My Genealogy Hound

KIRKLAND, D., proprietor of the popular hotel known as the Kirkland, was born in Scotland, Feb. 2, 1826. For eighteen years a resident of Scotland. At an early age he became apprenticed to the trade of a cabinet maker. In 1844 he crossed the ocean, landing at Quebec. From the Dominion of Canada he made his way to New York; thence to McHenry County, Illinois, and began life as a railroad employee on the old Galena Division, afterwards consolidated and known as the North Western; remaining some five years, and during this time was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Dacy. For thirty years Mr. K. has officiated in railroad matters as contractor, conductor and foreman. Shortly after the commencement of Roodhouse, Mr. Kirkland began the erection of a large hotel. This on completion was known as the Kirkland House. The little town grew rapidly and he accordingly built several other substantial buildings to be used as stores. These were swept away by fire Sept. 4, 1876, a hard blow to the enterprising proprietor, who using his means in a liberal manner, contributed toward the prosperity of the town. The following month, nothing daunted by this calamity, Mr. Kirkland rebuilt on the ashes of his former building a handsome building on East Railroad Street, now known as the Kirkland Hotel, said to be the best in Greene County. See business card elsewhere. Of seven children born of his marriage, three are living: Robert M., Isabel and John. Mr. K. was the successor of John Roodhouse as president of the town board.