William Andrew Irvine

obituary from Ft. Scott Monitor Nov 1898

 He was an officer in the Confederate Army  - He died in Ennis, Texas - A telegram was received yesterday morning by Mrs. L B Long from her mother announcing the death of  W.A. Irvine, at Ennis Texas .  The sad news was not unexpected.  Irvine was stricken with paralysis last Tuesday while on his way to Port Arthur .  His wife was notified that his condition was very serious and she at once went to Ennis to care for him and was by his side at the end.  It was thought at first that there might be a rally, possibly a recovery, but all hope were disappointed and after regaining consciousness for a short time he passed away. Mrs. Irvine will bring the remains of her husband to Fort Scott and the interment will be in Evergreen cemetery.  The hour for the funeral will be determined by the time of arrival.  The services at the house will be conducted by Rev. Milton of the First Christian church, after which Myrtle Lodge No. 17, Knights of Pythias will take charge of the body and conduct the burial ceremonies, in accordance with the ritual of their order.  

The deceased was born at Irvine, in Madison County, Kentucky, May 5th 1843 and he was fifty-five years old.  When a mere boy he enlisted to the Confederate army and during the civil war was an officer in Morgan’s cavalry, rising to the command of a regiment as a reward for valor in battle.  After the war was over, Irvine married and came west.  He was one of the pioneer settlers of Pawnee County, Kansas and was interested in the founding of Larned and Pawnee Rock.  He afterwards removed to Eureka Springs , Arkansas, where he engaged in business for some years.  Later he lived in Florida , but finally returned to Kansas and has made his home in Fort Scott for about fourteen years. 

 During nearly all the tinge he resided in this city he was in the employment of the New York Life Insurance company as a solicitor.  For the past three years he has been in Texas writing insurance for his company.  He had decided to give up his work in Northern Texas and was on his way to Port Arthur when stricken with paralysis at Ennis where he was well known and greatly esteemed.  He received every possible care from his friends and from the order of Knights of Pythias of which order he had been a member of for more than twenty years and his last hours were brightened by the presence of his tenderly loved wife.

Irvine was a man of generous noble character, greatly liked by all who knew him.  In his youth he was a brave soldier and throughout his life a devoted husband, a loving father and a faithful friend.  He leaves a wife, one son W.E. Irvine employed at Greene’s shoe store, and four daughters.  The eldest daughter, Mrs. L.B. Long has been here for many years in the service of Davis & Co, the second Miss Mattie Irvine is a stenographer employed by the Long Bell Lumber Company of Kansas City , Mo.   The third, Miss Emma Irvine is now teaching music at Kiowa Kansas, the fourth, Miss Kittie a child of twelve is still in school.  

Irvine was a member of the order of Knights of Pythias of the Uniform Rank, K of P of the Rathsom Sisters, and of the endowment Rank.  He was devotedly attached to the Pythias order.  His remains will be buried by the Mystic Lodge No. 17 in accordance with his well know wishes and the desires of his wife.