At 4:15 a.m. on last Wednesday, December 6, 1911, occurred the death of Mrs. Margaret H. Kirk, aged 86 years, 9 months and 12 days. She had been an invalid for nearly 14 years, not having been able to walk during all of that time. Patient, cheerful and uncomplaining through all her affliction, she exemplified the beautiful Christian character which had dominated her entire life. About a week before her death, her condition began to show a gradual decline in strength and vitality. For some time before the end came, she was in an unconscious condition and apparently suffered no pain. Death was but a peaceful release of spirit from the mortal body. With her, death had no fear nor dread, for had she lived a life of constant devotion to the Christian's faith and hope. Practically all her life she had been a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Funeral services were conducted at the First Presbyterian church at 3 o'clock p.m. on Thursday, the pastor, Rev. W. B. Leonard, being in charge and preaching an appropriate and impressive sermon. Interment was made in the Coldwater cemetery by the side of her husband.

Deceased was born in Clarion county, Penn., on February 24, 1825. On May 2, 1844, Margaret H. Rankin was married to David Kirk in Clarion county, Penn., and until the time of coming to Kansas they resided in Corydon, Ia. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk moved from Iowa to this county in 1898. Three years later the husband died, and since that time Mrs. Kirk had made her home with her sons, R. M. and J. C. Kirk, in and near this city. Besides the two sons named, four daughters survive; Mrs. W. E. McCune and Miss Carrie Kirk of this city, Mrs. Eliza Means of Pittsburg, Penn., and Mrs. Sarah Rogers of Bellingham, Wash. A daughter died soon after Mr. and Mrs. Kirk came to this county, 13 years ago. An infant daughter had died several years before. Mrs. Kirk was one of the best of women, devoted and faithful as a wife and mother, a good neighbor and universally esteemed by all who knew her.

Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Prather of Protection were called to Coldwater this week by the sickness and death of Mrs. Prather's grandmother, Mrs. Margaret H. Kirk.

David Kirk, husband of Margaret H. (Rankin) Kirk.

Thanks to Shirley Brier for contributing the above obituary to this web site!

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