On February 12, 1920, there
passed away after a long and active life, George Irwin, Sr., an aged
and highly esteemed resident of the Township of Townsend.
Mr. Irwin was born in County
Fergmanagh, Ireland, and came to Canada with his parents when he was
but 15 years old. They settled in York County, where he resided until
his removal to Norfolk county where he engaged in the milling industry
at the different lumbering centres.
On 29 Aug 1855 he was united
in marriage to Sarah Kitchen. They began their married life on a farm
near Rockford where they endured patiently many of the hardships of
pioneer farming.
Later they moved to Hill View
Farm, adjoining the village where they continued to reside until their
death, his wife having predeceased him some four years ago.
Mr. Irwin's strong
constitution greatly assisted him in his agricultural pursuits of
which he made a great success. In addition to his splendid physique he
was possessed of a master mind retaining his strong mental faculties
throughout his long life.
His religious training began
in the Anglican Church, and to this his mind reverted during his
declining years, the frequency with which he quoted long passages of
the Holy Scriptures being a marvel to all.
During his last brief but
severe illness he was greatly sustained by his strong faith in his
Redeemer and expressed his desire to depart this life and be reunited
to his life long companion in their heavenly home "where there
shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain, for the former things are passed away."
His prayer was answered and in
his 94th year God took to his reward one of the most worthy pioneer
settlers of this community; and though his chair is vacant by the
hearth, his memory will be by cherished in the hearts of his family.
Those who mourn his loss are
four sons, John of Saskatoon, Ansley of Simcoe, George of Jarvis, and
Alvy at home. In addition to his sorrowing family he is survived by
one sister Mrs. Emerson of Victoria, B.C., and one brother Frank Irwin
Esq., Thorndale, Ont.
The services were conducted at
his late residence by his pastor Rev. Mr. Cavers of the Townsend
circuit after which the remains were conveyed to Oakwood cemetery,
Simcoe.
