The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1900-12-14


them restored to their rights rs Dom
ocrats. Irby was only 3G years old
when he took his seat in tho United
States Senate on tho same day that
W. ). Bryan was sworn into tho
House of Representatives, and like
Bryan, he WAS the advocate Of the
FREQ coinage of silver In 1892 no
was delegate al largo to tho Ma
tlcnal Democratic convention at Chi.
cago, which nominated Grover Cleve
land for president.
Senator Irby was a member OF the
constitutional convention in 1895.
There, as in the State Legislature, he
declined to take part in partisan and
foolhardy Legislation, and was en-
gagged at times in spirited dcbates
with other leaders in that body. 1t
was his fate to cause tho displeasure
Of Senator Tillman, and in 1896 he
did not stand for reelection.
In the summer Of that year, there
was heated campaign between Gov.
John Gary Evans, Judge Joseph II.
Earle and Mr.. John Il. Duncan.
Judge Earle won the nomination in
tho primary, but had hardly taken
his scat when he WAS cut down by
doath, and q career of usefulness
ended and life Of promise fell short
of It's possibilities. John T.. McLauriu
congressman from the Sixth district,
was appointed by Governor Ellerbe
to temporarily supply the vacancy
caused by Senator Earle's death. An
election was held, Evans was again
q candidate: rs was McLaurin. Irby
this time became a candidate, but he
lost and McLaurin was chosen.
This WAS Irby's first acknowledged
political defeat, and he then retired
to practice Of law at Laurens. He
has repeatedly refuesed to be sent to
the legislature or to become candi
date for governor, as he WIS urged
to do last spring. He has been un-
usually successful in his law practlce
lately, and has been retained in sew
eral notable cases. He has had as
sociated with him in his practice
since 1896 two young lawyers, r. A.
Cool 'r, Esq, and r. E. Babb, ESQ.
lie was the last OF tho Laurens
leaders Of the reform movement. G.
W. Shell, who issued the manifesto
which brought about the March con.
vention Of 1890 served two terms in
congress and died last year. Hugh
5. Eatley was adjutant general four
years and aspired to succeed Shell in
congress. Gen Farley died In 1897.
Senator Irby is the last of the three.
About four years ago he became
Interested in the ancient order of ma
sonry and at the time Of his death
was high priest Of Rising Sun chan
ter. No. 6. Royal Arch Masons, of
Laurens. 1t WAS his purpose to 20
higher in masonry.
He was Interested in number of
enterprises in Laurens and was
whole souled, public spirited man.
In that community he was personally
very popular, having a magnetic
charm which brought friends to him
and his fidelity toward others kept
his friends true to himself. A friend
in writing of him several years ago
said: "Tho salient characteristics
of Irby are keen and clear insight
into men and measures and the
ability to take comprehensive view
of situation or an emergency. Al
though of an impetuous nature, he
is cool and deliberate in the face Of
danger. His sagacity and prudence
in political emergencies, his unswerv-
ing devotion to Tillman and the cause,
and his ability as a speaker have
qualified him both as cabinet Of
ticer and a field marshal. His advice
around the council board is always
needed, and his victories in the field
speak their own praises"
Senator lrby married Miss. Nan
ME Macfarland on Cheraw, woman
of much grace and loveliness of
character and of rare physical beauty.
TO them seveu children were born,
five sons and two daughters. The
Oldest son, Mr.. w. @. Irby, is prici.
pal of the Laurens graded schools.
Miss Julia, the oldest daughter, at