory of a
conscientious and Jealous advocate, to
the community at large of an enter
prising and upright citizen, and to our
selves I'M able and worthy co-laborcr, Il
generous and faithful friend.
RESOLVED, That we tender to his rela-
tives and friends our heartfelt sympa-
thy in this their sad bereavement.
Resolrsd, That the thanks of the
members of the bar are hereby extend
ed to G.. B. Simpson, T. jeff. Carr,
and S. NJ. Preshaw for kind and gen.
erous al and attention paid by them
to our deceased friend and brother dur
ing his late illness.
PssoTreJ That ua aftand b;s fnnar,I