In the spring of the year above mentioned our subject returned to Columbus, Ohio, visiting there two months. Returning to Illinois, he re-engaged in the pottery business, and was soon recognized as one of the most valued citizens of this community - a man of more than ordinary capacities and intelligence. After occupying other positions of trusts and responsibility, he was elected to the Lower House of the Legislature, in which he served one term, and later was elected to the Senate, in which he served one tern. Subsequently he became the candidate of the Whig party for Governor, and was defeated by Augustus C. French. He assisted in the organization of Scott County, and at all times was distinguished by that public spiritedness and liberality which was ever willing to lay aside personal plans and interests whenever he could be of service to the people.

Upon the outbreak of the late war, our subject enlisted in Company E, 28th Illinois Infantry, of which he was elected Captain, and subsequently given the commission of Colonel. He was in command of the regiment, acting as General at the time of being killed. In politics he was at first a Whig, later a Republican, and in religious matters a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both in his public and private life he was distinguished for that kindness of heart which prompted him ever to respond to the call of distress, and he was most essentially the poor man's friend from which none were ever turned away empty. His remains fill a soldier's grave in the cemetery at Winchester, and his name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him.

To Colonel and Mrs. Kilpatrick there were born eight children, only one of whom is living, namely: Mattie I., the wife of Judson Dayen, of San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Kilpatrick has three grandchildren - Ella (Dayen) Overacker, Viola Clemmons and Lovey (McPherson) Barb, wife of Angelo B. Barb, of Winchester; the latter has one child - Burrell. Burrell McPherson, the father of Mrs. Barb, served as a soldier in the late war with Col. Kilpatrick as Second Lieutenant, and was afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant. He went all through the war, and escaped unharmed, never receiving a scratch. He is familiarly known as "Uncle Joe," and is now living in Gold Hill, Col., where he owns mining property.