The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-15
Hon. william Rirkman.


William kirkman is GO years of age and was
born in the north of England, but he came to
America with his parents in 1852 The Kirk
mans took up their home in Boston. William
had not been in the country two years quite,
when an incident in American history occurred
that made of him an ardent Republican, with
which party he has affiliated deyotedly ever
since, although his sympathies were warmly
Democratic at the outset OF his life this soil.
In 1854 the fugitive slave Burns was seizod at
Boston and placed in custody nj the courthouse
by officers from the South. While detained at
the courthouse an attempt was made to rescue
him, in watch one OF the, enthusiasts
created the widest excitement, but tho
negro taken out of Boston
before the very eyes OF the peope. placed on 9
revenue cutter, and returned 10 the south and
to the master who claimed bin chattel.
This outrage upon the defenseiess negro made
Mr.. kirklngn a Republican. He did not remain
long in Boston, for the year OF the Burns affair
he emigrated to San Francisco From here he
sailed to Australia, attracted BY the gold ex-
element in that country, which stirred the
whole civilized world. He returned to North
America i'll 1858 aud followed the ups and downs
OF the Fraser river excitement he has taken
an active part in all the mining and sectional
excitements known in tho history OF the North
west For the last twenty-one years Mr.. Kirk
man has been identified with the his
Waiia Wslla and the country
tributary thereto. During that time he has
been farmer and stock raiser He has under
cultivation in the immediate vicinity OF Walla
Walla from J, 300 to 1880 acres. In speaking of
the struggles OF his earlier years. Mr.. Kirkmnn
does not Disguise the fact that he has also had
reyerses and heavy losses. In the winter of 1850
he lost 5000 head of stock. He has always,
however, been considered the heaviest stock
raiser In The southeast section OF the Columbia
river basin. The Hon. M. Kirkman has always
taken the liveliest interest in state politics He
was delegate 10 every territorial convention
held since he came here, and always won recog-
milton by his practical knowledge of affairs
and general business ability. He is
very wealthy man. being Interested in
every enterprise of any Importance in
the city of Walla Walla. He also has large in
terests in Seattle. He is half owner in the Ar
liugton hotel block aud has other properly in
this city. Mr.. Kirkman married a number OF
years ago at San Francisco and the issue of tho
union has been two sons ana two daughters
One of the boys is attending the Boston law
school and one of the young ladies' will be grad
uated this summer from Whitman college. For
years he has worshipped the very name OF
James e. Blaine and he stated last night that of
all Americans Blaine would be his choice He
realized. how ever. that the name Of Mr. Blaine
would scarcely come before the convention and
that as lar as he was concerned he would 10y
ally support that man, whoever he might be-
who should be the choice of the Republican
party OF the United States. Mr.. Kirkraau said
that bis election was an honor unsought and
most gratefully appreciated.