Alfred Irving (February 28, 1895 – March 26, 1960) was an American man freed from slavery in the United States.
Early life Alfred Irving was born in Columbus, Texas on February 28, 1895,"United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6WLS-734?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 2740 of 3635; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Southwest Region. Image Group Number: 004145730 to Solomon Irving and Susie Ann Countee, the 8th of 10 children."Colorado, Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DBR3-6MF?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 334 of 472; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 004112017 Irving likely never learned to read or write. Between 1917"Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYT5-9L6B?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 3675 of 5801; United States. National Archives and Records Administration, United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Atlanta Branch. Image Group Number: 005152531 and 1923 he moved to Karnes City, Texas.
Background
Alex Skrobarcek and his daughter, Susie, were indicted in Laredo, Texas, on October 2, 1942, for holding Irving in slavery for five years. The pair were arrested at their secluded farm by representatives of the sheriff's office, the traffic police, and the FBI. The filed police report stated that the Skrobarceks kept Irving shackled in inhumane conditions and that they repeatedly physically abused him to the point of permanent physical disfigurement.
Verdict The Skrobarcek family pleaded not guilty. They were found guilty of violating 18 USC 77 §, peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons by a grand jury on March 18, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Post-emancipation Alfred Irving moved back to Karnes City after he was freed; by 1950 he was living with his brother Elmo Irving."Karnes, Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHJ-5QHW-Q4MD?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 7 of 13; National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 108862336 On March 26, 1960 Irving died of colon cancer."Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GY1Q-38B?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 770 of 3503; Texas. State Registrar Office. Image Group Number: 005144911 Three days later he was buried in Karnes City Cemetery.https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67275482/alfred-irving
Personal Alfred Irving married Annie Bell Johnson,"Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939K-739Q-1G?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 2556 of 3451; Texas. State Registrar Office. Image Group Number: 004687366 they had three children, Charlie (1923), Pearlie (1925), and Sam (1927)."Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9R8C-KR9?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 695 of 1200; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 004955221 By the time Irving was enslaved he was widowed."Bee, Texas, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9MY-49LW?view=explore : Jan 27, 2026), image 253 of 466; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 005456902
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