William Irvine (1741-1804) graduated from Dublin University, became a physician, and served as a surgeon in the British Navy before immigrating to Pennsylvania in 1763. He resumed practicing medicine and was a Delegate to Pennsylvania’s anti-Stamp Act conventions in 1764 and 1766. Irvine also took part in Pennsylvania’s conventions held to consider independence in 1774 and 1775.
Irvine died in Philadelphia and was buried in a graveyard near Independence Hall. In 1833, his remains were moved to Ronaldson’s Cemetery at 9th and Fitzwater. When Ronaldson’s Cemetery closed in the 1950s, the graves of a few Revolutionary War officers including Irvine were moved to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church.
Conservation Assessment
Type of Marker: Obelisk
Material: Marble
Issues: Delamination, blistering
Comments: Intact
Recommended Treatment:
- Using a gantry, lift obelisk to reinforce or reconstruct foundation.
- Straighten all elements of the obelisk.
- Repoint all joints with a lime based mortar.
- Patch and fill all blistering and delaminating sections with a lime based mortar.
- Gently clean the surface of the stone with a biocide using a soft bristled brush.
- Treat the stone with an Ethyl Silicate consolidate.
Marker Details
Inventory Number: 530
Plot Number: 794
Cemetery Section: 11