From "History of Wheeling City and Ohio County, West Virginia and 
Representative Citizens," by Hon. Gibson Lamb Cranmer, 1902. 

Typed by Polly Oliver.

Pages 798-799


J. F. SHIRK The drug and general merchandise store owned and managed by 
Mr. Shirk at Edgington, has a large and exclusive patronage.  The 
genial and popular proprietor was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny 
County, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1854, and is a son of Morgan M. Shirk, 
who was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Morgan M. Shirk was a master workman and was successful as a steamboat 
maker and coppersmith during the many years of his life in Pittsburgh.  
He married Nancy McGraw, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and they 
had five children, namely: Martha A., who married J. B. Hammer, of 
Pittsburgh; Milton B., who is deceased; James A., who is engaged in 
farming; and J. F Both of our subject's parents are deceased.

The youth of Mr. Shirk was passed in Allegheny County, and in 
attendance at the public schools.  When seventeen years of age, he came 
to Wheeling, and found ready employment as a clerk in a drug store. 
After gaining a fair knowledge of the business, he embarked in an 
independent venture on the old post office corner, and continued this 
until he disposed of his interest, in 1886.  He then took up residence 
n Edington and Continued in business with the same success as formerly.  
The present store was established in 1894, and under the admirable 
business tactics of the owner has proved not only a personal credit, 
but also a distinct acquisition to the mercantile necessities.

In 1881, Mr. Shirk married Sarah Porter, who was born at Pleasant 
Valley, December 20, 1856.  Six bright and interesting children are the 
result of this union, namely: Clare E., graduated of the high school in 
the class of 1891; Earl M., who is a prospective graduate of high 
school in the class of 1903; Walter A.; Martha A.; Maye Belle; and 
Sarah E.  Mr. Shirk is, above all else, the friend of education, and 
appreciates its value in connection with business and social endeavors.  
He has been valued and helpful member of the board of school 
commissioners of Triadelphia district for a second term.  He is 
Republican in politics, and fraternally, is affiliated with the Knights 
of Pythias, Mystic Lodge, and No. 24, of Elm Grove.  Mr. and Mrs. Shirk 
are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church.  Mr. Shirk has the 
entire confidence of the business community, and is accounted one of 
the substantial and thoroughly reliable men of Wheeling and its 
vicinity.