JAMES THOMPSON KIRK, son of George A. Jane (Thompson) Kirk, was born on the 21st of September, 1825, at Canonsburg. The family were Covenanters of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was educated at Jefferson College, and previous to the war had held five commissions in the militia. He was married in 1855 to Miss Mary Swan. He served during the Rebellion in the Tenth Reserve regiment, as Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel in succession, and participated in the battle of Dranesville, soon after which he came to the command of the regiment, in the Seven Days’ battle upon the Peninsula, Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam. Towards the close of the latter engagement he was placed over the brigade, which he led to the close of the battle. His health having become much impaired, by the advice of his surgeon he resigned and returned to private life. In May, 1863, he was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal, which office he held to the close of the war.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
