William Marion Kirk, son of William and Mary Kirk, was born at the old Kirk homestead in Spring Garden Township, Feb. 7, 1842, and died Feb. 8, 1925 at the age of 83 years and one day.

"Uncle Will" as he was usually called, received his education in the common schools, and passed his whole life in the neighborhood of his birth.

He was united in marriage to Sarah J Randall, Jan. 31, 1861.

This union was blessed with nine children, three of whom (one infant and two married daughters, Mrs Laura Dundar and Mrs Nell Vanatta preceeded him in death.

Those living are : Mrs Sarah Wyatt of Shelton, Wash., Mrs. Florence Carroll and Mrs William Butler of ina, Sebern Kirk and Mrs David Webber of Benton and Elick Kirk of Ina. He as also survived by 36 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

Deceased was active in public life, and always took an interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and good of the community.

A little over eight years ago he was stricken with paralysis which greatly enfeebled his health. His wife preceeded him in death about seven years ago, and since that time he has made his home most of the time with his children.

Uncle Will's motto was the "Golden Rule" - Do unto others as you would would have them do unto you." He made many friends while sojourning here, but best of all we believe he made friends with his Savior.

Just one week before his death, he told a daughter who constrained with him to put himself in God's hands, that he was doing so. He also told others he was trusting God.

During his years of feebleness he was very patient, never wanting to give any trouble to those who administered to his needs. He was consious until the last, and death came like a a quiet sleep - like one who wraps the draperies of night about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

While we grieve over his absence and miss his wise council and tender love, we submit to the will of God who giveth and taketh away.

We committ this precious body to the grave to wait the resurrection, knowing he is in the hands of a just God who doeth all things well.

Funeral was held at Kirk cemetery, Feb. 10 and was conducted by Rev. J R Adams of Bonnie.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish to publicly express our heartfelt thanks to our kind neighbors and friends who so generously assisted us through the trying ordeal - the illness and death of our father, William M. Kirk, who departed this life Feb, 8th. May the blessings of heaven abide with each of you.
- The Children

(written by Florence Carroll)

Source: Unknown - small type looks like Benton paper
Date: Unknown
Submitted by: Stanton M Fowler Jr.