Copyright 2001, 2002 - Janine M. Bork
This page part of Walla
Walla AHGP
Conrad Henry Kaseberg, a well known retired wagon maker residing in Walla Walla, was born in Germany, March 10, 1834, a son of Johannes and Mary Christina (Rempf) Kaseberg, also natives of Germany, where they passed their entire lives.
Conrad Henry Kaseberg passed his boyhood and youth in his native country and there received his education. In 1857, when a young man, he crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel which docked at Baltimore, Maryland. From that city he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, whence, after a few weeks, he removed to Weston, Missouri, where his brother lived, and some three months later he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he remained from October, 1857, to June, 1859. The following two years were spent in St. Louis, after which he went to California. In 1867 he left the Golden state and returned to St. Louis, where he was married and where he continued to live until 1871, his business being across the river in Venice, Illinois. It was in that year that he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased the home where he still lives in the city of Walla Walla. He worked at the wagon maker's trade, which he had learned in Germany, having a shop at Second and Alder streets, until 1887, and he then bought seven hundred acres of fine wheat land on Dry creek, eleven miles out of Walla Walla, which he operated for a time and which he still owns, deriving a gratifying income from its rental. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank.
Mr. Kaseberg was married on Christmas day, 1867, to Miss Augusta d. Timmermeister, also a native of Germany, and they became the parents of one child, who, however, died in infancy. Mrs. Kaseberg passed away in February, 1912, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View cemetery. She was an active member of the Lutheran church and her life was that of a devout Christian.
Mr. Kaseberg also belongs to that church and has never failed to give both his moral and financial support to its work. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Walla Walla. He is a republican in politics but his interest in public affairs is only that of a loyal citizen, though heserved one year on the city council. He is a self-made man, having come to this country empty-handed, but through the opportunities here offered and his industry and good management he has gained financial independence. He has reached an advanced age but is still keen of mind and active of body and is accorded the honor due those who have behind them the record of a long and honorable life.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 322, 327
He left six living children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Jerome L., July 12, 1850; Millard H., May 19, 1854; Frank T., September 3, 1856; R. Grace, June 2, 1867; died June 28, 1881; Elmer E. and Nellie E., April 24, 1870. The twins died of diptheria in 1878, Elmer E., on the twenty-eighth of August, and the little sister following him out into the dark unknown within a week. This leaves the widow and three eldest children, all of whom, except Frank T., occupy the home left them by the deceased. The farm consists of 440 acres all inclosed and 350 of which are under cultivation. There is an orchard with apples, peaches, pears and various berries, more than enough for home use. Spring branch runs through the land; the district school house of that name is on this farm; and the post office address of the family is Waitsburg, W.T.
Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 21
He was one of the first to go
to the Oro Fino mines, walking on snow shoes and carrying seventy pounds
of provisions on his back, and
barely escaping death by drowning. he was the first to
erect a substantial building in those mines; and there he devoted two summers
to
merchandising with good success. In 1871 he settled down
in Walla Walla. In 1885 he leased the Stine House, and proved to be a very
good
proprietor. In that year, however, he met with
an irreparable loss in the death of his wife; and three years afterwards,
November 19, 1888, his
own active and useful life was ended.
The general esteem in which Mr. Kelling was held by his fellow-townsmen was well illustrated by the marked demonstrations of respect which accompanied his obsequies. The entire town may be said to have mourned at the grave of one so long and favorably known among them. The memory of both Mr. Kelling and his estimable wife will long be cherished by the people of Walla Walla.
The business of conducting the Stine House, so successfully inaugurated by Mr. Kelling, is still conducted by his sons, the second of whom has special charge of the hotel, while the oldest, Henry, is city clerk of Walla Walla, an office he fills with satisfaction to all. Besides these two sons, the family contains three other sons and two daughters.
History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
1889 Volume II
John Grant Kelly, manager of the Daily Bulletin, published at Walla Walla, has made this one of the most influential dailies of the northwest outside of the larger cities and he has ever been recognized as a fearless defender of what he believes to be for the best interests of the state. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, July 16, 1872, a son of William and Sarah Ann (Roberts) Kelly, the former a native of New York city, of Irish parentage, while the latter was born in Clay county, Missouri, and is of Scotch descent. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, having served with Company I of the Ninety-first Illinois Infantry. He died in the year 1914 and is still survived by his widow.
John Grant Kelly acquired a public school education in Kansas City, Missouri, being graduated from the Central high school there with the class of 1892. After his textbooks were put aside he became connected with the Kansas City Journal, with which he identified for seven years. Later he was advertising and business manager of the Drovers Journal-Stockman of Omaha, Nebraska, for a decade and on the 1st of February, 1910, he purchased the Walla Walla (Wash.) Daily Bulletin, which he has since published and which is owned by himself and Mrs. Kelly. As editor and publisher of this paper he has made the Bulletin thoroughly independent in its espousal of issues strictly on a merit basis. He was the leader in the movement that brought the commission form of government to Walla Walla in 1911, and the Bulletin was the only daily newspaper in the state of Washington that supported state-wide prohibition in 1914. It has ever been an advocate of measures of reform and improvement and is regarded as one of the most influential dailies in the Pacific northwest outside of those published in the larger cities. It has ever stood consistently for clean and efficient government and has disregarded party lines.
On the 22d of June, 1900, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Martha Violet Miller, a daughter of Jacob J. and Laura E. Miller, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The father, a native of Switzerland, engaged in jewelry manufacturing in both Milwaukee and in Kansas City. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born three children: Norman Miller, Eugene Armand and Virginia. The parents are members of the First Congregational church of Walla Walla and Mr. Kelly is also identified with the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally he is connected with several Masonic bodies and also with the Knights of Pythias and he belongs to the Shrine Club and to the Walla Walla Commercial Club. In his political views he is independent and has favored non-partisan government of city, county and state affairs. His military record covers ten years' connection with the Third Regiment of the National Guard of Missouri at Kansas City, during which time he rose from private to first lieutenant and served as first lieutenant of Company G of the Third Regiment of the Missouri National Guard during the Spanish-American war. He has never aspired to public office but has ever given his aid and influence on the side of reform and progress and he is now serving on the State Council of Defense in the state of Washington.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla
1918 - Page 840, 841
After a residence of ten years in Weaverville, Mr. Kellogg engaged in the lumber business in Humboldt county. In the general depression of 1879 in that line of business, he disposed of his interest, and in March of that year came to Washington Territory, selecting the thriving town of Dayton as his future home. He was there engaged in mercantile business for two years. Converting his business again into cash, he was occupied in various pursuits until his election as auditor of Columbia county in November, 1884. The ability with which he discharged the duties of that position caused him to be re-elected in 1886. He has also been a member of the common council.
Having full confidence in the future of his adopted home, his investments from time to tome have been in real estate. The rapid increase in population of the Inland Empire at large and Dayton in particular proves that his judgment was sound. The property he purchased for moderate prices is now very valuable. Mr. Kellogg is not only considered on of the substantial citizens of Dayton, but also one if its most active in all enterprises looking towards the advancement of its natural welfare.
In 1882 he was united in marriage
at Dayton with Miss Sina M. Coleson, also a native of the same county and
state as her husband.
Surrounded as he is by a pleasant and happy home, it
is no wonder that the portrait found of him in this work looks so free
from care.
History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
1889 Volume II
Page 388, 389
Characterized by a spirit of undaunted enterprise, George E. Kellough has won a place among the most substantial and progressive business men of Walla Walla, where he now figures in financial circles as the president of the Third National Bank. He was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 9th of May, 1872, a son of William H. and Ann Grace Kellough, both of whom were natives of Canada. The former was of Irish extraction, while the latter was of French Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were among the pioneer settlers.
George E. Kellough, reared in Winnipeg, there pursued his education in the public schools and at the age of nineteen years, attracted by the broader business opportunities which he felt he might find across the border, he came to the United States and made his way to the western part of the country, reaching Walla Walla county, Washington, in July, 1891. He started in business life here as a ranch hand, but ambition actuated him at every point in his career and continually lured him on to better things. Subsequently he took up a homestead and in time acquired other land, for as his financial resources increased he made judicious investment in property and for some six years was actively and successfully engaged in farming. He then turned his attention to business interests of the city and in 1899 took up his abode in Walla Walla, where he established a clothing and furnishing goods store. He was prominently identified with that business for a decade and built up an extensive trade, ever endeavoring to please his patrons, while his honorable business methods constituted one of the strong features of his growing success. Then a still broader field seemed to open before him and in February, 1910, he made his initial step in financial circles, becoming connected with the Third National Bank as president of the institution, over whose financial policy he has since presided. His plans are well formulated. The business under his direction has been carefully systematized and he has ever recognized the fact that the bank is most worthy of support which most carefully safeguards the interests of depositors. While extending every possible courtesy of the bank to patrons, he has never erred on the side of ultra progressiveness, his actions at all time being tempered by a safe conservatism. His name, therefore, has become a synonym for sound judgment and thorough reliability and he today occupies a central place on the stage of banking activity in Walla Walla county.
In 1893 Mr. Kellough was united
in marriage to Miss Viola Purdy, a daughter of Orland Purdy, who was a
Michigan farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kellough have become the parents of two children,
Lance E. and Erma G. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise
Mr. Kellough has given consistent and loyal support to the republican party
and has been an earnest and active worker in its ranks. His fellow townsmen,
appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to public office
and for two terms, in 1906and 1907, he served as mayor of Walla Walla,
giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He is
a member of the Commercial Club, in the work of which he has taken a most
active and helpful interest and for one term he served as its president.
In this connection he promoted many activities looking to the further development
of Walla Walla, the extension of its trade relations and the promotion
of its civic standards. He has been very prominent as an Odd Fellow, holding
membership in Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I.O.O.F. he has passed through all
of the chairs in both the local lodge and in the state organization, and
few in Washington have equaled him in active and effective service for
the upbuilding of the organization. In fact he is one of the best known
Odd Fellows in all the northwestern country. He is likewise connected with
the Woodmen of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He is actuated by a spirit of progressiveness
in all that he does. There are in his life few leisure hours. He is constantly
busied with some interest either for the benefit of his own fortunes or
for the upbuilding of the district with which he is connected, and his
labors have been effective, beneficial and resultant.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 261, 262
While crossing the plains in 1862, near American Falls, as they were plodding their weary way westward, a horseman came dashing up to his father - the captain of the train - with the report that the company just ahead had been attacked by Indians and were in need of assistance. The captain immediately ordered a corral, and after posting pickets and guards took the available men and proceeded to the relief of the distressed. He found the train almost totally annihilated. Men, women and children were scattered along the road dead, dying, disabled, crying, pleading, or running back towards his train for refuge. The road at that point passed through a rocky coulée; and as the company hurriedly passed by they found other men, women and children secreted among the rocks, as well as a few of the Indians looking for more victims; while the majority of the Indians were engaged in driving off the stock from the train assailed. Captain Kennedy brought up his own train and encamped, having a strong guard out. The next morning, not having stock enough to haul the wounded and the little ones, as well as the supplies for the remnant of the train attacked, he took twenty-five men and went to reconnoiter and if possible recapture enough of the stock to pull the extra wagons. They were partially cut off from their camp and did some blooding fighting on their return, losing seven men killed, while the captain and five others were wounded.
After graduating he located at
La Grande, Oregon, where he followed the practice of medicine for two years,
and in 1873 moved to Dayton,
Washington Territory, where he remained until 1887; he
then moved to Sprague, and from there again to Spokane Falls, coming from
there to
Weston, Oregon, where he now resides. The Doctor is building
up a fine medical practice; and we predict a successful future to this
man of
worth.
History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
1889 Volume II
Page 405
While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems of the city were largely due to his initiative and his untiring effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in maters of citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.
Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent position in connection with the commercial activity of the community. In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the insurance business.
On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul, Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.
Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was also particularly interested in public park development and did much toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.
In religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May, 1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly merited tribute:
"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of the best citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the kindest of husbands, the most living of fathers and a true and loyal friend."
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 752, 755
Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In 1858 he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years, or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He prospered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his attention to the management of his affairs until his death, which occurred in September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864. She survives and still resides on the homestead.
Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progressive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the farm is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.
Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the management of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his staunchest friends are those who have known him intimately since boyhood.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 33, 34
He was mining on Althouse creek when the Indian hostilities of 1855 commenced on Rogue river, and came out with John Cox from Kerbyville to Vannoy's ferry in the night, and there found Robert Williams with a squad of miners organized but poorly armed. The next day Thomas Elef came rushing down, reporting that Flem Hill had just returned from Cow creek, where the Indians were killing and burning. Kirkland joined a squad of twenty, who went to the relief of those possibly besieged men. They found, at Smith's on Cow creek, several families forted up; and upon the porch of the house lay the dead body of Hall Bailey, who had been killed on his wagon a mile or so from the house while en route to Yreka with a load of chickens and a drove of hogs. The Indians killed his oxen while they were hitched to the wagon, and strewed the ground with butchered hogs.
Proceeding up the valley, they found at Bates' farm Quartermaster Johnson lying dead on the porch of the house, while several more families were barricaded within, one man being severely wounded. That night Kirkland and William Stannos carried a message from Lieutenant Stone, who commanded the pass, back to Captain Williams on Rouge river. Not being successful in obtaining weapons, Kirkland came to the Willamette valley. The next spring he joined Keith's company of Lane county boys, and entering stayed with the war to its close. One day, while the company was drawn up in line on the bank of Rogue river, Old John, the Indian chief, and some of his braves, saluted them from the opposite bank with a shower of bullets, severely wounding Clay Houston, and strewing a hail of lead among the party. Some of the boys soon found an old canoe, and, hurriedly crossing the river, rushed to the spot from which the fusillade had come, finding only one Indian, who rose frorm his hiding-place in the brush and fired upon the command at very short range. They charged upon him with shouts and yells; and when he jumped into the water they filled his body with bullets, and then drew him out of the water, awarding him to Perry Skinner, who claimed the dead shot.
In 1857 Mr. Kirkland was married to Miss Mary Standefer, a cousin of Jefferson Standefer. In 1865 they moved to the Walla Walla valley, and have made it their home to the present time. Mr. Kirkland now practices law at Milton, Oregon, and owns a nice fruit ranch on the edge of town.
History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
1889 Volume II
Page 414
The dates of birth and names of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman's children are as follows: Willie H., May 7, 1868; George D. May 8, 1869; Agnes A., November 22, 1870; Annie A., January 15, 1873; Grace F., August 28, 1874; Robert J., January 29, 1876;Myrtle B., April 23, 1877; Dasie, November 4, 1878; Leslie Gilmore, January 27, 1880; Mabel, June 6, 1882.
In conclusion we would say that, though Mr. K. was born on the soil of England, his instincts and impulses are essentially American, of whose institutions he is an enthusiastic admirer. It is a country, as he aptly puts it, "where those who will may win." As a business man, he has the confidence of all who know him; as a citizen, the respect which his character and actions in life have entitled him; and his wealth is the result of judicious labor prompted by his early surroundings, and not the reward of chance or birth.
Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 22.
*****************************
WILLIAM KIRKMAN.
William Kirkman, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of Walla Walla county, was prominently identified with stock raising interests for a considerable period and previous to that time was engaged in prospecting for a time. His activities were of a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity of the district in which he resided and Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued residents. He was born near Manchester, in Lancashire, England, December 7, 1832, and received his education and grew to manhood in his native country. When about twenty years of age he came to the United States. He had been identified with the firm of Grant Brothers, proprietors of woolen mills in Lancashire, England. It is supposed that these brothers were the originals of Dickens' characters of the Cherable brothers. They had designed a fancy Marseilles vesting and Mr. Kirkman came to America to introduce the goods. For two years he resided in Boston, Massachusetts, after which he made his way westward by the Isthmus of Panama route. He spent some time in the gold mines of California and then proceeded by sailing vessel to Australia and to the Sandwich Islands, but returned to the American continent when the news was received of the discovery of gold in paying quantities on the Fraser river in British Columbia. He proceeded to the gold fields there and for a number of years divided his time between the mines in that region and in California. After making and losing what in those days amounted to several small fortunes he determined to engage in a more stable business and accordingly, in 1862, he returned to San Francisco and the next year purchased cattle in Oregon, which he drove to the market at Boise, Idaho. He there established himself in the stock business. In 1866 he took an eighty-mule team pack from Walla Walla to Montana, where he disposed of all of his goods. He then became interested in a milk ranch and dairy business, but in 1870 he disposed of his ranch and stock and returned to San Francisco with the intention of making that entered into partnership with John Dooley for the conduct of a cattle business. Their cattle range extended from Pasco to Spokane and from Sprague to the Snake river and was known as the Figure 3 Ranch. This firm was the first to ship cattle out of the territory to Montana and elsewhere. At a subsequent period Mr. Kirkman became heavily interested in the sheep industry and for many years he was an extensive raiser of both cattle and sheep. During all this time he maintained his partnership relation with Mr. Dooley, their connection continuing for about twenty years. He also invested in farm lands, becoming in time the owner of twelve hundred acres. In 1891 he retired from active and the year 1892 was spent by him in travel in Europe. He had hoped that freedom from business cares and the pleasure of travel would enable him to regain his health, which had become quite seriously impaired, but this expectation proved futile, as he died at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, April 25, 1893, when on his way home. Mr. Kirkman was a man alive to all public interests and opportunities. He was one of the early contributors to Whitman College and paid the tuition of various students there in order to help them and the institution. When the receipts of the college were too small Mr. Kirkman joined with John F. Boyer to make up the deficit. He was a man of many substantial qualities and thereby gained many friends. He contributed much to the development of the northwest along material, social, intellectual and moral lines, his influence always being on the side of progress and improvement for the individual and for the community.
On the 4th of February, 1867, in San Francisco, Mr. Kirkman was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Potts, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Evans) Potts, who passed their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Mrs. Kirkman came to the United States in her girlhood, going to San Francisco to join her two sisters who were already residing there. The four surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman are: William H., Fannie A., Myrtle B. and Leslie G. The eldest son was born in Idaho in Mary, 1868, and pursued his education in Whitman College and in the Boston University, from which he was graduated on the completion of a law course in the class of 1893 and then located for practice in Walla Walla, where he followed his profession for two years. He wedded Maud Ashley, who passed away in 1905, leaving one son, William Leslie, who was born in 1901. William H. Kirkman resided in Walla Walla and filled the office of clerk of the federal court for a year. He was also a member of the city council and a member of the school board. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons as a member of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine, and he also held membership with the Elks, in which he filled all of the chairs of the local lodge. Fannie A. is the wife of A.H. Reynolds, a prominent attorney and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla. The youngest son, Leslie G., was born in Walla Walla in June, 1881, and pursued his education in the schools of his native city. He married Mabelle E. Hawman and they have one child, Leslie Gilmore, who was born in 1916. Leslie G. Kirkman is an Elk and a Mason. He resides in Walla Walla and he and his brother are engaged in farming, the latter having retired from law practice, and they are now devoting their attention to the cultivation, development and further improvement of the old homestead property which was left by their father. Myrtle B. Kirkman resides with her mother in Walla Walla.
William Kirkman was very prominent in civic affairs and exerted great influence on many interests that had to do with the upbuilding and progress of Walla Walla. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was a delegate to the national republican convention which was held in Minneapolis in 1892 and nominated Benjamin Harrison. He was appointed on the committee with William McKinley to notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination. Mr. Kirkman served on the first board of directors of the penitentiary upon its establishment and was a member of the board of education in Walla Walla, contributing much to the development of its school system. As previously stated, he was closely associated with the welfare and progress of Whitman College and was still a member of the board of directors at the time of his demise. He was a man of sterling qualities, possessing a kindly, genial disposition that endeared him to those who came in contact with him, and was charitable to a fault. although not a member of any church, he was a liberal contributor to the support of various religious bodies of the city and no worthy cause appealed to him in vain. His interests were broad and embraced all that was worth while in life, yet his greatest care and his fullest devotion were always given to his home and family.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 124, 129, 130