Kirkpatrick, Matthew

KIRKPATRICK, GUNSAULUS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/13/2009 at 07:11:39

Matthew Kirkpatrick, a representative Irish-American citizen of Palo Alto Township, who follows farming on section 34, was born on the Emerald Isle, in County Down, on Christmas Day of 1834. His parents, John and Ann Kirkpatrick, wore also natives of Ireland. In that country the subject of this sketch was reared, there remaining until eighteen years of age, his time being largely spent in farming and gardening. The educational privileges he received were those afforded by the subscription schools, but his opportunities in that direction were meager, and he is almost wholly a self-educated man, but by reading and observation he has become well informed.

In 1852, Mr. Kirkpatrick bade adieu to his native land and crossed the Atlantic to America, taking passage at Belfast, on the sailing-vessel, "Riverdale." After nine weeks spent upon the bosom of the deep, anchor was dropped in the harbor of New York, and he landed in the eastern metropolis, where he remained for a time, going thence to Beaver County, Pa. Several years were passed in that locality, and he then determined to seek a home in the west. He made his first location in Bureau Country, Ill., where he spent several years. At length he came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1866, and has here since made his home. He located upon a tract of raw prairie land, which he has developed into one of the fine farms of the community.

An important event in the life of Mr. Kirkpatrick occurred in May 1868, when was celebrated his marriage with Miss Viola Gunsaulus, a native of Ohio. Unto them have been born five children, of whom four are now living: William, Myrtle, John and Charles. One daughter, Cora, is now deceased. The family is one of prominence in the community.

Mr. Kirkpatrick has led a busy and useful life, and has followed farming throughout nearly his entire business career. He is now the owner of a valuable tract of land, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved with all modern conveniences and accessories. He has made it very productive, and it yields to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. His possessions stand as a monument to his thrift and enterprise, and he may well be termed a self-made man. In polities, Mr. Kirkpatrick is independent, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He is a strong advocate of the public schools, believing that education is the best foundation for good government. His hearty support and cooperation are also given to every worthy enterprise, which is calculated to benefit the community and promote the general welfare. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 373.