New Castle Courier-Times, September 6, 1889 Friday:

Joseph Shirk, Sr., died at his home in this city Sunday, September 1 at the age of 73 years. Deceased was born in Chambersburg, Pa. June 14, 1816, married to Mary Beeson in that city on February 17, 1843. He removed to Indiana in June 1853, settled in New Castle and was a resident of this city, or immediate vicinity, from that time until his death. He leaves surviving him a wife and ten children, 4 sons and 6 daughters. Funeral services were held at the Luthern church Tuesday afternoon, and was largely attended. Interment in South Mound Cemetary. A large number of relatives from a distant attended the funeral. Among whom were Abraham Shirk of Doddsville, Ill and Christopher Shirk of Alexandria, brother of the deceased and wife of the latter, and Benjamin Shirk, Jr., of Muncie.

Submitted by Amy Miller-Connell and
Ann Miller-Neilsen of Indianapolis, Indiana
great granddaughters of Bessie Spell-Shirk