David Irvin (c.1798 – March 23, 1872) was an American lawyer, jurist, and pioneer of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Texas.
[2] Irvin was described by historical documents as a close friend of William Cabell Rives, who during these years became a member of Congress and U.S. senator.
[3] He was appointed by President Andrew Jackson to serve a four year term, beginning February 1, 1832, to succeed James Duane Doty.
[1] He was not particularly interested in court business and spent no more time in the Michigan Territory than was required for him to complete his responsibilities, normally residing in Virginia or St.
[4] In about 1834, an effort was made by territory residents to have his judicial seat declared vacant due to his frequent absences, and to have a resident of the territory appointed in his place; President Jackson refused the effort and allowed Irvin to remain in office.
Wisconsin state bar biographers noted that he was not a particularly skilled lawyer, did not possess vast legal knowledge, and had little interest in reading books or studying current events.
[7] When his office in the Territory government ceased to exist, in 1848, Irvin left Wisconsin and moved to the new state of Texas.