William Irwin

- Short Biography
- Administration
- Personal information
- This Time in California

Biography^*
William Irwin was born in Ohio in 1827, where he attended Marietta College and also taught for two years. He was employed in the lumber business for a while but then moved to California. Virtually a jack-of-all-trades, Irwin worked in a slaughterhouse, at a livery stable and for a stage line before serving in the State Assembly. He then worked as a newspaper editor until elected to the Senate, where, as President pro Tempore, he succeeded to acting Lt. Governor when Pacheco became Governor. During Irwin's term as Governor, paper money was widely introduced. Irwin fought to keep California a "hard money" state, preferring gold and silver instead. He also believed that the power to issue pardons should be taken away from the governor. Former Governor Low said that Irwin "made his reputation by looking wise and keeping his mouth shut."

Administration under Governor William Irwin

- Inaugural Address - December 9, 1875

The Life of Governor William Irwin

Born
circa 1827
Butler County, Ohio

Died
March 15, 1886
San Francisco, California

Family
First Lady: Amelia Elizabeth Cassidy