Madison "Matt" S. Kirk was born June 15, 1834 in Fayette County, Ohio to Thomas Kirk and Elizabeth Parrett. The original family name was Kirkpatrick, but was shortened to Kirk about 1860. Matt was born at the family home on Parrett Road which is about six miles from Washington Courthouse. He had 11 siblings, including a younger brother, Rayborn Kirk. Their father, Thomas, was a well known farmer and breeder of Hereford cattle in Fayette County for many years.

On February 14, 1862, when Matt was 29 years old, he enlisted in the Civil War. He joined Company H of the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and, after only 11 days of service, was appointed to Corporal. His younger brother, Rayborn Kirk, also served with this Company. Matt mustered out with his Company on November 10, 1862.

On March 31, 1863, shortly after returning home from the War, he married Agnes Collier. There were at least four daughters born to this union: Minnie, Bertha, Jennie, and Veda. Veda was about three years old when she died.

Sometime between 1870 and 1880, Matt moved his family to Independence, Missouri. Matt's aunt, Agnes Kirkpatrick Linson also resided in this area. Matt's daughter, Jennie, graduated from Woodland College about 1890 and became a teacher.

Sometime between 1880 and 1919, Matt's wife, Agnes, left him. As a result, Matt alternated living with his Aunt Agnes and his great nephew, John Morgan Linson and his wife, Mae. About 1919, when Mae Linson was no longer able to care for Matt, he entered the Veterans Home at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His entry record noted that he was missing the thumb and two fingers from his right hand. It is assumed these injuries were related to the War and the reason he did not re-enlist. This record also noted that he was 5 feet, 3/4 inches in height with blue eyes and gray hair.

Matt will always be remembered as a man who loved to regale the children with war stories. He also owned a horse named Trixie that he rode in all the local parades, especially on Memorial Day. Madison "Matt" S. Kirk died in August 10, 1934 when he was 100 years old. He was buried in the Veterans National Cemetery at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in Section 37, Row 77, Grave 8315.

A special thanks to Nadine B. Peterson for contributing this information.

This page belongs to
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~volker
Created:  24 April 2003
Modified:  
Copyright © 2001-2003, Jennifer Volker