Most references to him use only his initials “E. A.”3
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Colonel Edward Anderson “E A” Irvin was the commander over the Civil War troops of Company K, of the 42nd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, recruited in Curwensville, PA. in 1861 that became known as the Pennsylvania Bucktails. The company was possibly the most famous company of the Civil War because of their reputation of gallantry and sharp-shooting capabilities.

"The Bucktails" were recognized by the deer tails worn in their hats and were involved in many of the key battles of the Civil War, including Antietam, Gettysburg and Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg, they made it further into enemy lines than any other Union group.

A three-winged monument of black granite, honoring the Bucktail Regiment, was dedicated on 11 October 2003 on State Street in Curwensville. The property where the monument stands was originally donated by it's commander E.A. Irvin.3 [as gathered from information found below]
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Col. Edward Anderson (E.A.) Irvin, son of William Jr., was a successful businessman when the Civil War began. Answering the President’s call for volunteers, Edward and many other men marched to Tyrone to begin military service. The company was eventually known as Company K of the Pennsylvania Bucktails. Edward was wounded twice before he retired. The flag that his mother, Jane Patton Irvin, made was carried in many of the bloodiest battles of the war.3283
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Col. E. A. Irvin founded the town of Irvona, a mile or two from Coalport. Here he and others engaged in lumber* and coal operations, and a large tannery was built.3284
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The Borough of Irvona is situated in Beccaria township, about two miles from Coalport. It is located on the eastern side of Clearfield Creek.

The town was laid out by the Witmer Land & Coal Company and was named in honor of Col. E. A. Irvin, of Curwensville, Pa., who was largely interested in that company. The borough was incorporated September 2, 1890.3285
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One of the large lumber projects of E. A. Irvin, was the "Big Mill" erected in 1889 on site of present [1949] tannery. It was the largest mill of its kind in the state. Col. E. A. Irvin ("Col. Irvin", as he was familiarly known) and James Cassidy, owned timberlands "up the river." The mill was the leading industry, running until about 1895, which was the end of the Irvins' connection with lumber mills.1008
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E. A. and W. D. Irvin are identified as Curwensville, PA advertisers in 1875 as Dealers in Real Estate, Square Timber, Logs, all kinds of Lumber and Lumberman's Supplies.826
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The subject of this sketch, Edward Anderson Irvin, was born on the 13th of January, 1838. He was the third child and the oldest son of William and Jane (Sutton) Irvin. His father was an enterprising merchant at Curwensville, and desired for his sons the benefit of a business education. Edward attended the school at Curwensville for some time, and at the age of sixteen entered the academy at Mont Holly, N.J. where he remained two years. He then entered the Edghille school at Princeton, N.J., and continued there one year. In 1857 he returned home and became associated with his father in the mercantile and lumber business. Three years later, 1860, he succeeded to the business and successfully conducted it until the breaking out of the war.
 
When the war began in 1861, he was at Marietta with a large amount of lumber of various kinds on hand to sell. Leaving it there, he returned to Curwensville, gave over to his father the care an management of his business interests, and proceeded at once to recruit a company.

Though but twenty-three years of age, he was full of push and enterprise and with these enjoyed the confidence of the people, and in a short time he had one hundred and twenty brave and determined men enlisted and ready for the service. When officers were elected, Mr. Irvin was made captain. After two weeks of drill the company went to Tyrone, and was there reduced to one hundred men. Shortlly after its place of rendezvous was at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg. Captain Irwin was commissioned as such on May 29, 1861. The company was attached to the Forty-second Regiment Pennsylvana Volunteer Infantry, otherwise know as the "First Pennsylvania Rifles", and after by order of the War Department, were called "Kane Rifles." This regiment of which Captain Irvin commanded Company K, achieved such a reputation of gallantry during the service that the name "Bucktail” became famous in both armies.
 
On the first day of McClellan's seven days operations of the Peninsula, at Mechansville, Captain Irvin was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison† for two months, when he was exchanged, and joined his regiment on the Rappahannock, again taking command of his company and particpating in the campaign of General Pope, know as the Second Bull Run, and also in the Maryland compaign.

By a commission dated September 10, 1863, Captain Irwin was promoted to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment; but shortly after, on September 14, he was badly wounded while commanding a skirmish line on the advance of the battle of Boonsboro, or South Mountain, by being struck in the head with a "minnie" ball. He was carried to the field hospital and made as comfortable as the situation would permit. The surgeons believed the wound would prove fatal, and the parents of the brave young office soon came to him. A mother's comforting presence and care soon turned the scale in his favor, and by slow journeying, Colonel Irvin was brought to his home in Curwensville, Gradually he regained his health and strength, under the careful attention of parents, sisters, and other kind friends.
 
On the 30th of October of the same year, 1862, Colonel Irvin was married to Emma A. Graham, a most excellent lady, daughter of Hon. James B. Graham of Clearfield. Soon after this event he rejoined his regiment, but on the 14th of December, 1962, at the battle of Fredericksburg, he was again severly wounded having an arm broken by a rifle ball and was again incapacitied for duty.

In May of the next year, 1863, believing himself fit for duty he went before the surgeon general, who made an examination and refused him a certificate allowing him to engage in further active service in the field. Rather than become a member of the invalid corps, Colonel Irvin was granted and accepted a discharge for wounds received in action.

He entered the army among the first. His ardent sympathy with the cause and his strong conviction of duty were dominant traits and made him a soldier of the truest and best type. Among those who were loyal to very trust, and at all times unflinching in courage, he held no second place. There were few who suffered more and saw and felt more of the shock and desolation of battle than he. He was closely identified with the "Bucktail" regiment up to the time of his discharge, and with all the vicissitudes of its eventful history, taking part in all the battles in which it engaged during that time.
 
Upon returning to his home, Colonel Irvin resumed his former occupation, the lumber and mercantile business, which he conducted with general success until the year 1878 when he quit merchandise, and has since given his entire time to his lumber and coal interest.
 
Upon the death of Associate Judge James Bloom, in 1865, Governor Curtin appointed and commissioned Colonel Irvin to that office, but he never entered upon the discharge of its duties. Notwithstanding the fact of his busy life, there is no man within the limits of the county who feels greater interest in its social or political welfare than Colonel Irvin, nor is there one more ready to assist in every worthy enterprise.

His long identification with the Republican party, and his position as one of its acknowledge leaders, has placed him prominently before the people, and frequently has he been pressed to become a candidate for positions of trust and honor in this borough of Curwensville, he is more content, after the business cares of the day are laid aside to seek its enjoyment.

Of the marriage of Edward A. and Emma A. Irvin there has been born four children, two of whom are now living, a son and a daughter. The son, Hugh McNiel Irvin (named for a warm personal friend of Colonel Irvin, the gallant Colonel Hugh McNiel of the famous "Bucktails," who was killed at South Mountain) occupies a position in connection with his father's business.
 
Colonel Irvin is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Charities, public and private, and religious institutions as well, receive from him a helping hand. With much of dash and public spirit, he combines an earnest desire to be a faithful helper in every work tending to promote the well being of his town, his county and its people.3282
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Oak Hill Cemetery [where Colonel Irvin is buried] began as a small 2¼ acre plot in December 1856 when his father William conveyed a parcel of land to the Curwensville Borough for burials. Three additional parcels were conveyed by Col. Irvin, and the remainder of the property came from Charles E. Patton and the heirs of Hon. John Patton. The Irvin and Patton families, both of which played key roles in the early growth and development of Curwensville are interred there. Before his death in 1908, Col. E. A. Irvin had become the last surviving field officer of the famous Civil War Bucktail regiment.879

NOTE: E. A. Patton was a nephew of Hon. John Patton (1823-1897) and first cousin to Charles E. Patton (1859-1937).3
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Previous to 1872 the [Clearfield] county seat enjoyed the honor of publishing the only newspapers in this county. But during the summer of that year a stock company, the members of which included E. A. Irvin [and other notable citizens] was formed for the purpose of founding a weekly newspaper, in Curwensville. This paper was called the “Clearfield County Times.”

The “Times” proved a great success as a strong Republican paper during the Grant-Greeley campaign.‡ After several changes in its ownership in 1885 the “Times” was renamed “The Curwensville Herald.” But in a year’s time the “Herald” abruptly ceased to be published.863
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About 1882-18833, when Fred J. Dyer was Superintendent of the Alley Brothers Tannery, which has its own electric plant, he had electricity from it to supply his home and store. Col. E. A. Irvin also had it in his home.885
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E. A. Irvin is identified as one of the officers, president, and a director, at the organization of the Curwensville Cemetery Company (Oak Hill Cemetery), 28 November 1893.672
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THE BUCKTAILS

The origin of the name "Bucktail" for the regiment came about as follows: April 25, 1861, the day the first Bucktail company was assembled at Smethport, James Landregan, a member, on passing a meat market where a deer's carcass was on display, cut off the animal's tail, stuck it in his hat and proceeded to headquarters. It is difficult to get an exact list of Civil War veterans. Herewith is a list [not included in this extraction] which contains those who at some time lived in Pike Township and Curwensville Borough, and of veterans who are buried in local cemeteries. Of the list many were members of the two Bucktail Companies. Co. K. 42nd Regiment recruited at Curwensville by Colonel E. A. Irwin and Co. B, 149th under Colonel John Irvin.

The Bucktails were a unique outfit. Most of them were lumbermen who assembled at Driftwood, a rafting place on the Sinnemahoning, April 24, 1861, where they constructed rafts for their famous journey down the Susquehanna River for the seat of war. Their uniform was a red shirt, black pants and a buck-tail in the cap. Three hundred and fifteen embarked on three rafts, and with a green hickory pole surmounted by a bucktail, for a flag staff, the stars and stripes flying, fife and drum rousing the echoes of the mountain sides, onward down the West Branch sailed the patriotic flotilla.

Much could be related of the bravery of these warriors and they were known far and wide. The mother of Colonel E. A. Irvin presented him and his company with a beautiful silk flag which was carried through the entire war and was always displayed with great pride at the reunions in post war years. At the battle of Fredericksburg, it reached a point farther into the enemy lines than any other stand of colors; then the staff was shot off just above the Sergeant's hands. It came out of that fight torn into shreds by rifle balls and stamped with the life blood of one of Pike Township's native sons, Porter Smith of Co. K, a nephew of Harvey T. Smith (also a Bucktail) of Co. B.

Curwensville entertained the Bucktail Reunion of 1893 with Colonel John Irvin as Host, and again in 1905 with Col. E. A. Irvin as Host. The Reunion of 1895 was held at Lock Haven, with Lewis Hoover as Host. Mr. Hoover was originally from Pike Township and among its many recruits, but after the War, removed to Clinton County and at this time, was its Sheriff. Across the main entrance to the jail was a banner on which was "WELCOME BUCKTAILS".

By Act of Pennsylvania Legislature in 1906, $2,500 was appropriated for the erection of a monument "commemorating the embarkation of the Bucktails." The dedication of this monument was at Driftwood, April 27, 1908. Instead of a military figure surmounting the monument, a lumberman, with boots and gun and a "buck-tail" in his cap was more realistic, as the "Bucktails" had not been sworn into military service until they reached Harrisburg.

Colonel E. A. Irvin was President of the Commission to select the site and was to have presented the monument to the "Bucktails," but his serious illness, which a few months later resulted in his death, prevented. him from being present. The plot of ground on which is now the "Doughboy" monument in Curwensville was reserved by Colonel Irvin soon after the Civil War as a possible site for a Bucktail monument. Pike Township is reputed to have sent an unusually large delegation to the Civil War as compared with groups from nearby places, numbering nearly a hundred. No data available as to exact number from Curwensville Borough.837
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Bucktail Monument

Shortly after returning home from the Civil War, Col. Edward A. Irvin of Curwensville had wished to see a lasting memorial dedicated to the two Civil War units organized from the area.

On October 11, 2003, this wish was realized as a three-winged monument of black granite. The monument was erected on State Street in Curwensville to pay tribute to "The Raftsman Rangers" recruited in Curwensville in 1861 led by Col. Irvin, later becoming Company K of the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Possibly the most famous company of the Civil War because of their sharp-shooting capabilities, "The Bucktails" were recognized by the deer tails worn in their hats.

A year later, a second regiment was formed of recruits from the area allowing Curwensville to contribute Company B of the 149th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry under the command of John Irvin, a cousin of Capt. Irvin. This unit was referred to as "The New Bucktails."

The land where this monument now stands was originally donated by Capt. Irvin.3286


COMPANY K
Recruited in Curwensville, Clearfield County

Captains: — Edward A. Irvin, May 29, 1861; commissioned lieutenant-colonel
September 10, 1862, not mustered; discharged May I, 1863, for wounds received in action.

NOTE: A Private Austin Irvin, is also listed among Company K recruits from Curwensville, July 1, 1861; died March 6, 1863.3287
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The Bucktails were involved in many of the key battles of the Civil War, including Antietam, Gettysburg and Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg, they made it further into enemy lines than any other Union group. When it ended, Colonel Irvin and a committee traveled to Gettysburg for the dedication of a special monument. This monument marked the place where Col. Charles F. Taylor, a Bucktail, was killed. Colonel Irvin also donated a plot of land in Curwensville for a Bucktail monument. This plot was used for The Doughboy. Colonel Irvin’s wishes were finally fulfilled in October 2003, when a Bucktail monument was added to the plot.3288
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The New Bucktails recorded the highest numerical losses of any unit of the Army of the Potomac during the three days at Gettysburg. 336 out of 450 men were killed, wounded or captured.3289
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Colonel Irvin’s personal aide, Elijah Only, is seen in a photograph at this source on the occasion of the nineteenth reunion of the Civil War’s Pennsylvania Bucktail regiment, known for its fine markmanship and courage.2224
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An Edward A. Irvin is identified with the 13th Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (42nd/1st Pennsylvania Rifles), Company K. Rank In and Out as a Captain.1094
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One of the best known features of Curwensville, PA is the “Doughboy” statue unvelied on Flag day in 1925 and dedicated to the veterans of all the wars. The plot in which it sits was donated by Col. Irvin.3290
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Pennsylvania Railroad, 1874, extended from Clearfield to Curwensville. Known as the Tyrone and Clearfield R. R. and later as Tyrone Division, later extended to Grampian, 1891. The construction of the Clearfield to Curwensville part cost $60,(X)0. Among the subscribers were Hon. John Patton, Col. John and brothers John and James, Col. E. A. Irvin, and Samuel Arnold of Curwensville.864
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E. A. Irvin is listed among those who served in the Civil War from Curwensville in this source. In addition he is indicated to have attended the organizational meeting of John Kratzer Post No. 184, Grand Army of the Republic [on July 3, 1880].824
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In 1888 a Josiah Richards built a lumber camp on land he originally purchased in the Curry Run area and contracted with E. A. Irvin to market his lumber…. While employed in the lumber business he and his wife began managing the Fred Dyer Co. Store located in Lewisville at the intersection of the logging railroad and the public road from Lewisville [later Curry Run] to Mahaffey in 1899. Mr. Richards also contracted with E. A. Irvin to timber on lands belonging to Gov. Bigler. Fred Dyer sold his store the to E. A. Irvin in 1906 and Josiah and his wife continued to manage the store for Irvin until its closing in 1909.3291

A James T. Mitchell born in 1867 and married to a Nora “became a partner with E. A. Irvin of Curwensville in operating the Curry Run Logging Railroad.”3292
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The third and final phase of floating logs on Curry Run was by E.A. Irvin in the summer and fall of 1888. Mr. Irvin filed his statement of facts which mentioned his purchase of the large double gated dam at the old Punxsutawney road and ownership of the land. He also states that the dams and stream need extensive repair for the floating of saw logs to market. His statement mentions his authority to make repairs on the Burgoon Dam located on land of Mr. Norris, and authority to make repairs to the upper dam which is located on land of Henry Grute. Also Mr. Irvin states he is the owner of several thousand acres of timber land along said stream and [“]am compelled to make improvements to get my lumber to market in the form of saw logs.[“]

Another operation on the head waters of Curry Run was the hauling of spars by Leavy, Mitchell & Co. Normally spars were not hauled a long distance, but Leavy, Mitchell & Co. were hauling spars over the divide of the western waters or the continental divide on the head waters of Curry Run from 6 to 9 miles and one raft a distance of 11 miles. Mr. Mitchell operated several lumber camps at various sites in the Curry Run area. He was in partnership with E.A. Irvin and the logging railroad to supply timber to the firm of Weiss & Hall at the large mill in Curry Run…. The third era of lumbering in Pennsylvania was the logging railroad, This eliminated the need for sufficient water or problems on the river with jams, breaks in booms or dams, and created a more stable supply of timber to market.

With the depletion of the white pine there remained enough hemlock and oak to warrant the erection of a logging railroad and a large mill. Because of this Curry Run became the home of the longest logging railroad in Clearfield County and was owned by Col. E.A. Irvin and James Mitchell. The rail line connected with the New York Central Railroad at the town site of Curry Run on the east side of the river. The railroad extended 10 miles upstream and with spurs totaled 17 miles of track. On this road over one hundred million feet of logs and over forty thousand tons of bark were hauled to market.
3293
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The bridge which spans [2010] the West Branch of the Susquehanna on Zorger Road is a standing tribute to the logging railroad. It originally was owned by the Beach Creek Railroad Co. and was purchased by the Curry Run Lumber Co. owned by Mr. Irvin and Mr. Mitchell. The narrow gauge bridge was dismantled and transported to Curry Run approximately 1895. It is now the oldest bridge in Clearfield County.

E. A. Irvin, businessman and famed veteran of the Civil War, owned this plot of ground and intended it to be the site of a monument to his beloved fellow “Original Bucktails” of the 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. On his death in 1908 his dream had not been fulfilled.

The original structure was expanded in 1903 and the building was partially destroyed by fire in 1937. During repair In 1924, his heirs Hugh McNeil and Elizabeth G. Irvin, gave the plot to the Borough of Curwensville for the erection of the monument.

The Auxiliary of Joshua Earl Sipes American Legion Post No. 505 led the community effort to raise the funding, and the monument was dedicated on June 14, 1925. The Doughboy, symbol of the veterans of World War I — the “war to end all wars” — was chosen and dedicated to the services of all veterans; including those from the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.

Partial quote from a Tour Brochure found at this source.3294
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The Citizens National Bank was chartered in 1903 with President, E. A. Irvin as one of it’s officers. It operated five years when it merged with the Curwensville National Bank.853
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A Edward A. Irvin is listed as a State Senator 1904-1906 at this source.1850
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In 1812 (or as some say, 1805) John Curwen, Sr. [after whom Curwensville is named] had 48 lots plotted for a town. Starting at the home of the late Col. E. A. Irvin at the corner of State and Locust streets to Pine street on the South side of State, and from Locust to Thompson on the north side. The lots were 50 feet front and 180 feet back.710
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Hugh M. and Elizabeth G. Irvin, heirs of the late Col. E. A. Irvin, a member of the famous Pennsylvania "Bucktail" Regiment.3295
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In Curwensville John Irvin and Brothers had a grist mill§ across the river (toward Irvin Hill). The mill, which was burned about 1912 or '14, may have been the second mill on the location. John Irvin and Brothers also had another mill on this side of the river (Sandri-Lezzer) which later was bought by E. A. Irvin and Fred J. Dyer and known as the Fred J. Dyer Milling Company.769
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James MOORE, James YOUNG, Mark JORDON and John IRVIN, Sr., the father of Colonel E. A. IRVIN and John IRVIN erected a sawmill and a gristmill§ near the present [1887] site of the IRVIN flour mill.3296
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Cheter C. Chidboy (1926-2002) purchased the former Lt. Col. Edwin [sic] A. Irvin/Dr. Elmo Erhard building in Curwensville, PA in 1952. After a year of fixing, remodeling, and repairing the building, he opened the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home on April 11, 1953.3297


*The lumber business was the predominant business in Clearfield County from 1840-1890. It was estimated that over 12-billion board feet of lumber was cut during that time. In addition, many tall and straight pine trees were cut for use as spars or ship masts.228


†Libby Prison was a Confederate prison at Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It gained an infamous reputation for the harsh conditions under which prisoners from the Union Army were kept.3298

See also Benjamin Carr in this database who was also captured and died at Libby Prison.3


‡Grant-Greeley Campaign
The Campaign and Election of 1872

After four years in office, [President Ulysses S.] Grant's popularity was still high but a segment of the Republican Party was disenchanted with his policies. They split from the Republican Party to challenge Grant, calling themselves the Liberal Republicans. They opposed the President's policies in the South, specifically his support for civil rights for African Americans and federal government intervention in the South. They wanted to replace Reconstruction in the South with local self-government, which essentially meant the return of white rule. The Liberal Republicans nominated Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune, as their candidate. The Democratic Party, thrilled at the divided Republicans, jumped on the Greeley bandwagon, nominating him as its candidate as well.

However, the eccentric newspaper man was no match for Grant. Greeley supported high tariffs (even though the Liberal Republicans advocated free trade) and had switched sides on many major issues—for example, he first supported secession but then later called for total war against the South, he wanted a tough Reconstruction but amnesty for former Confederates. Grant did not campaign as was the custom, and the electorate, including African American voters in the South, overwhelmingly reelected him.3299

§A gristmill or grist mill is a building in which grain is ground into flour. In many countries these are referred to as corn mills or flour mills.3

Married on the 30th ult. [Nov 1862], by the Rev. J. M. Galloway, Capt. E. A. Irvin of Curwensville, to Miss Emma A. Graham, of Clearfield.3300
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Together Edward and his wife Emma had four children. Only two, a son and daughter were living in 1887.3282