Following is one of the Biographies and Stories which where gathered by Charles Sumner McKamy in the 1950s for publication in a Crawford County History Book. Unfortunately he passed away before the book was published.
Born near Oblong, Illinois November 6, 1905
Parents: W. W. Kirk and Elizabeth Johnson Kirk
Married Blanche Evelyn Walker February 1, 1928
Children: Donald; employed by the Ohio Oil Company. Charles; Air Force career and stationed at International Airport in Tokyo. Rosemary and Evelyn at home
Graduated from Oblong Township High School in 1924 and began farming with his father. Later purchased an adjoining farm operating it, his father's and others land totaling 440 acres producing grain and livestock.
Grange Record:
- A charter member of Oblong Grange No. 1885 organized in 1937. Elected a member of the Executive Committee of the Illinois State Grange in 1941 and moved up to master in 1945, a position still held.
- Elected a member of the Executive Committee of the National Grange in 1950 and in 1951 moved up to Overseer (vice-president) of that organization, a position which is currently held. Has served five years as chairman of the agriculture committee of the National Grange.
Appointments:
- Appointed a member of the State Soil Conservation Districts Advisory Board by Governor Green in 1947 and has been appointed by each succeeding Governor. Is currently serving as Chairman of that Board.
- Nationally is a member of the Oilseeds Advisory Board and a member of the agriculture committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce. Has served as a member of the National Corn and Wheat Advisory Boards.
Community Work:
- Active in the Grange
- Deacon in the Pleasant Valley Congregational Church
- Served twelve years as a member of the Board of Education of the Oblong Township High School including three years as secretary and three as president