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Captain
William Irving's Obituary
Death
of Captain Irving
"This sad event occurred
on Wednesday morning last, the 28th inst ... (and) a great shock to the community
when the end came. Captain Irving arrived in Oregon, commander and part owner
of the Bark Success in the year 1849. With this vessel he engaged in the Oregon
and California lumber trade, which he pursued for a number of years, during this
period he purchased some valuable land, which is now known as east Portland. He
subsequently purchased an iron steamer, the Eagle, the first steamer that ever
plied in Oregon waters.
He continued in this trade til 1859 (sic) when he became interested in the Fraser
River steamers the Moody and Douglas, of which he superintended the construction.
In 1861 (sic) he made the first successful trip to Yale in the Moody. In 1862
he disposed of his interest in the Moody and Douglas and built the Reliance, so
well and so favorably known on this river. In 1866 (sic) he built the Onward,
the fine steamer now plying between this city and Yale.
Capt. Irving was a native of Annan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and about 56 years
of age. We are happy to state that he leaves his family, his widow, four daughters
and his son, who succeeds him in the Onward, well provided for.
The funeral service impressibly rendered by the Rev. Mr. Jamieson, was performed
at the late residence of Capt. Irving yesterday, and the remains were interred
at the Masonic Cemetery. The attendance at the funeral was unprecedentedly large;
everyone being anxious to show respect for one so long known and so highly esteemed.
When the sad news of the death of this gentleman became known on Wednesday last,
it fell like a pall on the entire community. Flags were run up to half-mast and
the stores were all closed.
Even those whom envy had taught to look upon Capt. Irving with feelings akin to
hatred felt that the people of this district had suffered an irreparable loss.
Simple in heart as a child he knew no guile. His only purpose in life seemed to
be to aid in the prosperity and welfare of those around him. His purse was always
at the disposal of anyone in need, and many of those who now proudly hold their
heads up in this community, owe their present success to the generous aid of the
deceased gentleman ... His generosity was unrestricted by class, faith or nationality.
He knew no distinctions in his bound and he never allowed a former injury to interfere
with a present occasion for timely aid.
He was a gentleman in the true sense of the term; his word in the most minute
circumstance was as good as his bond ... We weep as we write; his large heart
could take in all humanity and we feel proud at this moment when we think that
we can call this good man friend ... and we thank God we knew Capt. Irving.
Closely associated with the rise and progress of this province, and more that
all for his kindly good nature, he is known everywhere; and his name will be held
in respect by British Columbians as long as one of the present generation exists.
His pure good heart has ceased to beat; the remembrances of his good actions will
live forever."
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The
Mighty Samsons
Read
about each of the five snagpullers that worked the Fraser River.
The
early days of Fraser River Transportation A
history of a few of the Fraser River's early steamboats.
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