Henry Kirklin: A Legacy of Gardening and Education

Hello! Thank you so much for reading us again!  

Let's dive right into today's topic. Today we will be learning about Henry Kirklin, a three-tiered pillar in Columbia Missouri's history.  

Kirlin's story shows resilience, and educational leadership in post-Civil War Missouri. Born into slavery in 1858 on a farm just east of Columbia, Missouri, Kirklin spent his earliest years enslaved before being freed by his mother at the age of five.  

Even though he never had the opportunity to attend school himself, he became a successful gardener, businessman, teacher, and agricultural expert. 

As a young man, Kirklin worked as a greenhouse supervisor for the University of Missouri's horticulture department. His knowledge of plants and gardening was so impressive that he was asked to teach part of some university classes. Black people were not allowed inside the university's school buildings at the time, so Kirklin taught the students outdoors. He taught them skills such as plant propagation and pruning. This made his position particularly significant because he was sharing his knowledge with students at a university that had denied him the opportunity to receive a formal education there. 

Kirklin also built a successful business of his own. In 1883, he purchased land on Switzler Street, where he had his home and a market garden. He grew fruits and vegetables and sold his produce throughout the community. His reputation for producing high-quality food eventually brought him recognition beyond Columbia. Later in his life, he received awards and traveled to speak at conferences, sharing what he had learned about agriculture and gardening. 

Education was another important part of Kirklin's life. He was a strong advocate for Frederick Douglass Highschool. He participated in Douglass's PTA meetings and advocated for an algaculture program. In addition, he taught at a vocational school for African Americans in Chariton County and shared his agricultural knowledge with people at schools and fairs around Missouri. He encouraged people to make use of available land by growing gardens and producing food. His ideas were practical, but they also helped other people become more independent and connected to their communities. 

What I found most meaningful about Henry Kirklin's story is that he continued to educate others even though he had been denied many educational opportunities himself. He faced significant barriers yet he became someone whose knowledge was respected throughout the state. His work showed that education does not only happen inside a classroom. Sometimes people learn through experience, hard work, and sharing what they know with others. 

Henry Kirklin died in 1938 at the age of 80 and was buried in Columbia Cemetery. His legacy, however, continued through the people he taught and the agricultural work he contributed to Columbia. His story is an important part of Columbia's history because it shows how one person can make a lasting difference in a community despite the obstacles placed in his way. 

As we wrap up today, I hope you will feel inspired by Henry Kirklin's story. I also wanted to let you know that for the next few blog posts we will be hearing from some our high school graduates. We learn about their experiences at Douglass, how the school has changed since then, and what they are doing now. I hope you will join me!