SHIRK, Lazarus - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

SHIRK, Lazarus, farmer, Waterman, is one of the oldest settlers in the township, having come with his father to Parke Co. an located on Coal Creek in 1826.  He was born in Franklin County, Indiana in 1823, his father, David Shirk, being originally from Georgia.  At the time of their settlement here the country was heavily timbered, no roads and no schools, and their only neighbors were RJ RICHMOND and the TIMMERMANs. Deer, turkey, wild cats, wolves and wild hogs were numerous and the Indians had a camp near their location, but were very friendly.  His father acted as a scout under Gen. HARRISON during the Indian war and his Uncle John served all throughout he war of 1812.  Mr. Shirk has been married twice: the first time to Mary, daughter of Thomas COOK, of Armiesburg, one of the early settlers of that place, in 1848.  His second marriage was to Annie, daughter of Jacob RHOADES, a native of PA, now a resident of Covington, Fountain County, IN.  He has a family of five children:  Margaret, Rosie, Andrew, Dora, David.  He has followed farming all his life, and by his industry has acquired a handsome farm of 300 acres, well improved and good buildings.  His father died in 1861.  Mr. Shirk was a member of the IOOF for 9 or 10 years and is a member of the democratic party. - kbz