JOHN C. VAN KIRK. Among the many well known and highly esteemed families of Amwell township, the name of Van Kirk ranks with the first. Jacob Van Kirk, grandfather of our subject was a native of New Jersey, where he married Elizabeth Lee and in 1785 moved to Washington county, Penn. To this couple were born four children: Enoch, born April 14, 1796; Joseph, born January 17, 1798; Ann, born February 13, 1806; and Leah, born May 19, 1817. Joseph Van Kirk was born in Washington county, Penn., and passed his entire life in Amwell township, the farm on which he was born. On February 27, 1823, he was united in marriage with Eliza Corwin, and his children were as follows: Hiram, Charles, William (deceased), Mrs. Charlotte McElree (deceased), Mrs. Anna Van Kirk, Mrs. Sarah Van Kirk (the latter two having married distant relatives of the same name), Norma (deceased) and John C. Joseph Van Kirk was a captain in the Pennsylvania State Militia and was one of the most energetic and active citizens of Amwell township. After a long and useful life he passed to his long home August 24, 1878, at the ripe age of eighty-two years. John C. Van Kirk was born September 15, 1828, on the old home farm in Amwell township, which is now owned by his brother Charles. His youth and early manhood were passed in assisting his father to fell the forest trees and transform the rugged hills and valleys into fertile fields of grain. On April 1, 1851, he was married to Esther Buckingham, who died September 2, 1855, leaving a child that died four days later. On February 19, 1857, Mr. Van Kirk wedded Mary McClanthan, who bore him two children: Irena M., born March 27, 1858, and Catherine F., born March 30, 1861, both of whom are yet living at home. Our subject has a well-cultivated farm of 244 acres, which is considered one of the best in the township, and stands a solid witness to the thrift and prosperity of the owner. He has ever been foremost in all matters of public interest, and while an adherent of the Democratic party, has always voted for what in his opinion would result in good to the largest number, irrespective of party lines. His family are Presbyterians, though he himself is not a member of any church.

Text taken from page 431 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed June 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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