Notes:
Source: Biographical Annals of Lancaster Co., Pa., 1903 by J. H. Beers & Co., page 600-601.
EMANUEL R. SHIRK belongs to one of the old and respected families of Lancaster county.
Emanuel H. Shirk, his father, was born in West Cocalico township Jan. 16, 1811. He was a farmer and gave his entire attention to agriculture until his death, which occurred in 1873. In politics he was a staunch Republican and a very active member in the ranks of his party which he represented in many State and county conventions. Religiously he was a member of the German Baptist Church. He married Miss Catherine Royer, and they were the parents of ten children: Fianna, wife of Hiram Bollinger; Emanuel R.; Hiram, a farmer of Indiana; Salinda, wife of John Hagey; Lavina, wife of David Butzer: John, of Ephrata; Catherine, wife of Addison Longenecker; Leah, wife of Albert Mumma; Edward, a cigar maker; and Ementize, who died in childhood.
Emanuel R. Shirk was born May 28, 1838, on the same farm where his father first saw the light, in West Cocalico township. He lived at home with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age, and during his earlier years attended the common schools. He began farming for himself on the old homestead, where he remained four years, and thence moved to Schoeneck, for three years, during which time he followed droving. His next removal was to Warwick township, where he commenced farming again, and he has continued it to the present time, meeting with substantial success. Mr. Shirk is one of the enterprising farmers of his locality, and one of its most public-spirited citizens. He has served his fellow townsmen faithfully in various offices, having been supervisor, assessor and for twelve years member of the school board. In 1893 he was prison inspector, and held that office for six years. In politics he has always been an active member of the Republican party.
Mr. Shirk married for his first wife Miss Sarah Bucher, and to this union were born five children: Fannie, who died unmarried; Mary, wife of Samuel Zwally; Emma, wife of Franklin Leeking; Katie, wife of William Cuningham; and Sarah, wife of John Wolfskill. The mother of the above named children died June 26, 1875, and Mr. Shirk later married Miss Elizabeth Heffley, who died Oct. 19, 1899.