Springfield-Greene
County LibraryEarly and Recent History and Genealogical Records
of Many of the Representative Citizens
GUY D. KIRBY. As a lawyer Guy D. Kirby, now judge of the Circuit Court of Greene county, for many years stood at the front of his profession at the Springfield bar, his career being noted for strength, fidelity and honor in his character. The relations between him and his clients are ever loyal and genuine. He is ever steadfast, sure and true. Among his professional brethren he is noted for his thorough knowledge of the law, not only of its great underlying principles, but also for its niceties and, its exacting details, and for his faculty of clearly presenting to court and jury the law and facts of the case. On the bench his painstaking, laborious review and study of each case, and his accurate recollection of precedents always keep him in thorough preparation, and his profound legal erudition and sound judgment prevent him from resting on any hazardous or uncertain ground. In every sphere he demonstrates the individual unit and creation of himself. Rectitude, moral force, integrity, innate love of justice, exalted sense of honor, and unflinching advocacy of- that which is right, are well defined elements of his personal character. Add to these industry and mental equipment, and we have the key to his success as a lawyer and as a judge.
Judge Kirby was born in Springfield, Missouri, March 3, 1873. He is a son of William M. and Virginia (Parrish) Kirby, the father being born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1846, and the mother's birth occurred in Springfield, Missouri, in 1847. William M. Kirby spent his earlier years in the Monument City and received a good practical education, and when a young man came to Springfield, Missouri, and ran a drygoods store here for several years, then held various positions under county officers for a number of years, and, in 1881, began his long career as traveling salesman, which he has continued to the present time being one of the most widely known commercial salesmen in the Southwest. On December 22, 1870, he and Virginia Parrish were married here. She grew to womanhood and was educated in her native county, receiving an excellent education. To the parents of our subject four children were born, namely: William C. is deceased; Guy D., of this sketch; Anne L. and Lellah V. These children were all given excellent educational advantages in the Springfield schools.
Judge Kirby grew to manhood in his native city and here attended the ward and high schools, later was a student in Drury College. Leaving school in 1895, he began the study of law with the late John O'Day as preceptor, and, having made rapid progress, was admitted to the bar in December, 1896. After that he continued studying law, but did not begin the practice of his profession until 1900. He continued active practice in the local courts for ten years with much success, or until he was elected judge of the circuit court in 1910,since which time he has discharged the duties of this important position in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents and all concerned, being generally regarded as one of the best men ever on this bench.
Judge Kirby has remained unmarried. Politically he is a stanch Democrat and active in local political affairs. He belongs to the Baptist church.
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