Charles Irwin

IRWIN, Charles - Mr. Charles Irwin, of Clyde, is attending court. In the days of yore Mr. Irwin was a frequent visitor to the city and everybody knew him. Now he is a stranger. Only a few of his old time friends remain. Mr. Irwin was astounded at the growth and advancement of Fayetteville. He inquired for an old man by the name of B. J. Wade, with whom he had spent many hours in the early eighties discussing the awful results of specie payment. He thought then that Wade was swimming up stream and still thinks he is nearly at the head waters of imbecility. Incidentally, he said that Cane Hill has a better prospect for a mammoth fruit crop than the last half century, and predicted that the results within a radius of ten miles square with Boonsboro as a center, would amount to $2,000,000. This would mean five millions of dollars for apples in this county. Taken acre for acre, Cane Hill is the best apple country in the whole world and the writer knows to a certainty that one man made a comfortable fortune in three years from an orchard of ten acres. He is now president of one of the leading banks in the State and is on easy street. Mr. Irwin joined the Methodist Church in Fayetteville many years ago. [Fayetteville Democrat 4/24/1905]

Uncle Charlie Irwin has been in a critical condition for several days. His son James of Vian, Oklahoma and daughter, Mrs. Yates and husband of Fort Smith, all came Monday. He is reported to be a little better at this writing. His condition the physicians say is serious. He may live several months or he may go at any time. [The Springdale News 4/23/1920]

IRWIN, Charles – Fayetteville, Aug. 14 – The Civil War was fought through again here this morning at the Sheriff’s office when two Confederate soldiers, Charlie Irwin of Cane Hill and R.B. Oliphant of Greenville, Tennessee, met for the first time in 57 years. Both men were non-commissioned officers when in the army and served in the 67th North Carolina Infantry during the war. This company was composed for the most part of Tennessee troops. The pair were captured September 9, 1863 at Cumberland Gap and were placed in prison at Camp Douglas at Chicago, from which they were released June 29, 1864. The two parted the day of their release and met today for the first time. Mr. Oliphant was in no battles during the war, but Mr. Irwin, known in this section as “Uncle Charlie” was present at the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga and other minor engagements. The old couple became absorbed in their reminiscences and were unaware of the interest their conversation was attracting until they found themselves surrounded by an attentive audience. [The Springdale News 8/18/1922]

Charles Irwin filed Veteran Application #21658 with the Confederate Pension Board of Washington County for a Confederate pension and it was received as allowed August 16, 1917 at the State, citing service with Company H, 64thNorth Carolina Infantry from 1861 thru 1865. Mr. Irwin died May 28, 1927. His widow, Mary Irwin filed Widow Application #21658 with the Confederate Pension Board of Washington County for a Confederate pension and it was received as allowed July 15, 1927 at the State. Mrs. Irwin died February 16, 1933. [State of Arkansas Confederate Pension Archives]