Grant Irvin

Grant Irvin Dies of Heart Attack Monday
Funeral 2 P.M. Wednesday For Prominent Retired Mt. Vernon Peace 
Officer. 
 
Grant Irvin, former Mt. Vernon police chief, twice Jefferson 
county sheriff, and a member of the police force here during 
the terms of seven mayors, died suddenly of a heart attack at 
his home, 312 North 16th street, Monday morning. He was 71 years, 
one month and 16 days of age. Mr. Irvin had swept the snow from 
his front sidewalk. On going back into the house he complained 
of feeling ill and died before the physician who was summoned 
arrived. 

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon 
at Myers Chapel conducted by Rev. C. Peterson, Dr. C.C. Hall and 
Rev. M.A. Souers, and burial will follow in Oakwood cemetery. 
The body will lie in state at Myers Chapel until nine o'clock 
Wednesday morning, then will be taken to the home, where it will 
remain until noon. 

Mr. Irvin was widely known and respected throughout southern 
Illinois as an honest, fearless peace officer, and for his military 
career. 

He was born November 15, 1868 on a farm in Moores Prairie township, 
the son of George and Sarah Irvin. He received his early education at 
a district school and Rev. J. D. Hooker and John P. Stelle were among 
his teachers. 

He began his public career many years ago when he became a policeman 
before the Spanish-American war when he was appointed to a vacancy on 
the force after his older brother, Runyon died. On June 28, 1898 he 
enlisted as a soldier in the Spanish-American War, Co.K, 9th Ill. 
Regiment, and went to Cuba where he was commissioned as second 
lieutenant and remained until the company was mustered out a year later. 
He reenlisted in the army, Co. M, 42nd Regiment, and was sent to the 
Philippine Islands where he served almost two years. When he returned 
to his Mt. Vernon home he again took up his duties as a police officer. 

Elected Sheriff 

In 1906 he was elected sheriff and when his term expired he was 
appointed a captain at the Chester penitentiary. He returned to 
Mt. Vernon two years later to accept a position at the Appellate 
court house where he remained six years. During that time he was 
elected township supervisor, in which capacity he served capably 
for two years. 

In 1919 he again became sheriff of Jefferson county and served the 
public well until the end of his second term as the high officer of 
the county. His last work on the Mt. Vernon police department was 
when he served two terms as chief under Mayor John A. Koons, 1923 to 
1927. 

In 1927 he was appointed to special agent for the railroad at 
Bluford. In 1929 he was again appointed as a guard at the Chester 
penitentiary and in May 1913, he resigned his position there to 
retire from public life. He was united in marriage with Julia E. 
Hungate May 1, 1907. He was a member of the Eben Swift Camp, 
Spanish-American War Veterans, and the high esteem in which he 
was held by his comrades is shown in the fact that the entire 
membership of the organization will attend the funeral 
in a group. 

Dr. Andy Hall, a comrade during the Spanish-American War and a 
close friend of Mr. Irvin, will make a short talk at the funeral. 
Mr. Irvin was a prominent Republician and served his party even 
after retirement from public life in 1933. He was one of three 
Republicians to ever serve as sheriff in this county. 

A man of unimpeachable character he lived an honest, honorable and 
upright life. He never used intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any 
form. He was quiet spoken, even-tempered, efficient and respected. 
He was a member of the First Methodist church here and had been 
for many years. 

He is survived by his widow Julia; one son, Dr. Runyon Irvin and 
one sister, Mrs. May Marsh of McLeansboro. An infant daughter, a 
brother, Runyon, and one sister, Dora Irvin, preceded him in death. 

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: January 1940 
Submitted by Mary Jane Ohms