E. KIRBY CALKINS was born in Henrietta, Monroe County, NY, February 18, 1866. After attending Monroe Academy and the public schools in Rochester he entered Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, NY, from which he was graduated in 1883. He then entered the employ of the Walter A. Wood Mower and Reaper Co. at Rochester as bookkeeper. Here he remained until 1888, when he entered the employ of the Johnston Harvester Co. of Batavia, N.Y., as traveler, making several trips to Europe in their interest. January 1, 1894, he accepted a position as manager of the sales department of the Milwaukee Harvester Co. at Milwaukee, Wis., and remained there until August, 1894, when he became connected with the Spirit of the Times as business manager. March 19, 1895, he formed a partnership with David D. Lent and purchased the Spirit of the Times and the printing business.

He was married March is, 1891, to Miss Lena B. Hitchcock of Bristol, N.Y., and they have one child, Ruth K.