© 2008 Tony Kirkman
Maryland, USA
Key Locations
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Iowa
- California
Maryland
In 1649, a Maryland Catholic colony was formally opened to non-Catholics. George Kirkman was one of the immigrants who were indentured to Thomas Sewell, the proprietor of 500 acres in what became Dorchester County. At least two other Kirkmans, Roger and Melcher had arrived by mid-1660.
A number of transactions were documented which identified their Kirkman family. In 1682 and 1683 William Kirkman had land surveyed. In 1699 and 1701 a James Kirkman sold properties. In 1746 & 1774 James b 1713 sold or leased land to his brother George, Jr. William's will was executed in Talbot County in 1786, and in 1801 Thomas sold property to an Elizabeth Kirkman.
A number of transactions were documented which identified their Kirkman family. In 1682 and 1683 William Kirkman had land surveyed. In 1699 and 1701 a James Kirkman sold properties. In 1746 & 1774 James b 1713 sold or leased land to his brother George, Jr. William's will was executed in Talbot County in 1786, and in 1801 Thomas sold property to an Elizabeth Kirkman.
Meanwhile, back in England Robert Kirkman and Betty, perhaps Robert's sister, were associated with John and Charles Wesley at Oxford from around 1725. Family tradition suggests Rev. Robert came to Maryland about 1736 with his son George. This fits with the strong Methodist tendencies seen as the families moved to North Carolina where some helped found churches.
By the time of the migration to North Carolina, George, Sr. and his wife Elizabeth had six children.. George, Jr. was born 1712 & James b 1713. The birth years for Roger, Rosannah, Ann, & Comfort are not yet known.
North Carolina
After the Revolution, land opportunities in the southern coastal states drew settlers from the North. James b 1713 and his wife Mary, with their young children, moved to North Carolina. James acquired land in 1787, where he became the owner of 5 plantations and a number of slaves, thus earning his reputation as the "the rich Kirkman". James and Mary had at least 7 children: George, Jr. b 1735, William, Elisha, Elijah, Mary, Thomas Sherwood b 1771 & Roger b 1774. Their descendants are too numerous to mention here. When the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys opened for settlement, a number of the Guilford County Kirkmans, especially of the younger generations, moved westward to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Illinois
Elijah born in mid 1770’s in Maryland moved to Illinois before his death in Morgan County, in 1862, having first relocated to Tennessee by 1820. He married at least twice. Elijah’s brother George also died in the same county in 1853.
Indiana
James Thomas b abt 1775 in Maryland died in Gibson County, Indiana. George b 1795, son of Peter Noble b 1770, moved to Wayne County. in 1835 after fire destroyed the family home in North Carolina. George's son John b 1828 married & moved to Callaway County, Missouri, about 1870.
Kentucky
William b 1775 in Maryland became a farmer and moved to Todd County, Kentucky, where the town of Kirkmanville was named after his family. His elder brother Thomas b abt 1766 in Maryland moved to Christian County, Kentucky, having lived in Tennessee in the 1820 census.
Iowa
William b 1800 was the first constable of Iowaville around 1840, and died at Agency, Wapello County, Iowa, in 1844, shortly after the end of the war with the Sac and Fox Indians.
California
Two daughters of Thomas Gorin B S Kirkman, Maria, b 1853, and Iona Jane, b 1858, were born in California. William T Kirkman, Jr. came to the Central Valley of California about 1888 and established a nursery. In 1925 he moved to Brentwood, bought 1600 acres, and planted many of the first fruit trees in the area. Kirkmans from Illinois,
If you know of any Kirkmans who were in any of the above States before those mentioned, please let me know.