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- JAMES B. KIRKPATRICK, a pioneer
- farmer of Rock County, now residing on section 6,
- Spring Valley Township, was born in Delaware County, N.Y.,
July 31, 1832. His father, James KIRKPATRICK was born in Dumfriesshire,
Scotland, and in 1823 emigrated to America, locating in New York
City, where he worked for three years. He then removed to Delaware
County, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth BURNS,
and they were united in marriage.. In 1845, with his family,
following the
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- course of emigration westward, he came to Wisconsin, locating
on a tract of land which he purchased of Walter SMITH, who had
built a log cabin thereon and broken about eight acres. The farm
comprised 160 acres, and the purchase price was $150. He there
engaged in farming until his death, and was a leading and influential
citizen of the community. He served as a member of the Board
of Supervisors for the long period of fifteen years and took
great interest in the welfare of the community and in the advancement
of its interests. By the union of James KIRKPATRICK and Elizabeth
BURNS a family of seven children was born, as follows: Margaret,
who became the wife of J. W. SPENCER, of Rock County, who is
a native of Vermont, having been born near Bennington, and now
resides on section 5, Spring Valley Township; she died Jan. 25,
1889; James B., of this sketch, is the second in order of birth;
Moses married Miss Janette SMITH, a daughter of Walter SMITH,
whose sketch will be found on another page of this volume; Mary
was taken sick while the family were en route for Wisconsin,
and died at the age of seven years soon after their arrival in
1845; John became the husband of Miss Eva J. THOMPSON, of Nebraska,
and died in Mendota, Wis.; William died at the age of eighteen
months, in 1845, about the time of his sister Mary's death; Jane
married Frank M. THOMPSON, of Edgar, Clay Co., Neb., and her
death occurred in December, 1888.
- The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood upon a farm
and has engaged in agricultural
- pursuits during his entire life. In 1845 he came with the
family to Rock County, and remained under the parental roof until
1861, when he wedded Miss Sarah Jane ADAMS, who was born in the
town of Magnolia, March 26, 1843, but at that time was a resident
of Green County, Wis. Five children have graced their union,
three sons and two daughters - Hector D., who was born in 1865,
married Miss Grace BEEBE, a native of Wisconsin, and now resides
in Brodhead, where he is employed as salesman in the Grange Store;
Mary was thrown from a buggy receiving injuries from which she
never recovered; Lawrence, Elma and Leon, the three youngest
children, are still with their parents. They have all been liberally
educated and bid fair to become useful and honorable men and
women. Hector graduated from the Brodhead High School, after
which he attended the Spenserian Commercial School of Milwaukee
for two terms. Lawrence has also been a student of the High School
of Brodhead and intends to further pursue his studies.
- Mr. KIRKPATRICK became the owner of his present farm in 1855.
He secured the land of an
- Eastern company, manufactures of woolen goods, paying $12.50
per acre, and with that energy which characterizes every undertaking
he at once began its improvement and development. He split the
rails which were used in fencing, numbering about 10,000, and
it is estimated that he has split altogether about 50,000 rails.
In breaking the land, he used what was called a grub plow, drawn
by from ten to twelve yoke of oxen. With this the roots of the
smaller trees were cut, after which the trees were piled up and
burned. The nearest market during those pioneer days was at Milwaukee,
where the farmers hauled their grain, for which they received
only from forty to fifty cents per bushel. Dressed pork sold
from $1.50 to $2.50 per hundred pounds, and prices on the other
products of the farm were in like proportion. The nearest grist
mill was at Beloit, a distance of twenty-four miles, and the
post office was seven miles distant. Although the inconvenience
to be endured and the obstacles to be overcome were many, the
labors at length brought their reward and the early settlers
have now the honor of being numbered among Rock County's pioneers.
To them is largely due the present prosperity, for they laid
the foundation of their greatness. Mr. KIRKPATRICK for the long
period of forty-five years has been identified with the history
of the county, and has borne a prominent part in the promotion
of her educational, social and moral advancement. Progressive
and public spirited, his influence has ever been exerted for
her welfare and he is regarded as one of her leading citizens.
In political sentiment, he is a supporter of the Republican party,
and is now serving as chairman of the town Board of Supervisors.
He is a member of Bicknel Lodge, No. 94, A.F & A.M. of Brodhead,
in which he has served as Junior Deacon.
- The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. KIRKPATRICK are given upon
another page.
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-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 353-354; lithographs from
same book.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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