Kilgore, Joe M.

KILGORE, MEEK, WILSON, SHIELDS

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 7/28/2021 at 11:57:15

Joe M. Kilgore, Superintendent of the County Poor Farm, is a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, born in 1843, and is the son of John L. and Mary (Meek) Kilgore, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. In 1845 he came with his parents to this county, and remained with them until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. A, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served until June of 1865. He was in all the principal engagements of his regiment and company. The first battle in which he participated was that of Chickasaw Bayou, Dec. 29, 1862, where he was wounded by a cannon ball which just grazed his hip. With the regiment, he was in the battle of Arkansas Post, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, the Atlanta campaign and in the march to the sea. At Atlanta he received a gunshot wound in the groin, from which he suffers to this day.

After being mustered out of the service, Mr. Kilgore returned home and remained one year, then went to Madison County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming four years, near Winterset. Returning to this county, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Washington County, where he has since continued to reside until appointed as Superintendent of the poor farm. Mr. Kilgore has been twice married. His first wife was Alice Wilson, a native of Des Moines County, Iowa. They were married in 1868. She died in 1874, leaving four children – Annie C., Ophie May, John Wilson and Frank A. In February, 1881, Mr. Kilgore married Mrs. Eliza J. Shields, widow of James Shields, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Matthew Mc. Dowell.

In February, 1887, Mr. Kilgore was appointed Steward of the County Hospital, and Superintendent of the County Poor Farm, which position he now occupies, and in discharge of its duties is giving excellent satisfaction. He seems to be adapted to the work, having perfect control over the inmates. While yet firm, he treats all with the upmost kindness. Mr. Kilgore is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, of which body his wife and daughters are also embers. He is also a member of the I. G. White Post No. 108, G. A. R. Politically, he is an uncompromising Republican, believing strongly in the principles advocated by that party. For the old flag he has an undying love, and while he is willing to extend the olive branch to those who were engaged in rebellion, he is not yet ready to abandon the principles for which he fought.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Joe M. Kilgore, pages 438-439.