W. M. IRWIN
Another Man who has met with Success in Marion County.
AN ARTICLE EXTRACTED AND TRANSCRIBED
FROM THE PEABODY NEWS 1901
Contributed by Charmaine Keith (charmain@southwind.net) 1 February 1999

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Peabody News
1901

	Peabody as many we-to-do men who have made all their money here, but probably 
none of them come here with less the W. M. Irwin. When he landed here eighteen years ago 
fresh from the wilds of Pennsylvania, he had no money or friends and didn't know a soul. 
How he came to stop here he could not for the life of him tell. But when he did stop and 
look about he concluded that this was a goodly land and proceeded forthwith to hustle the 
needful necessary in those days to live.

	He first venture was in the grain and cattle business in company with G. W. 
Campbell, in which he stayed for two years and made money. But he had a hankering after 
the hardware business and saw an opportunity to make a little money by putting in a stock 
of hardware at Brainerd. This was the first store in that now thriving little burg. He 
remained there two years and then bought the Hurchens hardware store in Peabody, which 
he has since conducted. For fifteen years he has paid rent for one building on Main Street, 
but this spring he purchased it. Besides the large stock of hardware and buggies and the 
store building, he owns a magnificent residence on North Walnut Street.

	Mr. Irwin is the busiest man in town. Besides conducting his big store he is a 
director of the Kansas State Bank, being one of its original promoters; member of the 
school board; he was mayor two terms, on the council three years and takes an active part 
in every public enterprise that is introduced.

	When it comes to hustle and enterprise William M. Irwin is one of the main stays 
of the town. Nothing is too big for him to tackle or to arduous for him to complete. When 
the town wanted an opera house, a schoolhouse, a park, or a Fourth of July celebration, 
Wm. H. Irwin was always found with his coat off ready for business.
	Such men as W. M. Irwin are a fair sample of the men who compose and built 
Peabody and made it the best little town in the state, vigorous, up-to-date, alive and 
prosperous.