WILLIAM VAN KIRK was born September 24, 1836, in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., a great-grandson of Henry Van Kirk, who was born January 9, 1742, and who married Sarah Van Kirk. To their union were born the following children: William, Johnson, Mary, Gideon, Ira, Arthur, Sarah, Henry, John, Ann, Elizabeth and Jennie. Mr. Van Kirk settled in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., in an early day, and remained there until his death, April 3, 1797. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics was a Federalist. Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township, Washington county, and in early life learned the mason's trade, which vocation he followed several years. He was married to Ruth Jolly, and reared the following children: Mary E., Dryden, Jane, Charles, Ruth, Susanna and Milton. After a few years' residence in Amwell township, Mr. Van Kirk removed to Franklin township, where he passed the remainder of his life. In politics he was a Whig, and in religious faith a member of the Baptist Church. Dryden Van Kirk was born on the home farm in Franklin township, and in early life learned the mason's trade of his father, which was afterward his chief occupation. He was married to Matilda Sowers, a resident of eastern Pennsylvania, and she bore him children as follows: John O., Henry (deceased), William, Charles, Simeon (deceased), George M. (deceased), Nancy J. (Mrs. John McClelland), Sarah (Mrs. Henry Lindley) and Hiram. Politically Mr. Van Kirk is a Republican. He is now residing on his farm, one of the best in Franklin township. William Van Kirk passed his early life on the home farm, attending the common schools. Like his father and grandfather, he learned the mason's trade, and followed it until the commencement of the Civil war, when he enlisted, in August, 1862 in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. His company was commanded by Capt. Acheson, and was sent to the South where he did guard duty on the West Central Railroad, and thence going to Fredericksburg, he remained with the company until the close of the war. When on the skirmish line near Deep Bottom he was struck by the splinters of a sapling near by, which went through the knapsack and its contents and killed the man beside him. He also stood near a man whose head was shot off by a cannon ball. On his return from the war Mr. Van Kirk engaged in buying stock. In May, 1872, he was united in marriage with Sidney A., daughter of George Van Kirk, of Amwell township, and to their union have been born the following children: Blanche, infant, Howard (deceased), Julius C. and Jessie V. (twins) and Merle W. Mr. Van Kirk has achieved success through his own efforts. He has always supported the Republican party, and has served as school director, supervisor, and inspector of elections. The family are members of the Disciple Church at Washington. Simeon Van Kirk, a brother of William, also enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and followed the fortunes of his regiment until in the battle of Gettysburg they were called to assist in a charge, and were outflanked by the enemy. The regiment suffered a heavy loss when they attempted to close up the ranks, in front of Little Round Top Mountain, and Simeon Van Kirk was one of the men killed at that time.

Text taken from page 1202 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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