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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Clark County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Samuel T. Kirkham for many years has devoted his attention to farming and blacksmithing, and of both these callings he is a thorough master. Born in Pike County, Ark., in 1847, he is a son of Hon. James H. and Elizabeth (Kelly) Kirkham, the former born in Madison County, Vt., in 1786, and the latter in Pike County, Ark. When the father was about six years of age his parents were drowned while sleigh riding on Lake Champlain, on the ice, and from that time until he was fifteen years of age he made his home with his uncle, Oron Field, at which time he became a sailor, a calling he followed for some fifteen years in different capacities, visiting in the meantime nearly every civilized country on the globe. He met with many thrilling experiences, and, like all sailors who begin at the foot of the ladder, experienced many hardships. At one time a storm drove his vessel out of the direct track of ships, and for nine months he was lost on an open sea. After abandoning this calling, he traveled in different parts of the United States, and for quite a number of years he taught school. When Arkansas was yet a Territory, he came thither, and at about the age of forty years he was married here, and settled in what is now Pike County, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring on March 10, 1870. He was the first sheriff of Pike County, and performed the first and only civil execution in that county. In 1800—07 he was a member of the General Assembly of the State from Pike County, held the office of justice of the peace a number of years, and was a prominent, active and well esteemed citizen. He was first a Whig in politics, later a Republican, and was an active worker for his party. He was a member of many years' standing of the Christian Church, and inherited Scotch blood from his father, although the latter was born in Vermont, his name being Kirkum, which was changed by James H. to Kirkham. The maternal grandfather, Rev. William Kelly, was born in Illinois, but at an early day came to what is now Pike County, Ark., and here died in 1874. He was an M. D. of the Botanic School, of high standing with the profession, a member of the Christian Church for many years, and at one time during the early history of the State he filled the office of county and probate judge. He was of Irish descent, and in this county his wife passed from life in 1850. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a pious and refined lady, a worthy member of the Christian Church, who died in 1874, having borne a family of eleven children, Samuel T. being the only one now living in Clark County. He became familiar with farm life in his boyhood, but the most of his education he received was obtained at home. He served for about three weeks in Capt. Preston's company of cavalry, after which he returned home and here remained. In 1866 he settled on his present farm, which was then heavily covered with timber, and now has 90 acres of his 122-acre farm under cultivation. He is a conservative Republican in his political views, and is an elder in the Christian Church, of which his wife and family are also members. He was married October 12, 1865, to Miss Eliza, daughter of J. Q. and Lucy Trout, who were born in South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, their marriage taking place in the latter State. They came to Clark County, Ark., in 1860, and are here still living, both being members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Kirkham was born in Alabama, and has borne Mr. Kirkham five children, one son and three daughters now living.

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This family biography is one of 99 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Clark County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Clark County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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