William Burns Kirk

Former Mayor Dies After Long Standing Illness Contracted Cold in New York Last December and Never Recovered - Responsible for City Ownership of Skaneateles Water and New City Hall - Prominent Socially and Politically. William B. Kirk, twice mayor of the city of Syracuse, and the man to whom Syracuse is indebted for one of the greatest benefits ever gained to this commonwealth - the bringing of Skaneateles water here - died at his home, No. 820 James street, at 12:30 o'clock this morning. the members of his immediate family were at his side when the end came. For several months Mr. Kirk has been in feeble health, and his death was not unexpected, although it came suddenly at the last. His last public appearance was in December when he went to New York to be present at a hearing given by a sub-committee of the Democratic State committee in the contest for State committeeman from this county. A number of Syracuse politicians were heard in the interests of their friends, Mr. Kirk having been one of them. The weather at the time of his journey was intensely severe and Mr. Kirk contracted a cold, which developed into pneumonia and his condition was considered serious. He recovered up to a certain point, however, but was so weak that he was unable to leave the house. For more than a month he had been confined to his room. Born in Syracuse. Mr. Kirk was born in Syracuse on June 6th, 1850, and was the son of William B. Kirk, a Lafayette wagon maker, and his wife, Sarah Garfield, a relative of President James A. Garfield. The elder Kirk was one of the early settlers of Onondaga county and accumulated a large amount of property. He came to Syracuse and purchased the John Garrison tavern on the site of the present Kirk block at the corner of South Salina and West Fayette street and invested a considerable part of his money in New York Central stock. In 1869 the first Kirk block was built. William B. Kirk, jr., was educated in the schools of Syracuse and early in life developed strong intellectual powers and an aptitude for business. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Kirk succeeded to the management of a very large estate and took an active interest in politics. He was an ardent Democrat and labored zealously to promote the interests of the Democratic party. For many years he had the active cooperation in the management of the affairs of his party of Henry J. Mowry and William A. Beech, two of the most prominent Democratic leaders of Syracuse. Mr. Kirk, backed by their influence, was made Democratic State committeeman for this district, serving two terms. In 1888 Mr. Kirk was made the Democratic candidate for Mayor and was elected. He was re-elected mayor in 1889, and was nominated for a third term in February, 1890, but was defeated by William Cowie, now postmaster of Syracuse. Mr. Kirk's administration of the office of Mayor was characterized by energy, broad-minded intelligence and a service to the city of Syracuse of inestimable value. He was a progressive chief executive and took an active part in promoting public improvements and in developing the street railway system of the city. His greatest public service, however, was exerted to the securing of the grant of Skaneateles water for Syracuse. He was ably assisted in his efforts by Henry J. Mowry and other public-spirited and progressive citizens, including Bishop P. A. Ludden, who made a powerful speech at a public meeting held in Shakespeare hall in favor of securing the Skaneateles water supply. Named Water Board. The Legislature in 1888 gave the Mayor power to appoint a board of water commissioners and the city election at a special election in June, 1889, voted a bond issue of $3,000,000 to secure the Skaneateles water. The first water commission appointed consisted of E. B. Judson, Alexander H. Davis, W. H. Warner, P. B. McLennan and W. K. Niver. Other water commissioners subsequently appointed were James B. Brooke in 1891, W. H. Warner in 1892, Charles Hubbard in 1893, P. B. McLennan in 1895 and Henry J. Mowry in 1896. Mayor Kirk also took a leading part in promoting the building of a new city hall for Syracuse. The Legislature in May, 1888, authorized the bonding of the city for $300,000 to erect the new building, giving the Mayor authority to designate four commissioners to have charge of the building of the new edifice. Mayor Kirk appointed as such commissioners Henry J. Mowry, John Dunn, jr., August Falker, and E. F. Holden. The new City Hall was completed in 1891, while William Cowie was mayor. Mr. Kirk was retained as city hall commissioner after he had retired from the office of mayor. The City Hall was built inside of the appropriation and a surplus of several thousand dollars was turned over to the city by the commissioners. Under Mr. Kirk as mayor charter amendments were made giving the Mayor power to appoint a commissioner of public works and a corporation counsel. Mr. Kirk in recent years had been urged to accept the Democratic nomination for mayor, but declined to yield to the solicitation of his friends. He was a large owner of real estate and always labored zealously to promote the interests of Syracuse. His holdings in the southern part of the city were very large, including the Kirkwood driving park, which for many years was a popular racing track. The city has recently acquired a portion of Kirkwood park for park purposes. Owner of Kirk Block. His most notable real estate possession was the Kirk block at South Salina and West Fayette streets, which was erected by him. Mr. Kirk became one of the sureties on the bail bond of Col. John F. Gaynor for $40,000, and the bond was forfeited. The government has not yet collected on the bond, liability for which was denied by Mr. Kirk. At the age of 29 years Mr. Kirk married Miss Rose Poole of Liverpool. About twenty years ago they removed to the family residence on James street hill, which they have since occupied. Mr. Kirk leaves, besides his widow, two daughters, Miss Rose Poole Kirk of Syracuse, Mrs. Ralph S. Heilman of Sharon, Pa., and three sons, William B., jr., Henry M. and Donald G. Kirk of this city. Mr. Kirk was prominent in Masonic and social circles. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and was affiliated with the B. P. O. Elks, the Shriners, and several fishing and hunting clubs, including the Picton Fishing club of Canada. Mr. Kirk was an affable, courteous and popular gentleman, who was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens and a large circle of strong personal friends. Mr. Kirk, while unostentatious in his charities, yet gave liberally in many quarters. Until his son went to his office last winter to take charge of his father's business, none of the family had the slightest idea of the extent of Mr. Kirk's benefactions, or the number of poor families who were practically his pensioners. The funeral will take place from his home, No. 820 James street, on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. Calthrop, pastor emeritus of May Memorial church, officiating. The Masonic quartet will sing, and an escort from the Knights Templar will attend. Masonic services will be held at Oakwood cemetery. The honorary bearers have not yet been selected. The active bearers will be chosen three from the Knights Templar and three from the Elks. Syracuse, New York The Herald newspaper Saturday evening, August 26, 1911 Page 6, Columns 1 thru 3