William Fosgate Kirby (1867 - 1934)

Born 16 Nov 1867 in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Ella Lenora (Kelley) Kirby — married 19 Oct 1898 in Bowie, Texas, United States

Died 26 Jul 1934 at age 66 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

Preceded by James Paul Clarke

William F. Kirby US Senator (Class 3) from Arkansas 1916—1921

Succeeded by Thaddeus H. Caraway

Biography

William Kirby is Notable.

William Fosgate Kirby is notable for his multifaceted career as a lawyer, politician, and judge, leaving a lasting impact on Arkansas's legal and political landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Serving in various capacities, including as a state legislator, attorney general, U.S. Senator, and associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court, Kirby demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and advocating for the interests of his constituents. His principled stance on issues such as railroad regulation, antitrust enforcement, and neutrality during World War I underscored his dedication to public service and shaped the trajectory of Arkansas's legal and political history.^[1][2]

William Fosgate Kirby was born on November 16, 1867, in Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas^[3], to Joseph Fosgate Kirby and Martha Ann (Ferguson) Kirby. He spent his early years in Texas, residing in Precinct 1, Bowie County, in 1870^[4], and in Bowie County in 1880.^[5]

In pursuit of higher education, Kirby enrolled at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee, in 1883. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in law in 1885. Returning to Arkansas, he was admitted to the bar in June of the same year, initiating a private law practice alongside his father.^[3]

Kirby's political career began in 1892, when he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing Miller County. He served two terms in the House before being elected to a single term in the Arkansas Senate. During his legislative tenure, he notably supported Governor Jeff Davis and advocated for railroad regulation.^[3][6]

On October 19, 1898, Kirby married Ella L. Kelley in Bowie County, Texas.^[7] By 1900, he had settled in Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas, where he practiced law and served as state secretary.^[8]

In 1903, the General Assembly tasked Kirby to compile Arkansas's statutes, resulting in the publication of "Kirby's Digest of the Statutes of Arkansas" in 1904.^[9] Subsequently, in 1906, he was elected Arkansas's attorney general, enforcing antitrust laws and prosecuting corporate malpractice.^[1][10]

Although unsuccessful in his gubernatorial bid, Kirby continued his private law practice, eventually becoming the attorney for the railroad commission, where he enforced transportation regulations.^[1]

In 1910, Kirby relocated to Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, where he pursued a general law practice. The same year, he was elected associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.^[11]

In 1914, Kirby vied for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, narrowly losing to James P. Clarke. However, he won the seat in a special election following Clarke's death in 1916. As a senator, Kirby opposed President Wilson's efforts to involve the U.S. in World War I, advocating for neutrality. Despite his convictions, his reelection bid faced challenges due to his anti-war stance.^[1]

Following his Senate tenure, Kirby resumed his law practice. In 1926, he was reelected as an associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court. He continued serving in this capacity until his death.^[1][12]

Despite multiple attempts to return to the U.S. Senate, Kirby was unsuccessful. He passed away from hypertensive heart disease on July 26, 1934, at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.^[13][14] He was laid to rest at State Line Cemetery in Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas.^[15]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4} Stark, Geoffery L., University of Arkansas Libraries, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 4 Mar 2024. "William Fosgate Kirby (1867–1934)." Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. William F. Kirby. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. March 25, 2023, 05:35 UTC. Available at: "William F. Kirby." Accessed March 14, 2024.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005, United States. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2005. "William Fosgate Kirby biography." Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
4. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Precinct 1, Bowie, Texas; Roll: M593_1576; Page: 430B Ancestry Record 7163 #7588914
5. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Bowie, Texas; Roll: 1292; Page: 7a; Enumeration District: 001 Ancestry Record 6742 #40342246
6. ↑ Malone, David., "Hattie and Huey", Biblography Index, 1989. "Hattie and Huey: An Arkansas Tour." Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
7. ↑ Texas, U.S., Marriage Index, 1824-2019: Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin, Texas; Texas Marriage Index, 1966-2019 Ancestry Record 8795 #346727
8. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas; Roll: 68; Page: 8; Enumeration District: 0122 Ancestry Record 7602 #20687788
9. ↑ Arkansas, John T. Castle, and William F. Kirby. Supplement to Kirby's Digest of the Statutes of Arkansas: Embracing the General Statutes Enacted at the Leglislative Sessions of 1905, 1907, 1909, and the Regular Session of 1911 Together with Notes of Decisions of the Supreme Court of Arkansas and of the Federal Courts Construing the Constitution of the State and the Laws Contained in Kirby's Digest, and Subsequent Enactments. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1911. "Kirby's Digest of the Statutes of Arkansas." Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
10. ↑ Dynamite Found in Kirby's Yard", Pine Bluff Daily Graphic, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 6 Sep 1907, Fri. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 143334547, Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
11. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Little Rock Ward 6, Pulaski, Arkansas; Roll: T624_62; Page: 21a; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 1374075 Ancestry Record 7884 #746550
12. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0024; FHL microfilm: 2339826 Ancestry Record 6224 #85780162
13. ↑ "Judge Kirby Succumbs", The Star Progress, Berryville, Arkansas, 2 Aug 1934, Thu. - Page 1. Newspapers Clip: 14334640, Accessed 14 Mar 2024.
14. ↑ Arkansas, Death Certificates, 1914-1969: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Death Certificates; Year: 1934; Roll: 3 Ancestry Record 61777 #348710
15. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6727674/william_fosgate-kirby: accessed March 14, 2024), memorial page for William Fosgate Kirby (16 Nov 1867–26 Jul 1934), Find A Grave: Memorial #6727674, citing State Line Cemetery, Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q2578733