My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM R. KIRBY. Few families in Volinia Township have a higher standing for character, ability and enterprise than the one represented by the name at the head of this paragraph, and in its various members it is eminently worthy of the respect which is universally conceded to it. He of whom we write is a native of the grand old Empire State, born in Otsego County December 31, 1845, to the marriage of Rev. John and Mary J. (Rouse) Kirby, the father a native of Yorkshire, England, born July 30, 1817, and the mother of Columbia County, N.Y., born April 23, 1818.

The paternal grandfather, William Kirby, was also born in Yorkshire, England, and followed the occupation of a farmer and shepherd. He married Miss Elizabeth Bentley, a native of the same place, and shortly afterwards took passage for America. This was in 1820, and he rented a farm near Albany, N. Y., the same year. In 1846 he came to Michigan, settling in the township east of Marcellus, and on wild land which he improved, and where he passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1869, and his wife followed him to the grave in 1877. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are living: John, James, Thomas B. and Peter. The mother was a member of the Baptist Church.

Rev. John Kirby was but a child when brought to America by his parents, and he grew to manhood in New York State. A fair education was received in the common schools, and after reaching mature years he engaged as a farmer and carpenter. In October, 1839, he married Miss Rouse, daughter of Christopher and Jane (Crippen) Rouse, both of whom were natives of Columbia County, N. Y. Mr. Rouse was a farmer, and at an early date moved to Otsego County, N. Y. He passed away in 1863, and she in 1850. Two living children were the only fruits of their union. Mr. Kirby came to Michigan in 1846, settling in Flowerfield Township, St. Joseph County, where he followed farming. For some time he was troubled with the ague, but remained there for eighteen years and improved a good home. He moved to Cass County in 1865 and settled on his present property. He carries on farming and is enterprising and progressive. He was ordained on the 5th of March, 1843, as a Baptist minister, and performed the work of a missionary throughout southwestern Michigan.

For fourteen years he was pastor of Newburg church, thirteen years pastor of Volinia church, and ten years pastor of Flowerfield church. He is now retired from active work. To his marriage were born eleven children, seven now living: Mrs. Jane Chamberlain, William R., Belle Ferris, Susan, George B., Rachel A. Gard and Allan. All these children are well educated. A stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Kirby was Supervisor of Flowerfield Township seven years, and held the same position in Volinia Township for four years. One of his sons has taught school.

Our subject, who is the eldest son born to his parents, grew to manhood on his father’s farm in Michigan, whither the parents had moved in 1847, and attended school in St. Joseph County. When twenty-one years of age he started out to fight life’s battles for himself, and first bought land in Ottawa County. There he remained a few years, when he sold out and moved to Cass County. This was in 1865 and the county was well covered with timber. He purchased eighty-four acres of land, began at once to clear and make improvements, and now has eighty acres under a fine state of cultivation. He built a fine residence in 1876, at a cost of $1,000, and the following year was married to Miss May Mack, a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., born in 1843. Her parents came to Michigan in 1863, but are now deceased. Mr. Kirby is a Master Mason and takes a deep interest in the progress of his order. He served several times as Master of the same. In politics he is a Republican, and has frequently been a delegate to conventions. He has been Township Treasurer for two years, is Director of School District No. 5, and is serving his twelfth term as Township Clerk.