SHIRK-David - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

David SHIRK. Among the prominent agriculturists of Fountain County, Ind stands the name of David Shirk, who in the management of everything connected with his farm displays excellent judgment and sound sense. He was born in Liberty Township, Parke County, Ind in 1842 and inherits sturdy German blood from his maternal ancestors, his great grandfather on that side being a native of the Fatherland. Our subject's parents, Isaac and Sarah Shirk, were natives of Franklin and Vermillion Counties, Ind, respectively, the father having been born in 1810. The children born to this worthy couple are in The children born to this worthy couple are in order of birth: David, our subject; William, born in Parke County 1845 who died when 16; Edward born in Parke County in 1847, who died when 15; Isaac born in 1849, who married a Miss DeWitt of California and is the father of one child. The father of these children died in April 1848 and left the mother with her little family to provide for, the eldest child being only 8 years of age. She carried on the business and provided for her children, sending them to school and attempting to give them each a good education. Our subject was attending school when the war broke out and he returned to his home and enlisted in Co. H, 21st Indiana Infantry. Later he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability in 1861, and came home. In January of the following year he reenlisted in the 97th Infantry organized in Terre Haute, Ind and was sent to Louisville, Ky. From there he went to Memphis, Tenn and later was under Gen. Grant in the 15th Army Corps and started for Vicksburg. He was in some of the most prominent engagements of the war, experienced many hardships and was ever to be found at the front. He was a brave soldier and fought bravely for the Union. While at Memphis he was taken sick, but recovered sufficiently to reenter the army. Returning to the farm in Liberty Twp, Parke County, Ind he continued there engaged in tilling the soil until 1888, when he sold his farm in Parke County and moved to Fountain County, this state. Since his residence in this county he has been prominently engaged in his former occupation and as he is thoroughly familiar with every detail of farming, and is energetic and thorough-going, he has met with substantial results. In 1889 he bought his present property, known as the Thomas Farm and on this there is a fine vein of coal, making it a valuable tract of land. Mr. Shirk is very progessive and advanced in his ideas, has inherited the push and energy that made his ancestors so successful, and is now classed among the prosperous and substantial men of the county. He is a public-spirited citizen, and is active in all enerprises of a laudable nature. Mrs. Shirk is a worthy member of the Baptist Church, contributing liberally to its support. Our subject selected his life companion in the person of Miss Harriet Sangster, who was born Jan 4,1852 and whose father George Sangster was a soldier in the war of 1812, and their nuptials were celebrated in 1866. The fruits of their union have been 3 children: George E, who was born in 1867 and married Miss Clayport. He is well educated and is a graduate of the college of Terre Haute. At present he is a telegraph operator. Sallie Bell, born in July 1877, is also well educated and William born in 1881, now attending school. Mr. Shirk has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a membe rof the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Lodi Lodge No. 172 AF & AM and to Lodge No 98, K P of which he is a charter member. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and takes a deep interest in all these societies. In politics he is a strong adherent of Democratic principles and has held a number of local positions, discharging the duties of the same in a satisfactory and efficient manner. Our subject's grandfather, David Shirk, was one of the first settlers of this section and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, and accumulated a handsome fortune.

File Created: Jan 23, 2008