Jefferson Jay Irvine
Born: 24 December 1844 - Died: 1897
Married: ?? McGrath
Born: Unknown - Died: Unknown

JEFFERSON JAY IRVINE, born 24^th Dec. 1844 in Mt. Vernon, was the 2^nd son and the 6^th and last child born to the union of James Callender Irvine and Martha Nevin Bartlett. On an undiscovered date he was married to a lady of surname McGrath – given name unknown – of Gambier, Ohio. There was issue of 4 sons and 2 daughters. Dr. Elizabeth Reed relates that Jefferson Jay Jr. removed to Pittsburgh, Pa., but among 150 Irvines listed and a letter addressed vaguely to Pittsburgh was returned. Also, "some of the children removed to Chicago to become victims of the Great Chicago Fire there. Certain members of the family went to their aid".

Item from the Mt. Vernon Republican News of Jan. 20, 1897 :-

"CAPT. JEFFERSON J. IRVINE DIED OF DROPSY

IN HIS FIFTY-THIRD YEAR

Capt. Jefferson J. Irvine, for many years one of the best known citizens of Mt. Vernon, died Sunday evening at 7 o’clock at the home of his mother-in-law. Mrs. McGrath of Gambier, of dropsy, in his fifty-third year. He had been sick for several years, and took treatment with varying effects at different planes, but his last and fatal illness lasted several weeks. Captain Irvine was a resident of this city all his life. He was born on the 24^th day of Dec., 1844, and was the youngest son of James C. Irvine and Martha N. Bartlett. He leaves six children, 4 sons and 2 daughters to mourn his death, as follows: - Jefferson, James and Charles of this city, Clarence of Kenia, Nellie of Pittsburgh, and Martha of Chesterville.

When a mere lad of 18 years he entered the army, enlisting in the 121^st O.V.I. He was in many battles and was noted for his daring feats of bravery, winning laurels for himself, which were evidenced by his rapid promotion from the ranks to be a commissioned officer. He was in many battle engagements, and at Peach Tree Creek was promoted to second lieutenant, at Kennesaw Mountain to a first lieutenant, and at Chickamauga to a captaincy. Captain Irvine served through the entire war and marched with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Washington. While in the war he contracted rheumatism, from which he never recovered. He was a man of magnificent physique, standing 6 feet 2 inches in height, and was generous to a fault.

The funeral took place from the residence of his sister, Mrs. C.F. Baldwin, no. 110 E. Gambier St., at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, Rev. George F. Smythe officiating, and Interment was made in Mound View Cemetery.

Capt. Irvine spent about a year in Oregon, Mo. soon after the war, with his brother Clarke, and was well known to many of our old citizens of that time. His death makes the fifth out of Clarke’s family within a few months – two brothers-in-law, 2 nieces, and his brother."

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(Hoping the other revelations of the above account will bear substantiation the last sentence must be challenged – for a detailed cross check through the preceding, his, and the succeeding generations reveals but one death "within a few months" – that of his brother-in-law Charles F. Baldwin, in Oct. 1896, (and that of his cousin John Dunlap Love). The next near member of "Clarke’s" family to die was his Uncle Irvine, in May 1887 – the next his father, James Callender, in 1881. The writer could have confused the McGrath family with the Irvine tribe – to which a "no contender" is offered.)

From the "Pictorial Family Register" of his only brother James Clarke (who died 1907): -

"Entered this union army a private and emerged a captain. Was Gen’l Davis’ favorite on the skirmish line and was in many engagements. In 1896 was drawing a large pension for his ‘61-’65 was services, yet was barely alive – his health rained by habits – for he was discharged in perfect health – which he enjoyed for years afterwards."

Issue of Jefferson Jay Irvine and McGrath: -

Jefferson Jay Irvine Jr., of Pittsburgh – remembered in Aunt Matt’s Will.

James Irvine, Mt. Vernon.

Charles Irvine, Mt. Vernon.

Clarence Irvine, Kenia, Ohio.

Nellie Irvine, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Martha Irvine, Chesterville, ?.