Ramsey County History – Spring 1970: “Forgotten Pioneers: John R. Irvine”

Forgotten Pioneers: John R. Irvine

John R. Irvine (1812–1878) came first to St. Paul in 1843 from Prairie du Chien with a sleigh full of groceries to “look over the field which had been represented to him by his old friend, Henry Jackson, as the Eldorado of the Northwest.” He liked what he saw. He bought what had been Edward Phelan’s claim and, over time, bought and sold many parcels of real estate. He also ran a ferry and a saw mill and served on the city council. Irvine Park is named for him.
PDF of Forgotten Pioneers