Irvine, William (1741-1804)

Soldier and statesman.

Educated in Ireland. Studied medicine and served as served as surgeon on a British ship of war during the Seven Years’ War.

Immigrated to America and settled at Carlisle, Pennsylvania (c. 1763).

Member of the provincial convention in Philadelphia (1774). Colonel in command of the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment. Participated in the expedition against Canada, and was captured at Trois Rivières (June, 1776). Exchanged (May, 1778). Promoted to brigadier-general in the Continental Army (May, 1779).

Delegate to the Continental Congress (1787-88). Commanded the state troops during the Whiskey Rebellion (1794). Elected to the Third Congress (1793-95). Superintendent of the military stores at Philadelphia (1801-04).

Born in County Fermanagh, Ulster, Ireland.