The document describes the history of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family and the building at 301 Washington Street in Columbus, Indiana. Joseph Ireland Irwin established a bank in 1871 and constructed a new building for it at 301 Washington Street. Over time, the family grew their business interests and the building housed not just the bank but also other family-owned companies. Joseph Irwin Miller helped transform Cummins Engine Company into a global leader as its president from 1934. The building reflects the family's role in business, art, architecture, and philanthropy in Columbus over generations.
3. Joseph Irwin Miller (1909–2004), th
Miller and Nettie Sweeney Miller, b
manager of Cummins Engine Comp
the transformation of Cummins fr
company to a global leader in engin
Company. The banking
operations moved to
another building, allowing
Union Starch & Refining
to move downstairs.
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
LET’S GO!
6. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
THE IRWIN-SWEENEY-MILLER FAMILY
301The members of the Irwin-
Sweeney-Miller family helped
shape Columbus through their
activities in business, religion,
art, and philanthropy. This
building, perhaps more than
any other in Columbus, tells
their story.
&
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Nettie Sweeney Miller,
Linnie Irwin Sweeney,
Joseph Ireland Irwin,
Joseph Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller
Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
8. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
THE IRWIN-SWEENEY-MILLER FAMILY
301The members of the Irwin-
Sweeney-Miller family helped
shape Columbus through their
activities in business, religion,
art, and philanthropy. This
building, perhaps more than
any other in Columbus, tells
their story.
&
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Nettie Sweeney Miller,
Linnie Irwin Sweeney,
Joseph Ireland Irwin,
Joseph Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller
Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
THE EARLY YEARS
<
13. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
THE IRWIN-SWEENEY-MILLER FAMILY
301The members of the Irwin-
Sweeney-Miller family helped
shape Columbus through their
activities in business, religion,
art, and philanthropy. This
building, perhaps more than
any other in Columbus, tells
their story.
&
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Nettie Sweeney Miller,
Linnie Irwin Sweeney,
Joseph Ireland Irwin,
Joseph Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller
Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
14. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
15. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Joseph
Ireland
Irwin
Joseph’s son,
William
Glanton
Irwin
16. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
17. Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
18. Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
301 Washington
20. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
THE IRWIN-SWEENEY-MILLER FAMILY
301The members of the Irwin-
Sweeney-Miller family helped
shape Columbus through their
activities in business, religion,
art, and philanthropy. This
building, perhaps more than
any other in Columbus, tells
their story.
&
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Nettie Sweeney Miller,
Linnie Irwin Sweeney,
Joseph Ireland Irwin,
Joseph Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller
Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
21. William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
22. At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
23. In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
26. Also in 1919, W.G. Irwin backed a diesel engine
venture initiated by his chauffeur, Clessie
Lyle Cummins (1888–1968). The result of their
partnership was Cummins Engine Company,
known today as Cummins Inc.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Photo courtesy of Lyle Cummins
Clessie Lyle Cummins
Photo courtesy of Lyle Cummins
27. Joseph Irwin Miller (1909–2004), the son of Hugh Thomas
Miller and Nettie Sweeney Miller, began work as the general
manager of Cummins Engine Company in 1934. He oversaw
the transformation of Cummins from a small, unprofitable
company to a global leader in engine manufacturing.
In 1928, Irwin’s Bank and
Union Trust merged to
become Irwin-Union Trust
Company. The banking
operations moved to
another building, allowing
Union Starch & Refining
to move downstairs.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
28. Joseph Irwin Miller (1909–2004), the son of Hugh Thomas
Miller and Nettie Sweeney Miller, began work as the general
manager of Cummins Engine Company in 1934. He oversaw
the transformation of Cummins from a small, unprofitable
company to a global leader in engine manufacturing.
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
William Glanton Irwin
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
29. J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
William Glanton Irwin
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
32. Through the family’s
patronage and the Cummins
Foundation Architecture
Program, Columbus came
to signify design excellence.
In 1947, J. Irwin Miller was recalled
from his naval service in the
Pacific to become president of
Cummins and Irwin-Union Trust.
Together with his wife, Xenia
Simons Miller (1917–2008), they
would expand the Irwin-Sweeney-
Miller family’s philanthropic
efforts to include art, architecture,
and design. J. Irwin Miller
Xenia Simons Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
33. Through the family’s
patronage and the Cummins
Foundation Architecture
Program, Columbus came
to signify design excellence.
and design.
J. Irwin Miller used his office at 301 Washington for his many business
roles, and in 1958 he started Irwin Management Company as the family’s
wealth management company.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Francis Galbraith,
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
37. Today, 301 Washington Street tells a story
of architecture and design that spans a
century. Architect Alexander Girard (1907–
1993) deftly brought modern design to this
nineteenth-century structure.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
40. Photo courtesy of Hadley Fruits
Courtesy of Indianapolis Museum of Art
41. THE IRWIN-SWEENEY-MILLER FAMILY
301The members of the Irwin-
Sweeney-Miller family helped
shape Columbus through their
activities in business, religion,
art, and philanthropy. This
building, perhaps more than
any other in Columbus, tells
their story.
&
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Nettie Sweeney Miller,
Linnie Irwin Sweeney,
Joseph Ireland Irwin,
Joseph Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller
Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society (photo)
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society (letter)
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
PHOTO CREDITS
42. A decade after establishing his bank in 1871, J.I. Irwin
constructed a new building at 301 Washington emblazoned
with “Irwin’s Bank 1881” on its cornice. The Daily Evening
Republican described it as the city’s “handsomest and most
imposing building for business purposes.”
Eventually J.I. Irwin sold his
interest in the dry goods store
and began to invest in real
estate and industry. To support
these ventures, he built county
roads, installed Columbus’ first
telephone in 1878, and launched
an interurban transit system
with his son, William Glanton
Irwin, in 1900.
Joseph Ireland Irwin (1824–1910)
began work as a clerk in a dry
goods store in 1846. By 1850
he owned the store, and eight
years later, with his business
partner Francis P. Smith, he
bought the building at 301
Washington Street.
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Joseph Ireland Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society (both images)
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
PHOTO CREDITS
43. At the turn of the century, they had a new family member join,
Hugh Thomas Miller (1867–1947). In addition to being in the Indiana
General Assembly and serving as the state’s lieutenant governor,
Hugh Thomas Miller later would become president of the bank.
In 1919, the Indianapolis
architecture firm D.A. Bohlen
and Son redesigned the
interior of the bank and
added elaborate metalwork
at the entrance.
William Glanton Irwin (1866–1943) worked closely
with his father and oversaw the day-to-day operations
of the family’s businesses. Not only did they build
the interurban transit system, but they also
started Union Starch & Refining Company which
manufactured corn-based products.William Glanton Irwin
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Bartholomew County
Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Hugh Thomas Miller
Bartholomew County Historical Society
Bartholomew County Historical Society (both images)
Bartholomew County Historical Society (both images)
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
PHOTO CREDITS
44. Joseph Irwin Miller (1909–2004), the son of Hugh Thomas
Miller and Nettie Sweeney Miller, began work as the general
manager of Cummins Engine Company in 1934. He oversaw
the transformation of Cummins from a small, unprofitable
company to a global leader in engine manufacturing.
In 1928, Irwin’s Bank and
Union Trust merged to
become Irwin-Union Trust
Company. The banking
operations moved to
another building, allowing
Union Starch & Refining
to move downstairs.
Also in 1919, W.G. Irwin backed a diesel engine
venture initiated by his chauffeur, Clessie
Lyle Cummins (1888–1968). The result of their
partnership was Cummins Engine Company,
known today as Cummins Inc.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Photo courtesy of Lyle Cummins
Clessie Lyle Cummins
Photo courtesy of Lyle Cummins
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
William Glanton Irwin
J. Irwin Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Photos courtesy of Lyle Cummins
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society (both)
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
PHOTO CREDITS
45. < NOT HIGH-RES.
Through the family’s
patronage and the Cummins
Foundation Architecture
Program, Columbus came
to signify design excellence.
In 1947, J. Irwin Miller was recalled
from his naval service in the
Pacific to become president of
Cummins and Irwin-Union Trust.
Together with his wife, Xenia
Simons Miller (1917–2008), they
would expand the Irwin-Sweeney-
Miller family’s philanthropic
efforts to include art, architecture,
and design.
J. Irwin Miller used his office at 301 Washington for his many business
roles, and in 1958 he started Irwin Management Company as the family’s
wealth management company.
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Balthazar Korab,
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Francis Galbraith,
Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives
J. Irwin Miller
Xenia Simons Miller
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection,
Indiana Historical Society
Balthazar Korab, Courtesy of Library of Congress (photos 1 & 3)
Francis Galbraith, Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives (photo 2)
Don Nissen, Columbus Area Visitors Center (left)
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family Collection, Indiana Historical Society
PHOTO CREDITS