Background
Kirby, Absalom was born on March 16, 1837 in Washington, District of Columbia. Son of John and Georgianna (Eslin) Kirby.
Kirby, Absalom was born on March 16, 1837 in Washington, District of Columbia. Son of John and Georgianna (Eslin) Kirby.
Educational public schools, Washington.
Was engineer of the steamboat “Mount Vernon,” which carried Colonel Ellsworth and his regiment to Alexandria the morning he was killed, May 24, 1861. Appointed 3d assistant engineer, October 3, 1861. Promoted through all the grades.
Retired February 15, 1898.
Chief engineer of ships, Navy Yard, inspr. of machinery and fleet engineer on the blockade, 1861-1865. Participated in battle of Portuguese Royal, November 7, 1861, battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864.
Cruised in different parts of the world. Trustee Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington.
Member board directors Washington City Bible Society.
Member board directors
Married Sarah Watson Hogg, July 16, 1862.