Kirk, James (1845-1929)

KIRK, MCCORKELL, HORAN, WILEY, ERICKSON

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 3/8/2011 at 22:51:00

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
3-5-1929
COACHMAN FOR
GENERAL GRANT
JAMES KIRK, CIVIL WAR VETERAN
ANSWERS THE LAST
ROLL CALL
James Kirk, a resident of Plymouth county since, the early eighties, died at his home at Ruble Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, following an illness of twelve days of influenza, at the age of 84 years. Mr. Kirk had been active and alert until two years ago when he broke his leg in an accidental fall from a porch, and had been practically confined to the home place since.

Mr. Kirk was a veteran o the Civil war, serving in Company F Twelfth Illinois Infantry, and took part in a number of the major encounters in the strife. At Vicksburg he was wounded in the head by a sabre cut from the sword of a southern cavalry officer.

James Kirk was born in Galena, Ill, March 31, 1845, where he grew up and lived until manhood. Mr. Kirk was proud to relate that he was well acquainted with Captain U.S. Grant who later became commander in chief of the Northern armies and President of the United States. Mr. Kirk was employed as coachman for President Grant in Washington, D.C. in the seventies for some years.

Mr. Kirk came to LeMars about 1880 and farmed for a brief period in Sioux County and then moved to Plymouth county where he farmed in Liberty and Johnson townships during the remainder of his active days.

Mr. Kirk was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Horan, who died in Illinois. Two children were born to them, Mrs. Mamie McMullen, who lives at Fargo, N.D. and a son, James Kirk who died here many years ago. Mr. Kirk married Mary Wiley at Galena, Ill, November 30, 1876 who survives him. They adopted two girls, who are now Mrs. Perry McCorkell, of Westfield and Mrs. Maurice Erickson, of Richland, S.D. The funeral will be held from the home at Ruble Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock and services held at St. Patrick’s church in Akron, Rev, Father F. E. Casey officiating and interment made in the Catholic cemetery at Akron.

Civil War Record
 

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