[p. 570] a representative business citizen of Wurtemberg, conducting a first class flour and feed store, was born February 14, 1847, in Perry Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. His parents were John S. and Elizabeth (Rutter) Kirker.
Mr. Kirker is of Scotch extraction on the paternal side, and of German on the maternal. The family has been established in Pennsylvania, however, for several generations. John S. Kirker was born in Butler County, was reared on his father's farm and later became the owner of one of his own, and shortly after his marriage came to Lawrence County. He purchased the farm in Perry Township on which the remainder of his life was spent, his death taking place when he was aged seventy-five years. He married Elizabeth Rutter, and they had twelve children, nine of whom survive.
J. N. Kirker attended the country schools and assisted on the home farm. In 1864, when only seventeen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Company C, in the noted Roundhead Regiment, which brought merited distinction to the troops of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kirker took part in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the Wilderness to Appomatox, at all times being at the post of duty, and by great good fortune escaping injury. After his honorable discharge he returned to the home farm, on which he lived until 1868, when he married and moved to a farm in Butler County, which he operated until 1902, when he came to this village. For the past six years Mr. Kirker has conducted a safe and satisfactory business in flour and feed, at his present location.
In 1868 Mr. Kirker was married to Miss Sarah E. Matthews, who is a daughter of David Matthews, who was a prominent farmer in Butler County. Mr. and Mrs. Kirker have five children, namely: David C., married, residing in Ohio, has, one child; George G., married Lydia Walters, of Ellwood City, and they have two children, Frances and Hazel; and May and Stilson H., residing at home.
Mr. Kirker is a stanch Republican in his political views. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. With his family he belongs and gives liberal support to the united Presbyterian Church at Wurtemburg.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 8 Nov 2001