THE BALLINAFAD ORAL HISTORY SERIES-

JAMES PALMER KIRKWOOD

In updates 54 and 56, we introduced you to the Rockside pioneers and the Kirkwood families. In the above picture, you see the Kirkwood clan in front of Hickory Falls, near Ballinafad and adjacent to the Shortill farm. From left to right, Alan Kirkwood, Marion Kirkwood (life partner of Jim), Marion Kirkwood and Jim Kirkwood. In the bottom picture, we see Jim Kirkwood Jr. At the Melville White Church Cemetery in Belfountain, south of Caledon, Ontario. Jim reads the tombstone of Alex Patullo and Jane Watson, deceased in 1828 and 1852 respectively. In the background is the Kirkwood plot.

We shall now tell the story of James Palmer Kirkwood as we trace the history of the pioneer families. He was the great grandson of William Kirkwood and Margaret McDonald and Donald McKay and Jessie Cobrough.The focus of this series is the oral history; the memories of the participants themselves. And what better way to begin than with a wonderful document called THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES PALMER KIRKWOOD. The document was prepared by family and friends for the celebration of his ninetieth birthday 0n September 9, 1990 in Brampton, Ontario. Reading the document, you travel through 100 years of history and four generations. As well you catch a glimpse of everyday life in the ``Fad``. Have a fascinating voyage.

See also 2 articles about Jim and Marion Kirkwood taken from the United Church Observer.