Josephus S. Irvine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josephus Somerville Irvine
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| Born | August 25, 1819 Lawrence County, Tennessee, United States |
| Died | May 17, 1876 (aged 56) Newton, Texas, United States |
| Buried |
McFarland-Wilson Cemetery, Bleakwood, Texas, United States
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| Allegiance |  Republic of Texas Confederate States |
| Branch | Army of the Republic of Texas Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1835–1836 1861–1864 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 11th Texas Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Texas Revolution
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| Spouse(s) |
Nancy McMahon
(m. 1836–1876) |
| Children | 7 |
Josephus Somerville Irvine was an important military leader. He fought in two major conflicts in American history. These were the Texas Revolution and the American Civil War. He became a Major in the Confederate Army. He led soldiers in many battles across the Southern United States.
Contents
Josephus Irvine's Early Life and the Texas Revolution
Josephus Irvine was born on August 25, 1819. His birthplace was Lawrence County, Tennessee. When he was about 11 years old, his family moved to Milam, Texas. Later, they moved to a farm near San Augustine.
In the fall of 1835, the Texas Revolution began. This war was fought for Texas's independence from Mexico. Josephus and his three brothers joined Captain Henry W. Augustine's group of soldiers. They took part in the Siege of Béxar. This was an important battle in the revolution.
In March 1836, Irvine joined the Texas Army again. He served under Benjamin Franklin Bryant. He also fought under Sidney Sherman's 2nd Cavalry Regiment. This was during the famous Battle of San Jacinto. He might have been the youngest soldier in that battle. Around 1836, he married Nancy McMahon. They had seven children together.
Even after being honorably discharged, he rejoined the army on July 4, 1836. He served for three more months. This time, he was with Captain William Scurlock's company in San Augustine. After the war, he worked as a tax assessor and collector. This was in Newton County from 1856 to 1860.
Josephus Irvine and the American Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Irvine joined the Confederate States Army. He put together a group of soldiers. This group became Company C of James B. Likens' battalion. Later, it became part of the 11th Texas Infantry Regiment.
Irvine took part in the First Battle of Sabine Pass. During this battle, he gave orders to disable cannons. He also made sure supplies were removed from military positions. He also fought in the Battle of Stirling's Plantation. Sadly, one of his sons, James Patton Irvine, was killed in this battle. In 1864, Irvine became very sick. He caught yellow fever and malaria. Because of his illness, he left the army in December 1864.
Later Years of Josephus Irvine
After his military service, Josephus Irvine became a farmer. He also worked as a Methodist preacher. He was also a member of the Freemasons. He lived on Milholm Creek until 1870. Then, he moved to a place about 5 miles south of Newton. He lived there until 1876. He passed away from cancer, which he had for several years. He was buried at McFarland-Wilson Cemetery.
Legacy
On April 21, 1963, a special monument was put up. It was dedicated to Josephus Irvine. This monument is at McFarland-Wilson Cemetery. Cooper K. Ragan helped unveil it.
