- WILLIAM T. VAN KIRK, a leading grocer of Janesville, Wis.,
was born in Carleton, Orleans
- Co., N.Y., Jan. 25, 1843, and his parents were John J. and
Elizabeth A. VAN KIRK, both descendants of old Holland families.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Oliver VAN KIRK,
who settled in Western New York about the year 1790. Our subject
came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1845, and settled on a
farm near Milton, in the town of Harmony, where he attended the
district school in the winters until he arrived at the age of
thirteen, and then attended Milton College for two terms. He
came to Janesville in 1858, and was employed in the provision
store of C. H. CONRAD until the winter of 1862-63, when he embarked
in business for himself, opening a small grocery on North Main
street. In January, 1864, he formed a co-partnership with J.
H. CONRAD & Co. of Chicago, which partnership succeeded to
the business of C. H. CONRAD, with whom our subject had formerly
been employed. This partnership expired by limitation in 1869,
and since that time Mr. VAN KIRK has been alone in business,
occupying a store on South Main street, having had an uninterrupted
experience in the grocery business for almost thirty-two years.
During this time he has built up a large and prosperous trade,
and has established for himself a permanent place among the successful
business men of Janesville. The mother of the subject of our
sketch died in Janesville Aug. 18, 1887. The father is still
living.
- On the 6th day of May, 1868, Mr. VAN KIRK was united in marriage
with Miss Belle
- BOSTWICK, a native of New York, whose birthplace was near
Batavia. Five children grace their union, four sons and a daughter
- Fannie Belle, William C., Frank W., Joseph A., and James Garfield.
The latter was born on the day that Gen. Garfield was nominated
for the Presidency, and in whose honor he was named. In politics,
Mr. VAN KIRK is a thorough Republican, and since becoming a voter
has cast his ballot with and labored earnestly for the success
of that party. He has held various public positions of honor
and trust, having served two years as a member of the City Council,
as a member of the Board of Trustees of the State Institute for
the Blind, and treasurer of the same over four years; Secretary
of the Rock County Agricultural Society six years; a member of
the Janesville Fire Department twenty-one years, and President
of the same several years. Being a recognized leader in local
politics, he was twelve years ago chosen Chairman of the Republican
County Committee, and has faithfully served in that capacity
to the present time. Socially, he is a member of Janesville Lodge
No. 55, A.F.& A.M.; Janesville Chapter No. 5, R.A.M.; of
Oriental Lodge No. 22, Knights of Pythias; Mohawk Tribe No. 3,
Independent Order of Red Men; and Rock County Caledonia Society.
Mr. VAN KIRK with several others procured the charter for the
present Electric light plant, also the street railway, and the
Janesville Hydraulic Company, who afterward donated their interests
in these several enterprises to further the city's growth and
welfare, in which he has made his home.
- In 1883 Mr. VAN KIRK, with a few business friends, organized
the Janesville Hay Tool
- Company, was elected first Vice President, and at the expiration
of one year , elected President of the company, which office
he still holds. Mr. VAN KIRK is an enterprising, successful business
man; broad and liberal in his views respecting public policy,
and can always be relied upon to faithfully perform whatever
he undertakes. He belongs to the progressive class of Janesville's
citizens, and is well-informed on all the leading issues of the
day. It is Mr. VAN KIRK's intention to soon retire from active
mercantile business, and we join with this man friends in wishing
him a long life in his beautiful home, surrounded by his family,
that he may enjoy the fruits of his labor.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 467-468.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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