J. W. Kirkpatrick, the leading jeweler of El Dorado, Kans., is a progressive young business man who has made rapid and substantial progress in his chosen field since he has engaged in business for himself. Mr. Kirkpatrick was born at Holden, Missouri, August 31, 1881, and was the only child of James L. and Rebecca (Hall) Kirkpatrick, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. The mother died when J. W. was an infant and he never knew a mother's care. The father married a second time and to that union were born two children: Russell Kirkpatrick, of Jefferson City, Mo., and Ernest, who resides at Holden, Mo. The father also resides there.

In 1886, when J. W. Kirkpatrick was five years old, he went to live with his grandfather, W. W. Hall, at Anthony, Kans. Here he was reared and educated, attending the Anthony High School, and afterward learned the watchmaker's trade at Anthony. After working at his trade there for two years he went to Atchison, Kans. and was employed as a watchmaker for one year. In 1900 he came to El Dorado and worked at his trade for seven years and on October 15, 1907, engaged in the jewelry and watch-making business for himself at No. 105 North Main street, which is his present location. He carries a complete line of watches, jewelry and articles usually found in a first class jewelry store. During the nine years that he has been in the jewelry business in El Dorado, he has built up a reputation for honesty and square dealing which is one of the most valuable assets that a merchant can have, especially in his particular line of business. When Mr. Kirkpatrick says "It is solid gold," it is solid gold, for it is his business to know, and it is his method to represent his goods as they are.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was united in marriage at Wichita, Kans., June 6, 1906, to Miss Ester Louise Thayer, of Wichita. She is a daughter of J. L. Thayer and Mina (Cash) Thayer. The father is now living retired at Wichita and Mrs. Thayer is deceased. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Decatur, Ill. She is a prominent member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was the organizer of the El Dorado chapter. She is now regent of that order. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a member of the time honored Masonic Lodge and politically is a Republican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are well known in El Dorado and vicinity and have many friends.

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