Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Kirby, William Fosgate
KIRBY, WILLIAM FOSGATE, United States Senator from Arkansas, born in Miller co., Ark. in 1867. He was educated in the public schools and studied law at Cumberland University. He began the practice in 1885. He was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1893 and again in 1897. From 1899 to 1901 he was a member of the State Senate. In 1904 he compiled the laws of the State. He was Attorney-General of Arkansas in 1907-1908 and was defeated for the nomination for Governor in the latter year. From 1910 to 1918 he was Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. After having been defeated in the primary election for Senator in 1914, he was elected in 1916 to fill out the unexpired term of James P. Clarke. He was a Democrat in politics. He was defeated for renomination in 1920.