Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.
Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 631 -- 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.