DRYDEN VAN KIRK, the oldest living representative of his family, was born in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., August 27, 1815. He is a grandson of Henry Van Kirk, who was born January 9, 1742, and in early manhood was married to Sarah VanKirk, who was born July 22, 1749. She bore him the following children: William, born February 1, 1763; Johnson, born January 11, 1765; Mary, born April 7, 1771; Gideon, born April 19, 1775; Ira, born January 29, 1779; Arthur, born June 6, 1781; Sarah, born July 18, 1784; Henry and John (twins), born May 12, 1788; Ann, born January 16, 1791; Elizabeth, born September 7, 1794, aud Jennie, born December 14, 1796. Mr. Van Kirk was one of the pioneers of Washington county, Penn., and settled in Amwell township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred April 3, 1797. He was a Federalist in politics, and in religion a member of the Baptist Church. Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his early boyhood in work on the home place; then served an apprenticeship as a mason, which trade he followed several years. He was united in marriage with Ruth Jolly, who was born January 1, 1792, and she bore him the following children: Mary E., born February 7, 1810; Dryden, born August 27, 1815; Jane, born December 12, 1817; Charles, born July 19, 1820; Ruth, born January 15, 1824; Susanna, born August 19, 1826, and Milton, born May 14, 1829. Mr. Van Kirk first settled in Amwell township, Washington county, but afterward moved to Franklin township, where he remained until his death. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in political views was a Whig. Dryden Van Kirk was born on the home farm in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth at home, where he learned of his father the trade of a mason. He followed that business throughout his early life, being for many years employed in different parts of the county, and the testimonials of his skill are yet standing. He is now enjoying the fruits of those early years of toil, and is the owner of one of the best farms in the township. He was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Sowers, a resident of Winchester, Va., and then settled in Franklin township, where he has since resided, and reared the following children: John O., born September 18, 1833; Henry (deceased), born January 11, 1835; William, born September 24, 1836; Charles, born April 20, 1838; Simeon (deceased), born September 21, 1840; George M. (deceased), born August 12, 1849; Nancy J. (Mrs. John McClelland), born July 28, 1845; Sarah (Mrs. Henry Lindley), born November 8, 1847; and Hiram, born May 15, 1858. Mr. Van Kirk is an energetic member of the Republican party. John O. Van Kirk was born on the home farm in Franklin township, Washington county, and passed his early life at home. On November 12, 1868, he was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of William Long, and they have two children: Frank and Howard. Mr. Van Kirk is an active member of the Republican party, and for years has been the assessor of Franklin township, and has also served as constable many times. The family are members of the Disciple Church at Washington.

Text taken from page 1004 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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