PORTER KIRKPATRICK, deceased, was born in Tipton County, Ohio, August 14, 1822, a son of GEORGE W. KIRKPATRICK, who settled in Tippecanoe County with his family when the subject of this sketch was a child of five years.  Here the latter grew to manhood on the pioneer farm of his father, receiving but limited educational advantages, yet being an apt student, and making the most of the advantages afforded him, he became fairly well educated.  He was married March 8, 1858, to MISS ROZILLA McLAIN, a daughter of ALBERT and SUSAN (KIMBALL) McLAIN, who were natives of the State of Maine, the father born in 1814.  They were reared and married in their native State, and in 1852 immigrated with their family to Tippecanoe County, where they became numbered among the most esteemed citizens.  They were for many years consistent members of the Baptist church, and in politics he was a Republican.  On coming to this county they settled in Wea Township, and three years later removed to Shelby Township, where MR. McLAIN died in November, 1862, leaving a widow who survived until February 8, 1883, and a family of six children.  The of the children still survive--MRS. KIRKPATRICK, who is the eldest child; MRS. HELEN CROCKETT, of Lafayette, and ALBERT McLAIN, who also lives in Lafayette.  One son, ADELBERT, enlisted when but eighteen years old in the Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and after the close of the war remained in Texas, where he engaged in the cultivation of cotton.  He died November 30, 1872.
        In 1855 PORTER KIRKPATRICK purchased the farm in Wea Township, which is still occupied by his family, and here he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, being one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county, and always regarded as a substantial and worthy citizen.  The homestead contains 160 acres of valuable land and is one of the best in Wea Township.  In politics he was an ardent Republican, and for many years was a warm advocate of the cause of the Union.  He served as justice of the peace a number of years, and made a wise and just judge.  By his persevering industry and good management he was very successful in his pursuits, and left at his death a fine property, and, what is still better, an honorable reputation.  He was an active and enterprising citizen, and was ever liberal in the support of any enterprises which he regarded for the best interests of the people.  He died November 15, 1878, of typhoid fever, after an illness of two weeks.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows order.  MRS. KIRKPATRICK, who still lives at the homestead, was born July 15, 1839, and was but thirteen years old when she came with her parents to this county.  She has three daughters and one son living--MABEL MAY, wife of CHARLES O'NEAL, of Randolph Township; LILLIE EVA, wife of CHARLES LANDES, and FAIRFAX who was born March 30, 1868, and still living at home.  One daughter, IDA ADELLA, died when about two years of age.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 823-824
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1888

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