Kirkland Family Obituaries

Obituary: October 16, 1863
Copied exactly as it appeared in the newspaper in the beautiful old words of long ago.

Fell, in the battle of Chickamauga, Sergeant R. R. Kirkland, in the 23d year of his age. In the very beginning of the war the deceased volunteered in the 2d Regiment, and participated in every battle which Kershaw’s Brigade was engaged in Virginia, from the battle of Bull Run to the late battle of Chickamauga, where he fell mortally wounded. Many gallant heroes have fallen, but not a more generous or gallant spirit has been sacrificed on our country’s alter since the beginning of the war, than that of the one for whom this is intended as a feeble tribute. He was one of those who, knowing his duty was willing to discharge it, be the consequences what they might. He shunned no hardships, he shrunk from no danger. His was a steady course, making the path of duty the road which he was won’t to travel. As a friend, as a comrade, as a soldier, as a son, his equals were rarely found; as a friend there was none more true, none more constant, in their attachment, none who would make greater sacrifices for those he relied upon as friends; as a comrade, he was kind and obliging - ever ready to share an equal part with those amongst whom he was thrown; as a soldier, he was brave, calm and collected amidst danger, ever ready to go, at a word, to the post assigned him; as a son, he was dutiful, obedient and kind. His form once animate, now lies encircled in the cold silent grave. No more will we meet his cheerful countenance, ever lit up with a smile; no more will his comrades stand side by side with him in fierce battle storm, or set around the camp fires together. "Young and gallant soldier rest in peace; fate has decreed that you should not reap the reward of all your toils; but your name stands recorded upon the long list of victories already sacrificed upon the altar of your country’s liberty." ---A Friend.

William Kirkland
Camden Journal
October 23, 1899

In Memoriam:

On Thursday, October 19, 1899, at his home near Flat Rock, William Kirkland departed this life aged fifty nine years. By the death of Mr Kirkland, Kershaw County loses a citizen who deserves more than a passing notice. He was the fourth son of John Kirkland, of precious memory. Who, on account of his integrity and tenderness of heart, was respected and beloved by everybody. Having the misfortune to lose his wife, the care of their children, six sons and one daughter, devolved upon Mr Kirkland alone. As the older children became of age, they married and lived to themselves. So that, in the early fifties, he had with him only his three little boys, William, Richard and Samuel, or as he affectionately called them, Billy, Dickie and Sammy. In character and disposition, each of these boys was a type of their father. Each was a little gentleman. Mothers of the community referred to them as models of deportment and true manliness. They attended the neighborhood schools, and possessed the confidence of their teachers and the love of their fellow pupils. At church, their good behavior was observed and commended. Years elapsed and it was not long when South Carolina needed them. Richard entered the 2nd SC Infantry, greatly distinguished himself, and died gloriously at Chickamauga, Samuel, the youngest, belonged to the 7th SC Cavalry, and survived the great stuggle to die in the Spring of 1866, from disease contracted while a prisoner at Point Lookout, Md. He carried upon his person the scars of battle. Willaim also belonged to the 7th Cavalry and in that regiment of gallant riders, there was not a gentler spirit or more daring trooper than Billy Kirkland. Such is the testimony of his comrades. Each of the brothers was distinguished as a soldier in proportion as he had opportune to be so. From Appomattox, Mr. Kirkland returned to his old home, where he has since led the quiet life of a farmer. For many years he was almost totally deaf, and on that account avoided company as much as possible. But he so bore himself in all relations of life as to prove himself the worthy son of a noble sire. And he carries with him to the grave the love and respect of all who knew him. About the year 1868, Mr Kirkland married his cousin, Mary Kirkland and their upon was blessed with four sons and four daughters of whom with their mother survive him. In the family circle, he was a most affectionate and indulgent husband and father. There he was known best and there he was loved most. The loss to his loved ones is overwhelming, but they have the consolation that he loved and obeyed God and that his life was that of an upright man. William Kirkland will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him. ---A Friend

FEATURES: CIVIL WAR UNITS: Kershaw's Brigade, CSA

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