William J. Irwin
Name: Billy Irwin
Alias: Kid
Birth Name: William J. Irwin
Hometown: Aspen, Colorado, USA
Birthplace: Limerick, Ireland
Died: 1910-11-05 (Age:41)
Height: 168cm
Pro Boxer: Record
Irwin was the Featherweight Champion of Colorado during the late 1890s. He was active in Leadville, Colorado affairs and performed at various social functions as an Irish vocalist and clog dancer. According to his obituary in a Leadville newspaper, "There were few men who have won such great popularity among all classes in this county than has Billy Irwin. His friends are numbered by the hosts and are composed of men, women, and children in all walks of life. He was honest and upright and kind and generous to a fault."
1877 - Irwin came to Americia with his parents, John Irwin and Bridget Dooley Irwin.
1879 - Irwin came to Leadville, CO and lived there for most of his life.
1885-1893 - Irwin worked in the mines near Leadville.
1895-1900 - Irwin left Leadville (returning sporadically) and worked in the mines near Aspen, CO. He also worked in the copper mines near Butte, MT. His main activity and livelihood during this time was as a prizefighter.
1900 - Irwin returned to Leadville and worked in the mines and as a bartender.
1903 - Irwin married Mary Loftus (of Leadville) in Buena Vista, CO. They resided at 124 West Third Street, Leadville, in the home of Kate Loftus, mother of the bride. Children born to them were James (1904-1926), William (1906-1906), Francis (1907-1977), Emmett (1909-1966), and Kathryn (1911-1976)
1903-1907 - Irwin worked as a fireman (plugman) for the Leadville Fire Department.
1907-1909 - Irwin served as the Leadville Fire Chief.
1908 - Irwin was President of the Eagles Lodge and active in the Democratic party politics.
1909-1910 - Irwin worked as the Deputy County Clerk and Recorder, working with his cousin, John W. McMahon, who was Chief County Clerk and Recorder.
1910 - Irwin developed pneumonia in late October 1910 and battled it for nearly two weeks before he succumbed at home. He was survived by his wife (Mary), three sons (James, Francis, and Emmett), an unborn daughter (Kathryn), his mother, two sisters, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all in the Leadville area. Pallbearers were M. J. Kikenny, Abe Flak, Maurice Miller, Charles Byrne, Charles Slavin, and Alex McDonald. He was buried in the Irwin plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
- Tracy Callis, Terry Irwin, and Emma Walling ([email protected])