Individual Details
James Gillham Kirkpatrick Jr.
(13 Apr 1813 - 21 Aug 1897)
In all likelihood James Gillham Kirkpatrick bore the same name as his father. It is generally thought that the father's middle initial stood for Gillham. In any case, the younger man was born in Georgia, 13 April 1813, as the sixth child of James and Sarah (Pettyjohn) Kirkpatrick.
He came to Bond County, Illinois with his parents in 1818. The family probably moved north into the lead mining region in the 1830's and James Gillham moved with them. He died at Belmont, Lafayette County, Wisconsin, 21 August 1897, aged 84 years.
James married Caroline Newman at her father's house in Mifflin, Wisconsin, as she says in an affidavit in 1909:
"I was born March 8, 1821, in what is now known as the township of Mifflin, Iowa County, Wisconsin. I was never married until united in wedlock to James G. Kirkpatrick July 16, 1840. We were married at my house in the presence of relatives and friends most of whom, if not all, are dead. I have not remarried since the death of my husband which occurred in August 1897. We were married by a Justice of the Peace. No certificated of marriage was ever issued as it was not at that time the custom. Six children were born of our marriage all of whom are living but one which was born November 8, 1843, which died in infancy." --Pension application affidavit of Mrs. Caroline Kirkpatrick, 24 July 1909)
James is described in his Black Hawk War papers as being six feet 2 inches tall, with black eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. One account gives James G. Kirkpatrick's nickname as "Black Jim". On one record he is listed as a lead miner (1909 on his widow's application for pension) and on another a farmer (death certificate, 1897). He was probably both as were many of the Kirkpatrick's in this mining region.
As with a number of his kinsmen, James Gillham Kirkpatrick served in the Black Hawk War, in Captain James Craig's Illinois Mounted Volunteers, attached to Colonel Henry Dodge's regiment. He served as a private from about May to mid-September 1832. James apparently drew a pension until his death and his wife drew a pension based on his service until her death 15 October 1910.
From a 1901 County History: Commmorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wiconsinen we have this longer account:
"James G. Kirkpatrick (born 1813, deceased), was a native of the State of Georgia, a worthy son of James and Sara (Pettyjohn) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were reared in the South. Some time previous to 1832, they migrated to Illinois, and at that time, when the Territory of Wisconsin was opened up for settlement, the parents of our subject were among the first pioneers to venture into the wilderness. Locating near Arhtur, in Grant County, they lived there until many years had fallen on them, and died surrounded by numerous decendants.
"Our subject received his education in Illinois, there grew to manhood, and accompanied the family to Wisconsin where he took part in the Black Hawk War, coming home unscathed. In 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Newman, the estimable daughter of John and Nancy (Jones) Newman.
"John Newman was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, and his wife was a native of Kentucky, born 6 December 1803. After their marriage they lived in Madison Co., Illinois, until 1836, when they moved to Wisconsin and settled near Arthur in Grant County, there passing the remainder of their lives. Mr. Newman erected upon part of his property the first Gristmill in Wisconsin. [Ed. note: This was Newman's Mill, later to become the village of Arthur, Wisconsin]. The eight children reared by Mr. and Mrs. Newman were Caroline, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who was born March 8, 1821 in Illinois;*. Harriet who married Alonzo Cushman, of Iowa county; Nelson, born in 1830, who lives in the state of Iowa; John, born in 1832, residing in Nebraska; Capt. Jefferson, born in 1833, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War, while serving as Captain of Company C, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (he left a wife and two children, who reside in Chicago); William born in 1836, who crossed the plains to California, and was drowned in crossing the Feather River in 1862; Jane, born in 1839, married to Philo Medley, of Grant County; and Eliza, born in 1843, married to John Enloe, of Lafayette County.
"After marriage our subject and his wife started to clear up a farm near Arthur, in Grant County, being among the pioneers in that locality. In those days the country still remained in many portions almost a wilderness, and the tales that Mrs. Kirkpatrick can still tell of that early time in the county are many and exciting, filled with adventures with Indians, with floods and prairie fires, but all of these events seem to have strengthened in her that strong and helpful nature which still is shown at the advanced age of eighty years. In 1866 they sold this farm and bought another in Iowa County, which was also improved, and sold in 1900; Mr. Kirkpatrick's last purchase was in Belmont township, Lafayette county, which he made his home until his death in 1897."**
James Gillham Kirkpatrick was a Democrat in his politics. The couple, James and Caroline, are buried in the Kirkpatrick Cemetery near Rewey, Wisconsin.
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* - Note must be made here of conflicting birth places for Caroline Newman, the one in her pension application giving Mifflin Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin, and the other in the above statement giving Illinois. The date seems in agreement in both instances but Illinois seems to be the birthplace on account of the movement of the family to Wisconsin from Illinois in 1836. Caroline gives 1821 as her birth date, so Madison County, Illinois, seems here likely place of birth. Further corroboration is found in the 1850 census which lists Illinois as her birthplace. In addition, Iowa County was unsettled in 1821.
** - Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, 1901, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, pp. 325-326.
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1901 Biographical Sketch Book, Grant County Genealogical Society, 955 Williams Street, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818
James G(illham) Kirkpatrick (Jr.-ed), deceased. To note in this biography that our lamented subject was born in 1813, takes the mind far back over an eventful epoch of history, to a time when there were no railroads or telegraphs, and the wonders of science without which we imagine we could scarcely exist were still undiscovered. But in those days brave men and women were born and lived eventful lives, often settling before the present generation, examples of industry, patience, energy and indomitable perseverance which should not be lost upon it.
James G. Kirkpatrick was a native of the State of Georgia, a worthy son of James Gillham and Sarah (Pettajohn [Pettyjohn-ed]) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were reared in the South. Some time previous to 1832 they migrated to Illinois, and at that time, when the Territory of Wisconsin was opened up for settlement, the parents of our subject were among the first pioneers to venture into the wilderness. Locating near Arthur, in Grant County, they lived there until many years had fallen upon them, and died surrounded by numerous descendants.
Our subject received his education in Illinois, there grew to manhood, and accompanied the family to Wisconsin where he took part in the Black Hawk war, coming home unscathed. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Newman, the estimable daughter of John and Nancy (Jones) Newman. John Newman was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, and his wife was a native of Kentucky, born December 6, 1803. After their marriage they lived in Madison County, Illinois, until 1836, when they moved to Wisconsin and settled near Arthur, in Grant County, there passing the remainder of their lives. Mr. Newman erected upon a part of his property the first gristmill in Wisconsin. The eight children reared by Mr. & Mrs. Newman were: Caroline, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who was born March 8, 1821, in Illinois; Harriet, who married Alonzo Cushman, of Iowa County; Nelson, born in 1830, who lives in the State of Iowa; John, born in 1832, residing in Nebraska; Captain Jefferson, born in 1833, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War, while serving as Captain of Company C, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (he left a wife and two children, who reside in Chicago); William, born in 1836, who crossed the Plains to California, and was drowned in crossing the Feather river, in 1862; Jane, born in 1839, married to Philo Medley, of Grant County; and Eliza, born in 1843, married to John Enloe, of Lafayette County.
After marriage our subject and his wife started to clear up a farm near Arthur, in Grant County, being among the pioneers in that locality. In those days the country still remained in many portions almost a wilderness and the tales that Mrs. Kirkpatrick can still tell of that early time in the county are many and exciting, filled with adventures with Indians, with floods and prairie fires, but all of these events seem to have but strengthened in her that strong and helpful nature which still is shown at the advanced age of eighty years. In 1866 they sold this farm and bought another in Iowa County, which was also improved, and sold in 1900; Mr. Kirkpatrick's last purchase was in Belmont Township, Lafayette County, which he made his home until his death, in 1897.
Besides cheerfully assisting her husband as only a noble woman can, never complaining of the privations to which she was obliged to submit, Mrs. Kirkpatrick also bore and reared her family of five children to respected manhood and womanhood. We have the following record of the family: (1) Samuel, born in 1841 in Grant County, became a member of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, served faithfully for four years, and now resides in Platteville; (2) Charles, born in Iowa County in 1845, married Anna Lytle, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gillham) Lytle, of Lancaster County, Nebraska, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Illinois. They were residents of Platteville until 1868, when they removed to Nebraska, where Mrs. Lytle died, and he is now a resident of Colorado. Mrs. Charles Kirkpatrick was born in Platteville in 1861. They reside on their farm in Cass County, Nebraska, and have one daughter, Bessie; (3) John, born in 1848, married Mary A. Davis, of Belmont, who died, leaving one son, Lewis E., who died in 1898, the father now living in South Dakota; (4) Isabel, born in 1851, married Charles Bomley, a farmer of Iowa County; (5) Nancy E., born in 1860, is the wife of Carles Martin, a farmer of Iowa County, his seven children are Dora, Ethel, Virgil, Ruscal, Leo, Beulah, and Erma.
In politics our subject was always devoted to the principles of Jackson Democracy, and as nearly as possible, lived up to them. Among the old neighbors and friends who have known Mrs. Kirkpatrick so long, and who affectionately remember our subject, this lovable and intelligent lady is passing a peaceful and happy old age. For many years the cares of life set heavily upon her, but she has now the great satisfaction of knowing that her children are all well placed in life, and her influence has gone out for good wherever she has been known. Many will be saddened when "grandmother" no longer greets them from here accustomed corner.
Wood County Reporter, Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, August 26, 1897, Page 2, Col. 4: James Kirkpatrick Black Hawk Veteran Dead. Belmont, Wis., August 24---James G. Kirkpatrick, a Black Hawk Veteran, is dead at Belmont, Aged 84.
He came to Bond County, Illinois with his parents in 1818. The family probably moved north into the lead mining region in the 1830's and James Gillham moved with them. He died at Belmont, Lafayette County, Wisconsin, 21 August 1897, aged 84 years.
James married Caroline Newman at her father's house in Mifflin, Wisconsin, as she says in an affidavit in 1909:
"I was born March 8, 1821, in what is now known as the township of Mifflin, Iowa County, Wisconsin. I was never married until united in wedlock to James G. Kirkpatrick July 16, 1840. We were married at my house in the presence of relatives and friends most of whom, if not all, are dead. I have not remarried since the death of my husband which occurred in August 1897. We were married by a Justice of the Peace. No certificated of marriage was ever issued as it was not at that time the custom. Six children were born of our marriage all of whom are living but one which was born November 8, 1843, which died in infancy." --Pension application affidavit of Mrs. Caroline Kirkpatrick, 24 July 1909)
James is described in his Black Hawk War papers as being six feet 2 inches tall, with black eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. One account gives James G. Kirkpatrick's nickname as "Black Jim". On one record he is listed as a lead miner (1909 on his widow's application for pension) and on another a farmer (death certificate, 1897). He was probably both as were many of the Kirkpatrick's in this mining region.
As with a number of his kinsmen, James Gillham Kirkpatrick served in the Black Hawk War, in Captain James Craig's Illinois Mounted Volunteers, attached to Colonel Henry Dodge's regiment. He served as a private from about May to mid-September 1832. James apparently drew a pension until his death and his wife drew a pension based on his service until her death 15 October 1910.
From a 1901 County History: Commmorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wiconsinen we have this longer account:
"James G. Kirkpatrick (born 1813, deceased), was a native of the State of Georgia, a worthy son of James and Sara (Pettyjohn) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were reared in the South. Some time previous to 1832, they migrated to Illinois, and at that time, when the Territory of Wisconsin was opened up for settlement, the parents of our subject were among the first pioneers to venture into the wilderness. Locating near Arhtur, in Grant County, they lived there until many years had fallen on them, and died surrounded by numerous decendants.
"Our subject received his education in Illinois, there grew to manhood, and accompanied the family to Wisconsin where he took part in the Black Hawk War, coming home unscathed. In 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Newman, the estimable daughter of John and Nancy (Jones) Newman.
"John Newman was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, and his wife was a native of Kentucky, born 6 December 1803. After their marriage they lived in Madison Co., Illinois, until 1836, when they moved to Wisconsin and settled near Arthur in Grant County, there passing the remainder of their lives. Mr. Newman erected upon part of his property the first Gristmill in Wisconsin. [Ed. note: This was Newman's Mill, later to become the village of Arthur, Wisconsin]. The eight children reared by Mr. and Mrs. Newman were Caroline, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who was born March 8, 1821 in Illinois;*. Harriet who married Alonzo Cushman, of Iowa county; Nelson, born in 1830, who lives in the state of Iowa; John, born in 1832, residing in Nebraska; Capt. Jefferson, born in 1833, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War, while serving as Captain of Company C, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (he left a wife and two children, who reside in Chicago); William born in 1836, who crossed the plains to California, and was drowned in crossing the Feather River in 1862; Jane, born in 1839, married to Philo Medley, of Grant County; and Eliza, born in 1843, married to John Enloe, of Lafayette County.
"After marriage our subject and his wife started to clear up a farm near Arthur, in Grant County, being among the pioneers in that locality. In those days the country still remained in many portions almost a wilderness, and the tales that Mrs. Kirkpatrick can still tell of that early time in the county are many and exciting, filled with adventures with Indians, with floods and prairie fires, but all of these events seem to have strengthened in her that strong and helpful nature which still is shown at the advanced age of eighty years. In 1866 they sold this farm and bought another in Iowa County, which was also improved, and sold in 1900; Mr. Kirkpatrick's last purchase was in Belmont township, Lafayette county, which he made his home until his death in 1897."**
James Gillham Kirkpatrick was a Democrat in his politics. The couple, James and Caroline, are buried in the Kirkpatrick Cemetery near Rewey, Wisconsin.
===================
* - Note must be made here of conflicting birth places for Caroline Newman, the one in her pension application giving Mifflin Township, Iowa County, Wisconsin, and the other in the above statement giving Illinois. The date seems in agreement in both instances but Illinois seems to be the birthplace on account of the movement of the family to Wisconsin from Illinois in 1836. Caroline gives 1821 as her birth date, so Madison County, Illinois, seems here likely place of birth. Further corroboration is found in the 1850 census which lists Illinois as her birthplace. In addition, Iowa County was unsettled in 1821.
** - Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, 1901, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, pp. 325-326.
===================
1901 Biographical Sketch Book, Grant County Genealogical Society, 955 Williams Street, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818
James G(illham) Kirkpatrick (Jr.-ed), deceased. To note in this biography that our lamented subject was born in 1813, takes the mind far back over an eventful epoch of history, to a time when there were no railroads or telegraphs, and the wonders of science without which we imagine we could scarcely exist were still undiscovered. But in those days brave men and women were born and lived eventful lives, often settling before the present generation, examples of industry, patience, energy and indomitable perseverance which should not be lost upon it.
James G. Kirkpatrick was a native of the State of Georgia, a worthy son of James Gillham and Sarah (Pettajohn [Pettyjohn-ed]) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were reared in the South. Some time previous to 1832 they migrated to Illinois, and at that time, when the Territory of Wisconsin was opened up for settlement, the parents of our subject were among the first pioneers to venture into the wilderness. Locating near Arthur, in Grant County, they lived there until many years had fallen upon them, and died surrounded by numerous descendants.
Our subject received his education in Illinois, there grew to manhood, and accompanied the family to Wisconsin where he took part in the Black Hawk war, coming home unscathed. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Newman, the estimable daughter of John and Nancy (Jones) Newman. John Newman was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, and his wife was a native of Kentucky, born December 6, 1803. After their marriage they lived in Madison County, Illinois, until 1836, when they moved to Wisconsin and settled near Arthur, in Grant County, there passing the remainder of their lives. Mr. Newman erected upon a part of his property the first gristmill in Wisconsin. The eight children reared by Mr. & Mrs. Newman were: Caroline, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who was born March 8, 1821, in Illinois; Harriet, who married Alonzo Cushman, of Iowa County; Nelson, born in 1830, who lives in the State of Iowa; John, born in 1832, residing in Nebraska; Captain Jefferson, born in 1833, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War, while serving as Captain of Company C, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (he left a wife and two children, who reside in Chicago); William, born in 1836, who crossed the Plains to California, and was drowned in crossing the Feather river, in 1862; Jane, born in 1839, married to Philo Medley, of Grant County; and Eliza, born in 1843, married to John Enloe, of Lafayette County.
After marriage our subject and his wife started to clear up a farm near Arthur, in Grant County, being among the pioneers in that locality. In those days the country still remained in many portions almost a wilderness and the tales that Mrs. Kirkpatrick can still tell of that early time in the county are many and exciting, filled with adventures with Indians, with floods and prairie fires, but all of these events seem to have but strengthened in her that strong and helpful nature which still is shown at the advanced age of eighty years. In 1866 they sold this farm and bought another in Iowa County, which was also improved, and sold in 1900; Mr. Kirkpatrick's last purchase was in Belmont Township, Lafayette County, which he made his home until his death, in 1897.
Besides cheerfully assisting her husband as only a noble woman can, never complaining of the privations to which she was obliged to submit, Mrs. Kirkpatrick also bore and reared her family of five children to respected manhood and womanhood. We have the following record of the family: (1) Samuel, born in 1841 in Grant County, became a member of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, served faithfully for four years, and now resides in Platteville; (2) Charles, born in Iowa County in 1845, married Anna Lytle, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gillham) Lytle, of Lancaster County, Nebraska, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Illinois. They were residents of Platteville until 1868, when they removed to Nebraska, where Mrs. Lytle died, and he is now a resident of Colorado. Mrs. Charles Kirkpatrick was born in Platteville in 1861. They reside on their farm in Cass County, Nebraska, and have one daughter, Bessie; (3) John, born in 1848, married Mary A. Davis, of Belmont, who died, leaving one son, Lewis E., who died in 1898, the father now living in South Dakota; (4) Isabel, born in 1851, married Charles Bomley, a farmer of Iowa County; (5) Nancy E., born in 1860, is the wife of Carles Martin, a farmer of Iowa County, his seven children are Dora, Ethel, Virgil, Ruscal, Leo, Beulah, and Erma.
In politics our subject was always devoted to the principles of Jackson Democracy, and as nearly as possible, lived up to them. Among the old neighbors and friends who have known Mrs. Kirkpatrick so long, and who affectionately remember our subject, this lovable and intelligent lady is passing a peaceful and happy old age. For many years the cares of life set heavily upon her, but she has now the great satisfaction of knowing that her children are all well placed in life, and her influence has gone out for good wherever she has been known. Many will be saddened when "grandmother" no longer greets them from here accustomed corner.
Wood County Reporter, Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, August 26, 1897, Page 2, Col. 4: James Kirkpatrick Black Hawk Veteran Dead. Belmont, Wis., August 24---James G. Kirkpatrick, a Black Hawk Veteran, is dead at Belmont, Aged 84.
Events
| Birth | 13 Apr 1813 | Jackson Co., Georgia | |||
| Marriage | 16 Jul 1840 | Mifflin, Iowa Co., Wisconsin - Caroline Newman | |||
| Death | 21 Aug 1897 | Belmont, Lafayette Co., Wisconsin |  | ||
| Burial | Kirkpatrick Cemetery, Rewey, Iowa Co., Wisconsin | |
Families
| Spouse | Caroline Newman (1821 - 1910) |
| Child | Samuel Cotter Kirkpatrick (1841 - 1911) |
| Child | Infant Kirkpatrick (1843 - 1843) |
| Child | Charles Hardin Kirkpatrick (1845 - 1935) |
| Child | John Newman Kirkpatrick (1848 - 1900) |
| Child | Isabelle Jane Kirkpatrick (1851 - 1926) |
| Child | Nancy Ellen Kirkpatrick (1860 - 1934) |
| Father | James Gillham Kirkpatrick (1769 - 1846) |
| Mother | Sarah Pettyjohn (1780 - 1863) |
| Sibling | Francis Criswell Kirkpatrick (1803 - 1877) |
| Sibling | Sarah Kirkpatrick (1805 - ) |
| Sibling | William M. Kirkpatrick (1806 - 1898) |
| Sibling | Elizabeth Louisa Kirkpatrick (1808 - 1889) |
| Sibling | Susannah Caroline Kirkpatrick (1811 - ) |
| Sibling | John J. Kirkpatrick (1816 - 1880) |
| Sibling | Mary Ann Kirkpatrick (1820 - 1876) |
Endnotes
1. Wisconsin Death Index.
2. Grant County Genealogical Society, Platteville, Wisconsin.