Rev. H.K. HINES, D.D. "An Illustrated History of the State of Washington." 1893. John F. KIRBY John F. KIRBY, a prominent citizen of Columbia county, now retired from active business, has passed more than a quarter of a century in the Evergreen State. Having been a successful farmer for a number of years, about eight years ago he retired to his beautiful home at Huntsville, and is yet in the prime of life, being but fifty-three years of age. He was born in Jennings county, Indiana, September 1, 1840, the youngest of five children born in the family of David and Eliza (BROWN) KIRBY. the parents were natives of Kentucky, descending from old and influential families of that State. The mother died when the subject of this sketch was a child, and his father re-married; and consequently the boy began the battles of life for himself a premature age. In 1852 he crossed the plains to Washington county, Oregon, where he spent the first eight years of his life on the Pacific coast. July 13, 1859, in Yamhill county, Oregon, he married Miss Mary TEEL, and Oregon pioneer of 1853. They had six children, three of whom are yet living,namely: Mary A., now Mrs. P.B. BATEMAN; Frances, now the wife of James H. FUDGE; and Abbie L., now Mrs. O.W. POLLARD. Two sons and a daugther are deceased. Mr. KIRBY located in Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1860. His home property consists of sixteen acres, two acres of which are devoted to a variety of fruits. In his political views Mr. KIRBY is a Republican, and he takes an active interest in public affairs. For two years he was County Commissioner, and he has represented his party at both county and State conventions. He is now a member of the County Central Committee. He also takes an active interest in educational and other public enterprises, having the welfare of the community at heart. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I.O.O.F. Submitted by: Holly Vonderohe, (Pollywogh@aol.com)