H. T. Irwin, editor of the Neola Reporter, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, June 24, 1853, the son of James and Margaret ( Lucas) Irwin, natives of Ireland. James Irwin was born December 12, 1838, came to America when a boy, and at the age of thirteen years began to learn the printing business, in Harrison County, Ohio. After he had served his apprenticeship he lived in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and other places, and finally located in Steubenville, where he was married. He was in business there two years, then sold out, and for a number of years was foreman on the Steubenville Herald. Since 1864 he has resided at Des Moines, Iowa. His wife was born in January, 1839, and died in November, 1882, leaving three children, namely: H. T. and Elizabeth S., twins, born June 24, 1853; Elizabeth, now the wife of William B. Graham, in Kansas City, Missouri; and Annie E., who was born October 17, 1857, and now resides in Des Moines.

Mr. Irwin, the subject of this brief notice, began his apprenticeship in the art of printing at the age of fifteen, in Des Moines. In the spring of 1878 he was married, in Panora, Iowa, where he remained until 1882, when he returned to Des Moines. In the fall of 1883 he came to Neola and purchased the office of the Neola Reporter, of which paper he is now the popular editor. It is a journal sparkling with news and wit. Mr. Irwin is a Republican on national issues and independent in local elections. He has been Town Recorder for the past three years; is a member of Crystal Lodge, No. 238, K. of P., of Neola, of which society he is treasurer. He is a live, energetic young man.

January 19, 1878, at Panora, he married Anna Bowen, the daughter of William and Sarah (White) Bowen, both natives of Ohio, the former now residing in Nebraska, the latter having died July 5, 1890. She was born September 17, 1857, the fourth in a family of seven children, and a farmer's daughter. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Neola.