Charles Shirk, age 55 years, the husband of Bessie Shirk, and one of the city's best known residents died at the family home, 1225 Webster Avenue, at 4:30 o'clock this morning. Death was attributed to pneumonia, which was contracted last Friday. He had been bedfast since that time. Mr. Shirk and his family moved here fifteen years ago from Springport and he continued his work as a blacksmith. More recently he had been employed by the Chrysler Corporation. He was well known throughout the community, and a highly regarded citizen.
He is survived by the widow, three daughters, Mrs. Wilbur Lee, Mrs. Susan Heinz and Miss Mabel Shirk all of this city; three sons, Bernard, John, and Charles Shirk, Jr. of this city; and three grandchildren. In addition, there survive two sisters, Mrs. C.H. Burr, of Middletown, and Mrs. Cecil Taylor, of Sullivan, Indiana. Funeral arrangements are to be announced later pending word from distant relatives.
Submitted by
Amy Miller-Connell and
Ann Miller-Neilsen of Indianapolis, Indiana
great granddaughters of Bessie Spell-Shirk
Bessie Spell Shirk born Alberta Lee "Bessie" Spell on July 29, 1876 in Mt. Summit, Henry County, Indiana. She was daughter of Mahala Susan Dunbar and Allen Crandall Spell. She married Charles Rosco Shirk on January 4, 1899 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana. Bessie died on March 24, 1952 in New Castle,Henry County, Indiana.
THE PIONEERS - Biography of Bessie's gr-grandparents
THE ELOPEMENT
GENERATIONS GO A FLYING
A GIRL OF THE 1880's GETS A NEW DRESS
JOHN WESLEY DUNBAR - Family group sheet of the John Wesley Dunbar family.
BIO OF J.W. DUNBAR - From the History of Henry County, Indiana 1822-1906
JOHN WESLEY DUNBAR
The family of John W. Dunbar -
grandparents of Bessie Spell Shirk