ARTHUR
and MARIAN (Smith) KIRK are among the oldest living citizens of Sharon.
The former was born in Scotland July 5, 1804, there grew to manhood,
and married Marian Smith, also a native of Scotland, born December 13,
1803. In 1839 they immigrated to Allegheny City, Penn., being then the
parents of eight children. Four were born in this State, and a fact
worthy of mention is that the whole twelve are living. Mr. Kirk learned
the weaver's trade in his native land, and came out to take charge of a
cotton-mill in Allegheny City, which position he held about ten years.
He afterward erected a cotton factory near Saxonburg, Butler Co.,
Penn., which he operated a few years. About 1855 he came to Sharon, and
went into the grocery business, which he followed successfully until
his declining years compelled him to give up the active duties of a
business life. He and wife are still residents of Sharon, and are in
their eighty-fifth and eighty-sixth years, respectively. Both enjoy the
blessing of good health, have been life-long Presbyterians, and in
politics he is a Republican. George S. Kirk, harness and collar
manufacturer, and youngest son of Arthur and Marian Kirk, was born in
Butler County, Penn., and learned his trade in Sharon, at which he
worked till entering business for himself in 1869. He devotes his time
to the manufacture of harness, collars and carriage trimmings. In
January, 1885, at the age of fifteen, he enlisted in Company G,
Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served till the close of
the war, three of his brothers also serving in the army. Mr. Kirk is a
Republican, and stanch in his devotion to the principles of that party.
Source: History of Mercer County, 1888, pgs. 734-735 |
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