Irvin Garfield Reagan

from my ahnentafel

A look at some ancestors on my direct line. In this case, #10 on my ahnentafel, a paternal great grandparent.

Irvin Garfield Reagan


Born: 1881
Died: 1948


Irvin Reagan was sometimes known as "Spider," a nickname he received in high school, for reasons no one can recall. At the time of his death, he was the owner and proprietor of "Reagan's Smoke Shop," a newstand / tobacco shop located next to the Chester Co. Courthouse in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

As a youth, Irvin Reagan sang in the choir at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Following high school, he attended West Chester State Normal School. Later, he served as a Page, working in the capitol at Harrisburg for six years.

In 1905, he enlisted for a three year hitch in the U.S. Army's 78th Co. Coastal Artillery and Submarine Mining unit. April 1906 found Irvin stationed on Goat Island in San Francisco Bay, in time to experience San Francisco's near destruction. His unit was among those posted to fight the fires started by the devastating earthquake. His unit was soon charged with preventing looting, receiving orders to shoot to kill, if neccessary. Irvin received a promotion to Sergeant for his efforts associated with the quake.

Back in Chester Co. after the close of his Army career, Irvin went to work for the Bell Telephone Co. In 1909, he married Ena Hughes, at her family home in Frazer, Pennsylvania. In later years, he told his grandson, Irvin, that when he married, all he received was Ena's hand and the dress on her back.

Some years later he went to work for his brother, at Edwin's business, "Reagan's Smoke Shop," located on W. Market St., next door to the Chester Co. Courthouse. Irvin assumed the business on Edwin's death.

He enjoyed bowling, was a member of the Lion's Club, and a volunteer fireman. His family frequently vacationed at the shore, in Ocean City, New Jersey. He often travelled to Florida, by train.

Irvin Reagan died suddenly at home in West Chester, only hours after returning from a trip to Ocean City, New Jersey. While unpacking in his bedroom, he began coughing. A particularly deep cough ruptured an aneurism, and within minutes he was gone. Soon thereafter, "Reagan's Smoke Shop" was sold out of the family. The shop did continue though, under the Reagan name, until closing for good in the 1970s.


The infant Irvin Irvin in 1936
Reagan's Smoke Shop
On S. Darlington St. circa 1947


�Copyright 1997-2003, Irv Mitchell. All rights reserved.
Photos �Copyright 1997-2003, Irv Mitchell. All rights reserved.
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Created in 1997 . . . This page was last updated 22 May 2003