Biography of J. N. Kirkpatrick, Randolph Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Bridgette Cohen Date: 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas Copyrighted and Published 1889 by Goodspeed Publishing Company Dr. J. N. Kirkpatrick, Elm Store, Ark. To the people of Randolph, as well as surrounding counties, the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one, for the owner is ever to be found by the bedside of the sick and afflicted, and his career as a practitioner and thorough student of medicine has won for him no less a reputation than have his personal characteristics as a citizen and neighbor. His parents, E. S. and Annie (Woodrome) Kirkpatrick, were both natives of Tennessee. The father, who was born February 22, 1810, came to Arkansas in 1835, settled in Big Bottom, on White River, Independence County, and there remained one year. In 1836, he moved to Lawrence County, and settled on Reed's Creek, twenty miles northeast of Batesville, Ark., where he bought 160 acres of land, and where he reared his family. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Annie Woodrome, daughter of John Woodrome, whom he wedded in 1830. To [p.406] them were born ten children, and seven of these lived to be grown: J. N.; James E., living in Wilmington, Cal.; W. T., living in Franklin County, Ill.; A. R., living in Oregon County, Mo.; and H. C., in this county; the others are now deceased. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born on the 3d of March, 1814, and died in 1860. For his second wife, Mr. Kirkpatrick selected Mrs. Elizabeth (Goacher) Smithee, and to this marriage were born four children, only one now living-Eva J., a teacher in Conway County. E. S. Kirkpatrick was a brick and stone mason by trade, and some of the first houses in Batesville are monuments of his handiwork. When he first came to this State, he brought with him only a team, but later became the owner of considerable property and about 500 acres of land. Mr. Kirkpatrick was in the Black Hawk War, and was in the fight at Kellog's Grove, under Maj. Dement, and had his horse killed from under him in this fight. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and politically he was a Democrat. He died in September, 1876. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was also a member of the same church. The paternal grandfather, John Kirkpatrick, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. The maternal grandfather, John Woodrome, was also in the War of 1812, and was also a participant in the battle of New Orleans. The paternal great-grandfather served under Gen. Greene in the war for independence, and the maternal great-grandfather was a native of South Carolina, was in the Revolutionary War also, and served under Gen. Gates during the entire term of service. Dr. Kirkpatrick was born in Franklin County, Ill., October 30, 1831, and was educated in the subscription schools of the county, attending such schools as were available until 1856. Hethen entered the St. Louis Medical College, and afterward came back to Arkansas, and settled in Randolph County, where he now resides. This was in 1857, and he has since lived in the same place, practicing over a large territory, often riding thirty- five miles to relieve some suffering mortal. The Doctor resided here at the time of the war, but did not enter the service. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Sarah Catherine Wann, a native of Alabama, and the fruits of this union were nine children, these now living: Robert S., Eleanor A. (wife of H. A. Clark), Albert N., Hiram T., Charles M. and R. F. When the Doctor first commenced his practice in this section, he had the modest sum of 25 cents in his pocket, and borrowed a horse to ride. By close attention to his profession, he has accumulated considerable property, and is the owner of 366 acres. He has also his town property, consisting of business house and stock of drugs, and also a good deal of personal property. He is W. M. of the Masonic lodge, and in politics is a Democrat.