Maynard Irwin, Publisher

Fairfield was the origin of several important people in its long history, and many of them had an impact elsewhere. This blog covers some of them, although there are others who won't seem important unless we say they are.

This one is about Maynard Irwin, who was born in Fairfield in 1859.

Irwin is a somewhat prominent name in Franklin County for a variety of reasons, although it's more about their sustainability than their actual achievements. 

The name is also linked to the Buckley, name and a short trip into the late 19^th century will reveal that importance.

Again, sustainability. (At right, a photo of Maynard Irwin that appeared in the June 23, 1932 edition of the Brookville Democrat, a paper he owned and managed.)

Maynard Irwin grew up probably as any other kid and was associated with his father, Thomas Irwin, in running a general store in town. Thomas Irwin died in 1912. The Irwins are also related to the Dares, who populated Springfield and Bath townships. That tends to expand their family in a lot of directions.

Maynard eventually took over the Brookville Democrat as its publisher and editor and held that position of prominence until his death in 1932. The newspaper WAS a big deal, modifying the conversation, changing the topic, allowing businesses to thrive and people to be heard. News was printed and it was durable.

Maynard Irwin held sway over public opinion.

The man's obituary says he had suffered a stroke in 1926 and hadn't been overly active in his last years. His daughter, Ethel, eventually took over as publisher. I've found very little that suggests her promotion was anything but acceptable in Brookville and the county.

A woman running a newspaper probably shook some cabinets in Boston or Chicago. In Brookville, she was just the owner of the business. I can't find much on her and she didn't hold the position long, eventually selling out to other interests.

Maynard Irwin sustained his ties to Fairfield throughout his life, as a member of its lodges. The obit claims he was a Universalist, which didn't have a denomination in the town itself. BLOG ITEM ON CHURCH HERE.

A eulogy says Maynard was “fair and fearless in conducting his business, built on the conception of right and wrong that has won the respect and admiration of an entire community.”

Maynard Irwin was 72 at his death. He is interred in Maple Grove Cemetery.