Grayson County TXGenWeb

Denison Daily News
Sunday, November 24, 1878

Died, at his residence, in this city, November 23d, 1878, at 8:20 a.m., after a protracted illness, Judge W.D. Kirk, aged 65 years.
Deceased was a native of the state of Louisiana. At an early age he emigrated to California, and while in that state held several offices of trust. Twice he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Sanislaut county by overwhelming majorities, he having endeared himself to the people of that county by the fearless and able manner im which he discharged the duties of that office.
The beginning of the late Civil War found him in New Mexico, and when the Confederate troops under Gen. Sibley entered that Territory, he, already espoused the cause of his native country, the Sunny South, and attached himself to a company formed in the Territory, which augmented the forces under Gen. Sibley. At the battle of Glorietta he was wounded in the left leg, which was amputated at Albuquerque. The operation, however, being but badly performed, a second amputation became necessary on the arrival of Sibley's brigade at San Antonio. On his recovery he was appointed a Captain in the Quartermaster's department, in which cacapcity he served his country until the surrender.
In the winter of 1872 he came to this city, and since then has held the office of city clerk, was twice elected Justice of the Peace, and at the time of his death was a member of the city council. He was a good and upright citizen, a kind and affectionate father and husband, and his death will be regreted by a large number of friends throughout the state.
We had known Captain Kirk long and intimately; served with him in the same command during the New Mexican campaign, and in his death we deplore the loss of a true and valued friend. Deceased leaves a wife and one child, and an adopted daughter.
The funeral will take place this morning at 11 o'clock from St. Luke's Episcopal church, and will be attended by the order of Free Masons, of which deceased was an honored member. Rev. J.T. Wright will deliver the funeral sermon.

Denison Daily News
Sunday, November 24, 1878

MASONIC
A special meeting of Lone Star Lodge, No. 403, A.F. and A.M., will be held at 9 o'clock a.m. for the purpose of attending the funeral of Brother W.D. Kirk.
Visiting brethern sojourning in the city are fraternally invited to attend.
J.W. Jennings, W.M.
J.A. Brenner, Secretary

Denison Daily News
Wednesday, November 27, 1878

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT
At a called meeting of Lone Star Lodge No. 403, November 23, 1878, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted
WHEREAS, It has please Almighty God, our Superior Grand Master, to remove from our midst our worthy brother, W.D. Kir,, to that bourne whence no traveler returns, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Lone Star Lodge, No. 403, deeply mourns the loss of a consistent Mason, a genial and warm hearted brother, who was always ready and willing to assist all worthy brothers, their widows and orphans, to the fullest extent of his "cable tow."
RESOLVED, That our city and social circles have lost in the death of Captain Kirk a firm friend to Denison, a consistent and honorable business man, and genial companion.
RESOLVED, That the members of this Lodge extend to his bereaved family their heartfelt sympathies, and the the Lodge room be draped in mourning for thirty days.
RESOLVED, That the city papers be requested to publish these resolutions and that a copy of them be furnished to family of the deceased.
Geo. W. Williams
G.G. Randell
J.M. Cook
Com.