BIOGRAPHY: Solomon S. SHIRK, Patterson, Juniata Co., PA
  
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Mike Williamson 
  Transcribed by Patty Frank
  
  Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/juniata/
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  The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, 
  Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, 
  Pennsylvania.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume II, 
  Page 844.
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    SOLOMON S. SHIRK, Patterson, Juniata county, Pa., was born at
  Walker township, Juniata county, Pa., July 31, 1843. He is the son of
  James and Elizabeth (Moist) Shirk. David Shirk, his grandfather, who
  was of German descent, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and removed
  to Juniata county. Later he resided in Bedford county, and died there.
  He married Mary Love, and had ten children: James; John; David;
  Barbara; Joseph; Samuel; Michael; Christopher; Levi; and Henry. James
  Shirk, father of Solomon Shirk, was born in Lancaster county. He was a
  plasterer, and was in business all his life. He married Elizabeth,
  daughter of Henry Moist. Their children were: Solomon; Jennie (Mrs.
  John Woodward); David; and Clyde. James Shirk died in 1850.
    Solomon Shirk was educated in Fermanagh township, and when sixteen
  years old learned his fatheris trade. In 1865 Mr. Shirk enlisted in
  Company A, One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
  served until the close of the war. Then he farmed in different places
  until 1880, when he moved to the farm on which he now resides. He is a
  Republican; he has served as school director and as inspector of
  elections.
    In 1869 Solomon Shirk marred Susan Haldeman, who died three months
  later. In 1871 he married Mary, daughter of Thomas Beale. They had
  three children: Bertha; David; and William. Mr. Shirk attends the
  Presbyterian church.