06/10/2026
Early Settlers of Mecca Twp., Part 7: The Irwins
Rev. Ambrose Irwin was a Methodist minister. Born in Ireland on May 22, 1781, he married Anna Thompson there, who was born Oct. 1, 1780. The couple immigrated to America and settled in Burrel, Pennsylvania, where their children were born. In 1821, they settled in Mecca on Lot 29 of the Kirtland tract next to the Buttles. Later, the grandsons owned lots along this same stretch of Morrel Ray Rd., north of Rt. 88.
“Mrs. Ambrose Irwin came on the west road with family, when there were no trees cut. She was of Irish descent, a Christian woman, and very hospitable. One daughter was the mother of Carrie Thompson.” –Memorial to the Pioneer Women of the Western Reserve, pg. 280
A few of their children settled nearby in Greene. Son Ambrose died at 32 and was buried in Greene’s South Cemetery. Son Wesley lived and died there at age 59 of pneumonia. Daughter Sarah lived there with her husband, James Thompson, who was an immigrant from County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Daughter Mary Ann married Thomas Lyon and moved to Iowa. Son Thompson Snodgrass married Isabella Pancake and moved to Columbiana Co.
It seems that of all the children, only William stayed in the township. He married Marilla Silliman on November 28, 1837, in Youngstown. Marilla, born in Franklinville, New York, was the daughter of Elijah and Deborah (Ackerley) Silliman of Pennsylvania.
All of William and Marilla’s children were born in Mecca. Elizabeth married Samuel Stover of Bristol. Angeline married William Liddle and settled in Greene. Lucy Ann married Jason Case and also settled in Greene. The sons all remained in Mecca. John Wesley married Victoria Caldwell. Clinton married Sarah Bliss Owen. William Fletcher married Ella Thompson. The Irwins have many descendants through these lines in Trumbull County.
William and Marilla were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, a place of which very little is known.
“Of this church Mr. William Irwin, its oldest member, says: “In 1837 a Methodist society, which met at East Mecca, was in existence. How long it had been organized I cannot say. The class was moved to West Mecca about 1839. Among the members at that time were Joseph Duncan, John Dean, Ambrose Irwin, William Irwin, and others, with their wives. Harrison Richards and wife joined soon after. Other members I do not recollect. The house at West Mecca was built in 1845, at a cost of about $1,800. It is a good building, and in good repair. The church has a strong membership of fifty or more.
The first preachers I remember were Stephen Hubbard, J. L. Baker, Henry Winans, John Crum, and Elliott. A revival conducted by Elders Holmes and Joseph Leslie, about thirty years ago, added quite a number of members. Thirteen years ago there was a great revival under Rev. J. F. Hill's preaching.”
As no early records of this church can be found the above is all that the writer can learn concerning the organization.” – History of Trumbull and Mahoning counties by Williams (H.Z.) & Bro., 1882, pg 517
William and Marilla both died in Mecca, aged 90 and 74, respectively. They were buried in West Mecca Cemetery with their sons and many grandchildren.
John Wesley and Clinton Irwin were noted in the 1899 Trumbull County Atlas:
“IRWIN, JOHN W.–The history of Mecca Township and the history of the Irwin family have been closely knit together for many years. The parents, William and Marilla Silliman Irwin, the former born Dec. 29, 1809, the latter April 17, 1817, were pioneers of this county and endured all the vicissitudes and hardships of pioneer life. Our subject was born in this township Nov. 24, 1844. His education was obtained in the common district schools of the neighborhood. As a farmer and stock raiser, he has prospered by thrift and close application to his interests. At various times he has filled positions of trust in the township to the satisfaction of the republican party, and his constituents. He is Past Grand of Mecca I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 707. May 9, 1872, Mr. Irwin married Victoria O. Caldwell, who was born in Farmington May 21, 1849. Her parents were James and Mary Eckman Caldwell. Two children, Nellie B. and Guy F., son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin, are both living. He is public-spirited and progressive and takes an interest in all that tends to improve the community.”
“IRWIN, CLINTON–A work of this character, bearing as it does upon the present status of Mecca township, would not be complete without due mention being made of the Irwin brothers. Mr. Irwin was born in this township June 19, 1847, being the son of William and Marilla Silliman Irwin. He selected farming, stock raising, and dairying as his life vocation, and the neat appearing farm and modern residence and farm buildings attest the wisdom of this choice; the success of his undertaking. While not a politician, he has filled with satisfaction to all, the office of township trustee. Politically, he is a Republican. He is past grand of Mecca I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 707. He married March 25, 1875, Sarah B. Owens, the daughter of Chauncey and F***y Veits Owens. Mrs. Irwin taught school a number of terms in this state and Iowa. She was born in Granby, Conn., Sept. 27, 1842. In his life we have an example of thrift and enterprise that could with profit be followed by the younger generation.”
In the early 1900s, Clinton was a Mecca Trustee at the same time his nephew Guy Irwin was treasurer.
