William Irvine
Brigadier General, Continental Army

William Irvine was born on 3 November 1741.

Irvine graduated from Dublin University, became a physician, and served as a surgeon in the British Navy before immigrating to Carlisle, PA, in 1763. He resumed practicing medicine and was a Delegate to Pennsylvania's anti-Stamp Act conventions in 1764 and 1766. Irvine also took part in Pennsylvania's conventions held to consider independence in 1774 and 1775.

At the start of the Revolution, he was commissioned Colonel and Commander of the Continental Army's 6th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. He was captured during action in Canada in June 1776, was released two months later, and was exchanged in May 1778. He then returned to active service as Commander of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. He was promoted to Brigadier General and Commander of the Second Pennsylvania Brigade in 1779. Irvine remained in command until the end of the war, seeing action on Staten Island and in western Pennsylvania.

At the close of the Revolution, he resumed his medical practice. He served in the Continental Congress from 1787-88, then in 1792 was then was elected as an Anti-Administration candidate to represent Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served one term, 1793-95, and declined to run for re-election. In 1794 he commanded Pennsylvania's militia during the Whiskey Rebellion. In 1795 he moved to Philadelphia, PA, and in 1801 he accepted appointment as Superintendent of Military Stores, a position he held until his death.

Death and Burial

Brigadier General William Irvine died on 29 July 1804 in Philadelphia. His remains were re-interred at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia in 1952.