To begin our research on the Irvine family of Richmond, Madison County, we first visit Richmond Cemetery. The Irvine plot is a good size, a large beautiful tree shading the graves. The inscriptions on the stones read like a history book.

The tallest stones tells us the history of David Irvine, his wife Susan Hart McDowell, and his parents, Col. William Irvine and Elizabeth Hockaday. The rest buried here are David and Susan’s children and grandchildren. Later we will dig a bit deeper into this family’s history.

David Irvine was born November 26, 1794, died at Evergreen, his residence, in Richmond, Kentucky, August 9, 1872. Susan H. McDowell Irvine, wife of David Irvine, was born on the 20th day of December 1800, and died on the 13th day of January 1834.

Col. William Irvine, one of the Pioneers of Kentucky, was born in Campbell County, Virginia, died on the 20th day of January 1819, in the 50th year of his age. Elizabeth Hockaday Irvine, his wife, died on the 8th day of February 1818, in the 46th year of her age.

Capt. Christopher Irvine, eldest son of Col. William Irvine, who was born on the 28th day of January, 1794, and was killed in the battle near Fort Meigs, Ohio, on the 5th day of May, 1813. Remains are interred near the battleground.

Adam Irvine, son of William Irvine, was born on the 3rd day of February, 1802, and died on the 20th day of January, 1826.

Col. David Irvine

Susan Irvine

Col. William Irvine

Elizabeth Hockaday Irvine

Susan McDowell, born September 2, 1847, died January 4, 1852. Addie, born March 23, 1850, died January 13, 1852. Willie, born July 20, 1855, died August 21, 1858. [Children of William McClanahan Irvine and Elizabeth Susan Irvine, grandchildren of David and Susan Irvine.]

Katie

In memory of Katie M. Irvine, daughter of Wm. M. & E. S. Irvine, born February 2, 1852, died June 30, 1867. {Granddaughter of David Irvine and Susan Hart McDowell.]

Bessie

In memory of Bessie D., daughter of Wm. M. & E. S. Irvine, born August 4, 1864, died October 22, 1883. [Granddaughter of David Irvine and Susan Hart McDowell.]

William M. Irvine, born June 1, 1825, died February 23, 1891, also his wife, Elizabeth S., born May 6, 1829, died November 25, 1920. [Elizabeth is daughter of David Irvine and Susan Hart McDowell.]

Walter S. Harris, born February 10, 1836, died May 23, 1865. “Brother”

Isaac Shelby Irvine, June 1827-October 1906. David W. Irvine, June 1831-April 1909. [Sons of David Irvine and Susan Hart McDowell.]