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Judge William J. Kirk, undertaker and dealer in agricultural implements,
postmaster, notary public and real estate agent, at Maxville, Mo., was
born in St. Louis, October 1, 1839, and is the eldest of eight children
of Francis and Margaret (Roensteel) Kirk, only himself and a sister now
living.  The father was born in County Down, Ireland, April 9, 1809, 
and when a young man came to the United States and spent some years in
New York City, engaged in the bakery business.  He then went to Conewago, 

Penn., where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 

compelled to abandon it on account of old age.  He was married in
Pennsylvania in 1838, and immediately afterward took a stage trip 
across the mountains to St. Louis, where he lived until 1853, when he
moved to a farm in Jefferson County, and in 1874 he moved to Maxville,
and here died October 21, 1887, aged seventy eight years, six months 
and twelve days.  The mother was born in Indiana in 1816, and died 
April, 1874, aged fifty seven years and eleven months.  She was a member 

of the Catholic Church, as well as her husband, who was a convert. The 

Judge was reared principally in St. Louis, and educated at the public 

and sectarian schools of the city and in the schools of Jefferson County, 

where he came with his parents.  He served in the Enrolled Missouri 

Militia as Captain of Company H, Eightieth Regiment, and operated on the 

Iron Mountain Railroad.  In 1863 he married Miss Mary Josephine Ruess, a 

native of St. Louis County, Mo., born June 27, 1844, and the daughter of 

John N. and Martha Ruess, who were born in Baden, Germany.  Of the ten 

children born to Mr. Kirk and wife, seven are now living: Dr. William 

J. F., Phillip J., Thomas J., Francis J., Mary J., Anna J. and Robert J.  

He was instrumental in establishing the postoffice at Maxville, and has 

been postmaster at that place for sometime, ever since 1873.  He has 

lived within two miles of Maxville ever since 1853, and about 1873 he 

moved to Maxville, and for fourteen years has resided in the town engaged 

in merchandising, etc., and for twelve years he has been notary public, 

and has been justice of the peace for nine years, commencing soon after 

the war.  In 1880 he was elected county judge from the First District 

and served one term.  During all his official career he has retained his 

good name and has given general satisfaction.  He is an earnest worker 

for the cause of education, and is politically a life long Democrat, his 

first presidential vote being cast for J. C. Breckinridge, in 1860.  He 

is a member of the Catholic Knights of America and other benevolent societies.