CPL. JAMES D. IRWIN (A BEDSTUY HERO)
******************************************************************************************************************************** Brownstone Detectives investigates the history of our clients’ homes. The story you are about to read was composed from research conducted in the course of one of those investigations. Do you know the history of YOUR house? ******************************************************************************************************************************** In 2014, The Brownstone Detectives partnered with the New York City Parks Department to help celebrate the lives of the servicemembers of Bedford-Stuyvesant Heights who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. We researched these heroes to locate pictures, stories, and their descendants to be brought together for a ceremony that dedicated a new “Victory and Peace” war memorial at Saratoga Park. This biography tells the story of one of those servicemembers. CORPORAL JAMES D. IRWIN Before joining the U.S. Army and heading out to fight in the Great War, a 20-year-old James D. Irwin sat down with his sweetheart, Elsie, to discuss their future. Although the two felt somewhat apprehensive, considering James’ impending commitment, it didn’t take long for the young couple to decide to formalize their relationship. Going off to war has a way of inspiring people to make these sorts of decisions – and it was happening with many other couples – all across the borough. Irwin, a resident of Stuyvesant Heights, lived at 324A Decatur Street with his mother, two sisters, and a brother. Soon after news of the U.S. entrance in the Great War was announced, Irwin decided he did not want to wait for a draft. He went straight down to the local Army […]
