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Hon. C. F. Kirtland, of Poland, Ohio, died at the city hospital at noon today, after a sickness that has been of serious form for several weeks.
The affliction was one of the kidneys and bladder and because of its threatening character during the past week, on Sunday at a consultation of physicians, it was decided best that he be brought from his home at Poland to the city hospital for treatment. The journey was a trying one and on Sunday evening he was slightly delirious.
After full examination of the surgeons it was seen that blood poisoning was imminent and that the only chance for recovery lay in an operation.
This was performed yesterday and the patient rallied satisfactorily but the disease had made too great progress and after severe suffering through the night and morning he expired just about noon today.
Mr. Kirtland was one of the most widely and favorably known men in this part of Ohio. He was born at Poland on September 21, 1826; he was a grandson of Turhand Kirtland, one of the first settlers in the Mahoning Valley and a large land holder. He was sent to Chestershire, Mass., to school, those of this locality not affording such facilities for instruction as his parents desired he should have.
At the age of 23 years Mr. Kirtland joined an expedition of the gold seekers of “49.” He traveled by river to St. Joseph, Mo., and from that point he walked the entire distance across the plains and over the mountains to the gold diggings of California. His experiences upon that journey furnished one of the most delightful topics of conversation to this very versatile man.
He was successful in his search for gold and amassed a large fortune there, returning in 1851, after two years of labor and adventure. From that time he lived at Poland continuously to the time of his death.
He was an active supporter of the Union cause during the war, and rendered much service in securing enlistments and in rendering aid to soldiers’ families while they were at the front.
For many years Mr. Kirtland was president of the Poland Seminary and always took an active interest in the education advancement of the community.
He served as representative in the legislature of the state in the years 1871 and 1872, making a most efficient public officer. Mr. Kirtland was a man of wide reading and extensive travel. He visited Europe twice, traveling in a leisurely manner through all of the chief centers of art and the scenes of historic interest. He also traveled extensively throughout our own country returning twice to California since his first return.
Mr. Kirtland was twice married, first to Maria Swift in 1852. Of this marriage two children were born, both of whom died young. In 1876 he was married a second time to Harriet F. Swift. Of this marriage there were born two children, both of whom, with his wife, survived him.
Deceased was president of the Farmers’ Deposit and Savings Bank, Poland, which position he had held for the past three years, and always took an active interest in its affairs.
In disposition Mr. Kirtland was approachable and cordial. He was always charitable and kind, and by his many generous qualities attached to him a large circle of friends who will sincerely mourn his death.
The funeral will take place at Poland on Saturday afternoon, at half past one o’clock.

Reprint of THE YOUNGSTOWN DAILY VINDICATOR, Tuesday, April 14, 1896