The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 9

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR 9 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15, 1943. Irwin an Intimate of Republican Presidential Candidates i I i UH i i 1 Columbus Shocked By Death of Its Chief Benefactor Columbus, Dec. 14. (Spe cial) Word of the death in In.

dianapolis today of William G. Ir win came as a shock to the citi V5 zens of Columbus his home town. Although his business interests as an official in literally dozens of financial and Industrial institutions took him from coast to coast, ho spent a greater part of his time here and at his summer home in Canada. Always Visited Bank. When here he never failed to make a daily stop at the Irwin Union Trust Company, the banie originally founded by his father and of which he was president.

He played an important part in the development of Columbus, pro viding the capital for all industrial developments in which could foresee a future, and many local industries received their original financial backing from him, directly or indirectly. Much of his philanthropy was in where he became friendly with Dr. Da Foe. Member of Clubs. Mr.

Irwin was a member of the Columbia Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club, University Club of Indiana, the" Dramatic Club of Indianapolis, University Club of Chicago, Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club at Port Carling, Ontario, and the, Windermere (Ontario) Golf and Country Club. He never married. WILLIAM IRWIN DIES IN OFFICE Heart Attack is Fatal to Nationally Known Industrialist. Patent Evidence Near Conclusion Evidence will be concluded today in a patent Infringement suit The onlv immediate survivor is Concluded From rage One. I the sister, Mrs.

Linnie I. Sweeney of Columbus. Other survivors are two nieces, Mrs. T. H.

Miller and Miss Elsie Sweeney, both of Columbus; a great-nephew, Lieut. Joseph Irwin Miller, now at sea serving in United States Navy, and a great-niece, Miss Clementine Miller, serving in Italy with the Red Cross. A great-great-niece, Margaret Irwin Miller, was born last Sunday in Coleman Hospital here. Lieut, and Mrs. Miller are the parents.

(Left Nationally known as a political leader, William G. Irwin is shown with Thomas E. Dewey, then a presidential candidate, as they attended a luncheon of the Republican stale committee April 15, 1940, in Indianapolis. Mr. Irwin was Republican national committeeman for Indiana.

(Middle) Mr. Irwin was awarded an honorary doctor of laws decree by Rutler University In 19S8. He is shown at the left with other recipients of degrees at commencement exercises. They ar (left to right) Arthur V. Brown, Francis K.

Smith and tieorite Buck. (Right) Mr. Irwin was a booster of Wendell L. Willki (riRht) during: the presidential campaign. The two are shown at a luncheon of Republican editors, businessmen ami political lenders May 15, 1940, in the Columbia Club.

not publicly known and has affect, ed a large part of the population of this city. Active In Civic Affairs. His busy life in the business' world did not prevent him from, taking an active part in civic af fairs in Columbus. He was active in the organiza. tion of the Bartholomew Tuber, culosis Association and was a di rector until his death.

He helped to promote the construction of tha Bartholomew Hospital and was a member of its first board of di rectors. He also was a charter member of the Columbus Rotary Club nnd served as president of th Chamber of Commerce from 1913 to 1918. be remembered a long time for his kindness and generosity to those with whom he came in contact. It was a privilege to have known him and to have had him for a friend. Dr.

Herman It Wells, president of Indiana University Mr. Irwin was one of the groat men produced by Indiana. To know him was to realize his greatness and to recognize his deep interest in his native state. Indiana University shared in this interest In many ways, including his aid in obtaining; for the university the valuable Oaklenf Lincoln collection. The university mourns his death, for it is a loss which this state ran ill afford in the troublous times, when his wise advice was often sought and generously given.

James K. Wntsoii, Former United States SenatorWilliam G. Irwin was a businessman of tremendous importance, but, busy ns he was will his varied business interests, he always, somehow, found time to give attention to public questions before the nation. He wna a stalwart Republican, but ho was Interested in politics in the broad sense. The country would be better off it more businessmen would follow the example of Will Irwin and give at tendon to sound government principles.

He had been my friend for so many, ninny years that his death represents a very personal loss to me. I know his death is likewise a personal loss to thousands of others. But his death is a real loss to the whole country, I also want to pay tribute to his great, interest In the church and In educational institutions. He was a real friend of both. president of the old Indianapolis Gas Company.

The first interurban car arrived in Indianapolis from Greenwood Jan. 1, 1900. The line was extended to Seymour where it connected with the Indianapolis Louisville Traction Company and formed a link wilh Louisville, Ky. The Irwin family retained ownership of the line and it was leased to the Interstate Public Service Company in 1912 for 999 years. Mr.

Irwin was an organizer of the Union Tinplate Company at Anderson and Monessen, now a part of the United States Steel Corporation. He served on the hoard of directors of the Union Trust Company of Indianapolis, High Tribute Paid to William G. Irwin against AllisonDivlston of General Motors before Judge Robert C. BhHzcII in Federal Court. Seeking Injunction against further Infringement, an accounting of prollts and assessment of costs and damages, the suit was filed March 11, 1912, by the Wright Aeronautical Corporation of Pater-son, N.J., jointly with the Redy-nani Soclele Holding des Reduc-tcurs Dynamiques D'Oscillnntions et Volants Filtris, S.A., of Geneva, Switzerland.

A truck load of exhibits counterbalanced crankshafts, dozens of, polished steel devices, instruments and large scale drawings were taken into the court, room when heni ings started Monday. The plaintiffs alleged that device "adapted to eliminate oscillations from internal combustion engines," was invented and patented in this country Dec. 8, 1937, by Francois Marie Michael Bernard Salomon of Paris, France. Their complaint set. out.

that the patents were assigned to the Swiss company nnd license to manufacture under tho patents In 1he United States was assigned exclusively to the Wright corporation. The plaintiffs are attempting 1o show that, Ihe device has been Incorporated into the famous Allison liquid-cooled aircraft engine without authority, Heartfelt tribute to Williarr! G. Irwin, financier, industrialist and philanthropist, who died yesterday, was paid last night by leaders in many fields of activity. The tributes were as follows: Governor Henry F. Sehricker I was shocked to hear of Will Ir Mrs.

Sudlow Prepares Thome Rooms Exhibit Mrs. Blanche Sudlow, curator of the famous Thome miniature rooms which will be on display at the John Herron Art Museum in January and February, arrived here yesterday and began unpack win's death. He has immensely to the advancement of the state over a long period of was a vice-president of the Indian apolis Belt Railroad and Stock' vnrris nmnanv and as chairman I vears. and has generously shared bridge City, Republican National Committee Woman From Indiana Indiana has lost a citizen. Mr.

Will Irwin, served his party with distinction when a member of the Republican National Committee. He was esteemed by all who knew him as a man of political integrity. The forthright judgment of Mr. Irwin in his decisions gained for him wide influence in his leadership. illiam vice-president, Indiana National Bunk, and vice-president, Union Trust Company Mr.

Irwin was known the country over as a banker of remarkable ability. Ho was a true Christian gentleman and his death is a grent loss to our city and state. Ho will Company, Columbus I have been associated with Mr. Irwin for 37 years. Throughout that period 1 have found him to be the most charitable man that I ever knew.

He had a clear head in business. I never saw him disturbed; I never saw him angry. He was always poised and sure of himself. Mr. Irwin was a great citizen.

matters as he did upon his business investments. He will be missed by many who knew him only slightly but for whom he exercised the care and genuine solicitude of a Christian philanthropist. His interest in the School of Religion is well known and without his care and benefactions our work would have been impossible. He literally founded the institution and always gave it the benefit of h's best counsel and support. The faculty and student body alike are conscious of the keenest sense of loss as they contemplate the passing of a devoted and always inspiring friend.

Yulney M. Brown, President of the Union Trust Company of Indianapolis Word of Mr. William G. Irwin's death came as a great shock. The loss of such a loval of the executive committee of thejhis fortune with educational and American Zinc, Lead and Smelting religious institutions.

He was prob-Company. Since 1928 he had been ably the most outstanding busi-a director of the American Cen- nessman and industrialist of this tral Life Insurance Company of generation and the citizens of our ing. This Is the 12th time In five years she has unpacked the 33 large boxes. There are fiOO different op. eralions required In the construe, tion of ihe exhibit, and Mrs.

Sud low herself unpacks the 5,000 different pieces which make up the interiors. W. E. Parker, vice-president of the Irwin Union Trust Company Columbus Mr. Irwin's passing was a great shock to me.

He has been a creat helo to the community in which he lived. His interest in the needs of the churches of the community has been great. In nolitics his iudement and help were state will long do honor to his memory. Arthur V. Brown, chairman of the board of the Indiana National Bank William C.

Irwin was an unusual man and his many activities included his philantropies, church, college and many other similar institutions. He has been successful in many classes of business over a long period of years, in manufacturing and in the development of the first traction line into Indianapolis, He was known by most people as a banker, as he was the president and a director of the Indiana National Bank of Indianapolis; he was a director of a considerable contribution to the Indianapolis. He was chairman of the board of Southern Indiana Railways. A director of the Indiana National Bank of Indianapolis many years, he became its president in 1942. Mr.

Irwin also was a director of the Union Joint Stock Land Bank, Real Silk Hosiery Mills, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Kingan all of Indianapolis; the United Electric Coal Companies of Chicago, and Purity-Stores of San Francisco, Cal. In 1936 he was a director of the United States Chamber of Commerce. He served as chairman of the board of the Cummins Engine friend so suddenly makes it ci (lieu 1 1 to express my grief. He was a great inspiration to me and was always lending a helping hand to Republican party. He always took the right stand on problems as any problem.

Mr. Irwin was a rea they arose. Charles M. Dawson, Lieutenant friend. For many years lie was a Governor Mr.

Irwin's death came very active director in the Union Trust Company and Indiana Na tional Bank, and always rendered the best advice gained by his many years in business. His death is a the Union Trust Company or inm great loss to his many educational, Company of and, with anapolis; he was also the president Clessie L. Cummins, developed and0f tne Irwin-Union Trust. Com- pany of Colnmbus, Ind. While his hcaith appeared on the surface to religious, philanthropic and business activities.

James YV. Noel, Indianapolis' AttorneyIndiana has lost one of its very greatest citizens. As his close friend for more than 50 years, I found him to be an idealistic' per son with the finest character and no bad habits. All of the elements of a successful life were combined in him in an unusual way. He was a conservative, careful hanker, but he never was a hard or close hanker.

lie devoted himself continuously to Butler University. lie was a fine influence in Ihe financial and educational worlds, and he was devoted to his church. Mayor Koln-rt II. Tyndall of IndianapolisWith Mr. Irwin's death, Indiana loses one of its chief pillars of Republicanism and leading philanthropists.

In as much as I knew him well, I received word of his passing with great sorrow. Dr. M. O. Ross, President of But as a great shock to me.

His passing means a great loss to the state and to the Republican party. He was one of this state's outstanding citizens, and he was a great inspiration to many of us who knew him. I can think of no one whose passing would be a greater loss to Indiana. Joseph J. Daniels, Indianapolis attorney and member of the Republican state committee The death of Mr.

Irwin is an irreparable blow to the business and industry of our community, and to the Republican party in the state. Mr. Irwin was a unique man because of the many sidedness of his activities and interests. He is a Hoosier citizen who simply cannot be replaced. Dr.

Frederick D. Kershner, Dean of the Graduate School of Religion Butler University William G. Irwin passed away as he no doubt would have desired if his own wishes had been consulted in the matter. He was the incarnation of a Christian gentleman and represented the highest Iraditions of American citizenship. He reflected the noblest characteristics of modern business energy, industry, integrity, brevity and precision.

He had no patience with red tape or unnecessary details. He went straight to the heart of every matter and saw the point clearly with all of its necessary implications. He brushPd aside all subterfuge and pretension in order to get a clear view of the vital and essential facts. In his religious life he manifested the same characteristics. He was sincerely devoted to his faith and to the Christian profession which he made early in life.

He never once faltered in his convictions and held them untarnished to the end. As a practical Christian benefactor he was one of the outstanding figures of his time. He never advertised his benefactions and only eternity can measure their number or extent. Not only did he give liberally and generously, but he strove to do so intelligently, bestowing the same careful thought upon such ler University The sudden death of William G. Irwin came as a shock to the faculty, student body and friends of Butler University.

be perfect, he carried large responsibilities most of his life. I cannot recall at this moment anyone who will be more greatly missed than he. Hilton U. Brown, president of the board of trustees of Butler UniversityHis life is a record of many amazing achievements in business, religion, philanthropy and politics. Coming from good, solid American stock, he demonstrated that success would follow industry and integrity.

Always able to command whatever wealth covrid buy, he sought no advantage that did not grow out of enterprise and self denial. He gave away millions and always satisfied himself that the recipients represented a worthy cause. Many interests will miss him, but they will continue to profit by his advice and contributions, lie was a genuine Hoosier product whose influence overflowed the entire Union. John W. Atherton, Secretary-Treasurer of Butler University The sudden death of Mr.

Irwin comes as a great shock to me and to other members of the Butler University board of directors. For the last quarter of a century I have been closely associated with him in the affairs of the university as he was chairman of the general endowment and building commit-tees in the various financial campaigns. Not only as a wise leader, but also as a generous and substantial contributor did he help make possible the present Butler. His sound business advice and wisdom were at all times sought and proved invaluable in the successful development of the institution he loved. In his passing BuWer University has lost a stanch and loyal friend and supporter and I have sustained a great personal loss.

C. M. Setser, Executive Vice-President of the Irwin Union Trust During his life, Mr. Irwin had been a very generous supporter and con tributor to Butler University. His ability as a businessman and financier made his advice and counsel of inestimable value.

In his death a -m if Hi vk Vim jy 1 ji the university has lost a long-time friend and supporter. William II. Hook, Executive Vice-President of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce For a great many years Mr. Irwin exerted a profound influence upon the economic, educational and religious forces of our country. He was a man of strong character and deep conviction, wilh an unflagging desire to accomplish pood with all his resources.

Such a combination naturally resulted in rtad an active part in pioneering the application of Diesel engines to trucks, busses nd other mobile equipment. Served Defense Council. During the first World War, Mr. Irwin served as Bartholomew county chairman of all the Liberty Loan drives. The county achieved the limelight during the fourth loan drive when it oversubscribed Its quota by noon of the first day.

During that period, Mr. Irwin also served as a member of the Indiana State Council of Defense. As the second World War began, Mr. Irwin advocated all possible aid to Great Britain. In May, 3942, he was named a member of the victory fund committee of the Seventh Federal Reserve District.

Mr. Irwin was active in affairs of the Christian church and, through his efforts, the new Tabernacle Christian Church at Columbus, known as one of the most unusual and beautiful churches in the Middle West, was constructed. He also served as treasurer of the Christian Foundation since 1922. Presented Fund to Butler. Through efforts of Mr.

Irwin, Eliel Saarinen, a Finnish architect of international repute, was brought to Columbus to dpsign the Tabernacle Christian Church. His innumerable philanthropies were oiosely associated with education and religion. In 1938. announcement was made that Mr. Irwin and his sister, Mrs.

Linnie Sweensy had presented $1,800,000 to the Butler University Christian Foundation. He had served as a trustee of Butler since 1908, chairman of the school's executive committee from 1922 to 1936, and president of the Butler Foundation since 1922. His interest in art was evidenced rot only in his work for the Tabernacle Christian Church, but also in the murals which he had painted on the walls of his Columbus home. Artists also were engaged to design and hand paint special greeting cards each Christmas. Mr.

Irwin also had served as, a trustee of the Indianapolis Art Association and maintained a great Interest in the work of students at the John Herron Art Institute. Active In Politics. In co-operation with the Ball Brothers Foundation and Frank S. Jones, Mr. Irwin was instrumental in obtaining the Joseph B.

Oakley Lincoln library for Indiana University for which he was publicly commended. Mr. Irwin was active in affairs of the Republican party, both state and national. He was a colonel on th' staffs of Indiana Governors Mount, Durbin and Hanlv from 1897 to 1909. From 1938 to 1940 he was a member of the Republican National Committee- and was a delegate to all national conventions of the party from 1916 to 1936.

He also held the office of Republican national committeeman for Indiana from 1938 to 1940. He was one of the original boosters of Wendell L. Willkie for President. Mr. Irwin maintained a summer home about 150 miles north of Toronto in Canada.

He took a great interest in farming and gardening and during his stay in Canada made trips on a few occasion? to tee the Dionne quintuplets a tremendous contribution to the welfare of mankind. A great many people are grateful to his memory. Mrs. B. Reynolds of Cam Irwin Home, Gardens Draw Hundreds A fa A 1 i- ll III L-lZ -4 -6 Her "Prestige" Christmas Stockings Are 4 mw'A It ftSi 'ML.

mi I if VX vrww About the most flattering gift you can put in her stocking are these sheer open cotton laces. 5ieer to looic at, sturdy about wear. Delightful snades Shadow, Gunmetal, deep rich Garnet and lovely Beige "Leg Look." 4 Cotton lace with cotfon tops and feet. Sizes 8'2o lO'- 2.65 rH (Jf WASSON'S HOSIERY HEADQUARTERS, STREET FLOOR The sunken gardens at the home of William G. Irwin in Columbus are among the outstanding in the Middle West and annually have attracted hundreds of visitor..