Capt John Irving – We Are Family Briggs

It’s November! Well, I think it’s a great month, but I may be biased. So, to begin with, “Happy Birthdays” to Dennis and Cole – oh, and to me today!

A special mention to my great-nephews whom we never got a chance to meet. They hold an extra special place in my heart (and many others) as we share birthdays. You will always be remembered, Ezra and Elliot.

Now, let’s find out who shares your birthday – let me introduce you to Capt John Irving. John was born November 24, 1854, to Capt William James Irving and Elizabeth Jane Dixon. He was born at sea on board the ship Robert D. Carter, under charter to his father, shortly before it arrived in Portland, Oregon. He is the only son of William and Elizabeth, and the brother of my 2nd great-grandmother, Mary Irving Briggs.

His father, William, passed away when John was only 17 years of age. A very enterprising young man, John took over the “family business” with the help of his mother, Elizabeth and an uncle (unknown).

I guess having been born on a ship, John really did have the sea in his blood. As noted in Dictionary of Canadian Biography:

He developed a name for being a skilled, aggressive captain and businessman. In competition with other owners, he frequently outmanoeuvred them by expert piloting, shrewd business strategies, or both; on other occasions he purchased their operations, adding to his reputation for boldness. Historians Norman Rupert Hacking and William Kaye Lamb describe him as having a “naturally reckless disposition.” According to Hacking, the captain was also colourful. “Well over 6 feet in height, handsome John Irving was a great social favourite, a mighty drinker, and the soul of generosity.
http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/irving_john_16E.html

John married Jane Munro June 12, 1883 (daughter of Alexander Munro, chief factor for Hudson’s Bay Co.), in Victoria, BC.

They built a home in the James Bay area and called it Irving Place. Apparently, the home was the talk of the town! For the full story, click on this link: https://www.focusonvictoria.ca/victoria-mapping-project/history/irving-park/.

Later in 1883, with other investors, John formed Canadian Pacific Navigation Company (CPNC). Well, let’s just say, this was just the continuation of his determination with all his shipping and ship building endeavours!

Between 1884 and 1888, John and Jane had three children, daughter Elizabeth (Beth) born December 10, 1884, son William born September 17, 1886, and daughter Genevieve born July 6, 1888, all born in Victoria, BC.

In July 1894, John was elected as a Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of BC, and again in July 1898 for Cassiar, losing to his seat in 1900.

Beginning in 1901, John’s business endeavours began to waver. With the sale of CPNC, his fortune declined despite his investments in mining and other ventures.

Even though John had a passion for shipping, he did tackle the real estate world as an agent. However, he lost or gave away much of his wealth. According to historian, Norman Hacking, who knew John later in life, he remembered him as “poor in everything but friends.”

With the death of his son, William, killed in action during World War I, John was never the same after. John passed away at his home (1047 Eveleigh Street, Vancouver, BC) August 10, 1936.