My Genealogy Hound

JOHN J. KIRKHAM. One of the most attractive homesteads in Harmony Township, Clark County, is owned and occupied by the subject of this notice, who, in 1849, when a boy of twelve, rode over the land when it was covered with wild grass and water knee deep. It now presents the appearance of a beautiful and well-tilled tract, the fields laid off with neat fencing, the farm improved with modern buildings and everything about the premises denoting the thrift and prosperity, which could only have been brought about by the most unflagging industry and good management. Mr. Kirkham is a thorough and skillful farmer, and has obtained an enviable reputation as a stock-raiser, being able to exhibit some of the finest animals in this part of the county. He took possession of this farm in 1876, although becoming its owner in 1868. In the meantime he lived on his sister’s farm adjoining, and could thus give to his property the requisite attention. It lies on section 26, and comprises one hundred and ninety-one acres.

The birthplace of Mr. Kirkham was at his father’s homestead in Lisbon, Harmony Township, and the date thereof, March 2, 1837. With the exception of four years spent in Green Township, he has been a resident of his native township all his life, He attended the common school during his boyhood days, and later spent five months in Wittenberg College at Springfield. When a youth of nineteen years he began teaching school, which profession he followed two years. Subsequently he occupied himself as a farm laborer, and in cultivating rented land. He remained a bachelor until approaching the thirty-ninth year of his age, and was then married, January 24, 1876, in Springfield, to Miss Agnes J. Roddy. This lady was born in the State of New York, November 22, 1849, and is the daughter of Michael and Margaret (Drum) Roddy, who were both natives of Ireland. Mr. Roddy emigrated to America when a young man and settled in New York State, where he remained until 1850. Then coming to Ohio he settled on a farm near Lisbon, and remained there until his death, which occurred about 1865. His widow is still living, and makes her home on the farm of our subject. The six children born to them were named respectively, Mary, John, Fanny, deceased; James, Agnes and Charles.

Mrs. Margaret (Drum) Roddy is likewise a native of Ireland and of Irish ancestry. She lived in her native country until reaching womanhood, and upon emigrating to America settled in New York State, where she made the acquaintance of her future husband. Mrs. Kirkham was given such education as was afforded by the common schools, and remained with her mother until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there have been born eight children, viz.: John M., George C., James W., Jesse G., who died at the age of six years; Walter H., William S., Agnes M. and Benjamin F. The survivors are at home with their parents, and are being given the training and education suitable to their station in life. The Kirkham homestead, in all its appointments, reflects credit upon the enterprise of the proprietor, while the family holds no secondary position among the best people of the community.