Kirkpatrick - Jacob
Source: New Richmond Record 6 May 1915 p 1
Just a new day was breaking last Thursday morning, a long and eventful life faded away, with the passing of Jacob Kirkpatrick, one of the sturdy pioneers of the middle and far west. His death occurred at his home in West Lafayette, and was the culmination of an illness of three months duration, attributed to a complication of diseases. Jacob Kirkpatrick was a remarkable man. Although 83 years of age, he retained the spirit of youth, up to his last' illness, and was ever active. He was a direct descendant of Sir Roger Kirkpatrick, famous in history as a Scottish chieftain. He was born near Joliet, Ill., December 4, 1831, being the sixth son of Samuel and Mary Kirkpatrick. When a boy he came to live with his cousin, John Kirkpatrick, at Sugar Grove, Jackson township, and it was while he was there that he conceived the idea in 1850 of making a trip across the plains to the gold fields of California. Starting out with his father and brother, Samuel, he braved the dangers and hardships of the journey and reached his goal. When the party bad journeyed half way across the plains, their team became exhausted and were unable to pull the heavy load. The father and brother rode, and Jacob Kirkpatrick, the subject of this sketch, walked the entire remainder of the distance. The party, after much trouble and hardship, reached the Eldorado and proceeded to stake out their claims. They remained in the gold fields for about three years, when a return trip was made to Tippecanoe county, Jacob Kirkpatrick made a second trip to the golden west, this time going by way of “The Horn” and South America. He again took up mining and ran a pack train to the miners in the mountains. The first trip was successful, but Mr. Kirkpatrick made the bulk of his wealth on his second trip. Experience had taught him a lesson and he conducted his business in a shrewd and lucrative manner. About 1860, Mr. Kirkpatrick returned to this county and purchased the Peed farm, now his old home at Sugar Grove. Ever after, he was a successful Tippecanoe county farmer and ranked among the first citizens of the county. Mr. Kirkpatrick was twice married. His first wife was Miss Amanda Ann Shuee, daughter of David and Susan Shuee, and they were married at Sugar Grove, May 26, 1829. Seven children were born to them, six surviving; Miss Laura Kirkpatrick, Charles and William Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Boyd A. McMillin, of New Richmond; Mrs. Paul J. Barons, of Crawfordsville, and Edwin Kirkpatrick, of Frankfort. Another daughter, Mrs. Charles Shepherd died last September. The first wife died January 21, 1887, and on September 29, 1892, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Miss Alice McClure, of West Lafayette, daughter of James L. and Emma J. McClure. The widow survives. A brother, Milton, of Platte, S. D. is the only other surviving member of his family. Mr. Kirkpatrick had lived in West Lafayette for 22 years. After his second marriage he gave up farming and moved to the West side. He was for several years engaged in the livery business with Moes Godman and later with Joseph Foreman. He was also in the same business for a time with his son, William. Later he was engaged in the plumbing business with Alex A. Mathieson and he then retired. He was held in highest esteem both by his personal acquaintances and business associates. In religion he was a Methodist and belonged to the West Side Church. He possessed a very interesting personality and was a pleasant companion. Being a deep reader he was well informed on the topics of the day and his eventful life crowded his mind with reminiscences that were a never failing source of interesting conversation. Mr. Kirkpatrick was the last of the Sugar Grove pioneers, with the exception of Thomas O. Bailey now 89 years old.
The funeral was conducted from the family residence at 202 North street, West Lafayette, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Rev. A. T, Briggs officiating. At 2 o’clock another service was held at the Sugar Grove Methodist church. The interment was made in the family burial lot in the Sugar Grove cemetery.