Death Notice, 16 Dec 1905 The Rocky Mountain News (Daily), CO - Mrs. Mary Irwin Dead

Mrs. Mary M. Irwin departed this life on Wednesday, Dec 13, at Independence, Colorado with dropsy of the heart. She was born in Ohio on Sept 28, 1843, and was 62 years old at the time of her death. She was one of the pioneers of the state as well as this county [Bent County]. She came to Colorado with her father, Gabriel Bowen, and settled near Canon City in 1860. In 1864, she was united in marriage to Reuben Irwin, seven children have blessed the union.

Mrs. Mira Flaherty of Las Animas, John Irwin of Irwin Canon, Mrs. Grace Elliott, Mrs. Lillian Smith, and May Irwin of Independence, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren and her husband surviving her.

In 1871, she came to Bent County and with Mr. Irwin, filed upon land at the mouth of Big Sandy Creek, where they resided until 1882 when they moved t what is known as the Clark & Irwin ranch on the Purgatoire, at that time the best improved place in the Southeastern Colorado. Later, they built the Irwin House in Las Animas.

Failing health of the deceased caused the family to move to Independence in the Cripple Creek district this spring, with the hope of benefitting by the change. But the nature of the trouble was too much for her age, and she passed to the great beyond to Him who gave her life.

Mrs. Irwin was a devoted wife and mother, and has throughout her life presented a courageous smile and a brave heart to the world, whether in success or adversity, and during times in the early settlement of the state, when the hearts of men as well as women needed courage, almost superhuman, to contend against the hardships and dangers that beset the.

The remains were brought to Las Animas this morning and the funeral will probably be held on Saturday. The Leader joins with the legion of friends of the deceased in extending the most heartful condolences to the family of one, whom in life they held in high esteem.

Posted in Las Animas Leader, Las Animas, Colorado

Obituary kindly provided by Vicki Knight, second great niece.

Note: Almira Jane Malone-Flarity, FAG #106189538, was born to Martha Bowen and Leander Malone in 1859. The 1870 census showed that Almira was "adopted" by her mother's cousin, Mary Bowen, and her husband, Reuben Irwin.