Henry Clay Irby, A.M., professor of mathematics in the Southwestern Baptist University at Jackson, Tenn., was born in Fayette County, Tenn., June 16, 1835. He was educated in Union University at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and graduated with the degree of A.M., in 1860. At the breaking out of the war he organized Company D, Ninth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and served as lieutenant of the company until May, 1862, when he was elected captain. He was severely wounded at Perryville, Ky. In 1867 he founded McKenzie College (now McTyeire Institute), and was president of the same for some time. In January, 1875, he came to Jackson and accepted his present position, which he is filling in a highly satisfactory manner. November 8, 1862, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth F. Eubank, of Glasgow, Ky. The Professor is a Democrat in his political views, and is a Mason, Knights Templar degree. He is secretary of the Tennessee Baptist State Convention, and has been clerk for several years of the Central Baptist Association. He has been a member of the church since 1852.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee