Samuel Kirkpatrick

Samuel Kirkpatrick was born January 8, 1767, in Newton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. His father was James Kirkpatrick and his mother was Martha McElhenny, the second wife of James Kirkpatrick.

Samuel became an orphan after the death of his father in 1778, and he asked the courts to reappoint a guardian other than his mother, Martha Kirkpatrick, who wanted to indenture him at that time. The courts allowed James McKee of Lurgan Township to be his guardian until young Samuel reached his majority.

The Big Spring Presbyterian Church organized in 1737 was the church where the Kirkpatrick, McElhenny, and Weir families all worshiped. On April 5, 1791, Samuel was united in marriage to Ruth Weir in Middle Spring, Pennsylvania. Records from the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church indicate the service was held at another location other than the church. Speculation is that the service may have been held in the home of Ruth's Father, Abraham Weir of Lurgan Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. (Will Book B for 1816, Case 3944.)

Samuel and family along with Samuel's brother, Benjamin and his family all migrated and settled on farmland north of Chillicothe, Ohio around 1798. Samuel at his death on November 11, 1826, owned farms and lots in and near Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio.

The record office in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, VMS Survey Book, page 80, "We find Samuel and Benjamin Kirkpatrick chain carriers in a survey for Duncan McArthur." The survey for 300 acres of land, part of military warrant number 4993 on the waters of Deer Creek in the year 1803, was a survey number 4109. Samuel and Benjamin and all their families may have been living on this land at the time and intended to buy it.

Samuel and Ruth Weir Kirkpatrick were the parents of eight children: James, Abraham, George Washington, Jane, Ruth (Patsy), Samuel, Benjamin, and Polly.

Samuel and Ruth Kirkpatrick are resting alongside one another on the Kirkpatrick family farm in Ross County, Ohio. The graves of Ruth and Samuel are unmarked.