Clare W Irvine
Submitted by:  Lynn Mack
 
A man of keen business discernment and sound judgment, Clare W. IRVINE
has made for himself a most creditable place in financial circles of
the state as president of the Farmers State Bank of Independence, of
which he was one of the organizers.  The success of the bank is due in
large measure to the enterprise and thoroughly reliable methods of Mr.
IRVINE, who carefully studies every phase of banking and whose close
application is an important element in the continued success of the
institution.  He is a worthy representative of one of Oregon's honored
pioneer families and was born in Polk county, January 26, 1872, a son
of Josephus and Sarah (FISHER) IRVINE, the former a native of Missouri
and the latter of Iowa.  In 1852 the father accompanied his parents on
their removal to Oregon, being at that time a lad of ten years.  The
family settled in Marion county, where the grandfather took up a
donation claim.  It was in 1852 that the maternal grandfather crossed
the plains to Oregon and also took up a claim in Marion county.
Josephus Irvine resided in Marion county until after his marriage,
when he removed to Polk county, and for several years engaged in
cultivating rented land.  He then engaged in draying at Independence,
conducting business along that line for about eight years, when he
entered mercantile circles, establishing a grocery store, and this he
continued to operate throughout the remainder of this life.  He passed
away in September, 1902, at the age of sixty, but the mother is yet
living.
 
Their son, Clare W. IRVINE, was reared in Polk county, where he
attended the district schools and also the public schools of
Independence, after which he pursued a course in a business college at
Salem, Oregon.  When eighteen years of age he entered business life as
an employe of the Independence National Bank and has since been
identified with financial interests.  His first position was that of
bookkeeper and after serving for six years in that capacity his
faithful and conscientious service and excellent business ability won
him promotion to the position of cashier, which he filled for sixteen
years.  In 1912, in association with J. J. FENTON, he organized the
Farmers State Bank at Independence, becoming cashier.  Subsequently he
purchased the interest of Mr. FENTON and has since filled the office
of president, with J. B. PARKER as vice president and C. G. IRVINE,
cashier.  The bank is housed in a modern building which was erected in
1918.  It is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars, has a
surplus of seven thousand five hundred dollars and its deposits have
reached the sum of four hundred thousand dollars.  Mr. IRVINE'S
comprehensive study and practical experience have acquainted him with
the various phases of the banking business and thoroughly qualified
him for the successful conduct of the interests under his control.
The policy he has ever followed in this connection is such as
carefully safeguards the interests of depositors and at the same time
promotes the success of the institution, which is enjoying a steady
and substantial growth.
 
In June, 1904, Mr.IRVINE was united in marriage to Miss Edna BURNETT,
a daughter of the Rev. Peter and Mary E. (TODD) BURNETT, the latter a
native of Oregon.  The father came to this state at an early period in
its development ad has devoted his entire life to preaching the gospel
as a minister of the Christian church, his religious instruction
proving a tangible force for good in the various communities in which
he has made his home.  He is now living retired in Eugene but the
mother passed away in 1917.  Mr. and Mrs. IRVINE have become the
parents of two children, namely:  Robert C., who was born March 10,
1907; and Clare W., Jr., born May 20, 1911.  Mrs. IRVINE is a member
of the Christian church.
 
Mr. IRVINE is a loyal adherent of the republican party and fraternally
is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Knights of Pythias, being the possessor of the jeweled emblem bestowed
by the latter order upon those who have for twenty-five years been
connected with the lodge.  He is also a Mason, holding membership in
the Shrine, and his life has ever been guided by the beneficent
teachings of these orders.  He is one of the foremost figures in the
business world of Independence and through his activities has not only
achieved individual success but has also contributed in substantial
measure to the upbuilding and progress of his section of the state.
He is everywhere spoken of as a citizen of worth, possessing many
substantial qualities which have won for him the high regard of all
who know him.
 
History of Oregon, Biographical, Vol. II, The Pioneer Historical
Publishing Company, 1922, Page 84-85
 
 

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