Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Shady Grove Baptist church for Thomas P Kirkman, 90, who died Monday at his home near Kennett. Rev. R. N. Whitaker of Clarkten, assisted by Rev. Lemonds of Kennett, had charge of the service. Internment was in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Thomas P. Kirkman was born on December 7, 1845 at Mifflin, Tenn., the son of Wiliam F. and Amy E. Kirkman. He was married to Nancy Mayfield on December 27, 1868. To this union eight children were born, three of whom survive. They are Mrs. Rosa Waldrep, Landrum Kirkman and Mrs Eva Baker. In 1874, Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman and children came to Missouri to make their home. Mrs. Kirkman died in 1890 and in 1896 he was married to Mrs. Mary Meharg. To this union three children were born, all of whom survive. They are Mrs, Betty Stroup of St. Louis, Mrs Hattie Floyd and Sam Kirkman.

Mr. Kirkman became a christian at the age of 20 years. He was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist church for more than 40 years and attended church and Sunday School regularly until a few months before his death.

Mr. Kirkman was a Civil War Veteran, joining the army at the age of 17 years, his father being his Colonel. He served in the army two years on the Union side.

In addition to his four daughters and two sons mentioned above, deceased is survived by five step-children, Mrs. Alice Potter, Mrs. Willie Read, Leonard, Ark.; Mrs. R. A. Davis, Chicago; G. D. Meharg, Senath; 22 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren, one brother, C.F. Kirkman of Hornerville; two sisers, Mrs. Mary Bower, Kennett, and Mrs. Elizabeth Whitewell of Altus, Okla.; and a grandson, Hubert Seymore of Kennett, whom he reared.

(editor’s note – his father – William Fields Kirkman – was his Corporal, not his Colonel)

Database created and maintained by Ryan Dupree.

Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.

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