Hiram Kirkpatrick
Hiram Kirkpatrick, farmer, section 27, Clinton Township, is a son of Jesse and Ruth (Smiley) Kirkpatrick. (See sketch of Jesse Kirkpatrick) Hiram was born in Perry Co., Pa., July 23, 1827. He received a common school education and lived on the parental homestead until 1845. He then apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith trade and worked three years in Cumberland Co., Pa., under his indentures. After mastering his trade, he worked for his old employer two years, and then entered into partnership with him. The partnership existed for one year, when it was dissolved by mutual consent.
In the spring of 1852, Mr. K. moved to Dayton, Ohio, and there employed in a machine shop for about one and a half years. In the summer of 1853 he removed to Hagerstown, Ind., and for a year was foreman in a car shop, and also worked at his trade one year.
In 1856, Mr. K. came to this county with his wife and child, and purchased 85 acres of land on sections 22 and 27, Clinton Township, on which he settled and continuously resided until the present time. He is at present the owner of 400 acres of land, all situated in Clinton Township, 350 of which is in a good tillable condition. After coming to this county he followed his trade at his home until 1862.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was united in marriage to Mary M. Thomas, in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1854. She was a daughter of William and Susanna (Aply) Thomas natives of Vermont and Pa. They were married and resided in that State until the date of her father’s death, March 9, 1839. After her father’s death her mother came to this county and made her residence with her daughter, Mrs. K., until her death, June 8, 1874. There were the parents of four children, namely: Samuel, Caroline, William B. and Mary M.
Mary M., wife of Mr. K., was born in Gettysburg, Pa., March 9, 1831, and is the mother of five children by Mr. K. The living are: Arestes J., Ira T., Niles H., and Minnie M. One child died in infancy.
Mr. Kirkpatrick has held the office of Highway Commissioner for several years, that of School Director and other offices of minor import. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. K united with the Methodist Church in York Co., Pa., when she was 15 years of age, and has been a communicant of that Church and the Presbyterian every day since.
Mr. Kirkpatrick has been a resident of this county for nearly 30 years, and during that period has won the esteem and respect of a large circle of friends extending throughout the county. As a worthy gentleman and representative citizen of DeKalb County, we insert his portrait in this volume.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb Co.
