====== Robert Kirtley ======
Robert Kirtley was born May 30, 1786 along the Rapidian River in Culpepper (now Madison) County, Virginia, the son of Jeremiah and Mary Kirtley.  In [[1796]] he moved with his parents to [[Boone County]], Kentucky, where he resided for the rest of his life.

Around [[1806]], Robert married Mary Thompson, the daughter of Asa Thompson of the Bryant's Station area near Lexington, Kentucky.  They lived on a farm, and had ten children together, several of whom died in infancy.

In February [[1811]] Robert Kirtley was baptized by [[Christopher Wilson]], and joined the [[Bullittsburg Baptist Church]].  His life in the local religious community was briefly interrupted in [[1812]] when he entered the Kentucky militia as a Lieutenant, serving under General Harrison.  With the end of the [[War of 1812]], Kirtley returned home.

Robert became a Deacon in [[1817]], and was licensed to preach in July [[1819]].  He was later ordained in August [[1822]]. In [[1826]] he succeeded James Dicken and [[Absalom Graves]] as the sole pastor of Bullittsburg Baptist Church. He served for thirty-one years as a moderator for the [[North Bend Association of Baptists]], retiring from the post in [[1865]].

With the death of his wife, Mary, on 15 June [[1851]], Robert soon remarried.  His second wife was a widow, Mrs. Louisa Graves.  She, too, passed away following a short illness, on 13 September [[1858]].

Robert Kirtley died early in the morning of 9 April [[1872]].  His funeral was held at Bullittsburg Baptist Church the following day.  S.L. Helm officiated.

===== Related Topics =====
  * [[Biographies]]
  * [[Kirtley family]]