Re: William Shirkey of Montana
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In reply to:
William Shirkey of Montana
3/03/02
Rebecca,
In 1978 and 1979 I corresponded with your Great Grandfather Earl Wayne Shirkey and in the 1980s I corresponded with Mary Ellen Hasson who I believe is your great Aunt.
My Grandfather, Ralph Waldo Shirkey, lived in Brownsville (referring to your other post) but also lived in Moline, IL around the 1920s.I never met my grandfather but I think Earl and Ralph did meet.
I have been searching the Shirkeys for many years and have collected a great deal of information and would be happy to share any of it with you and your family.
William Patrick Shirkey was the younger brother of George Washington Shirkey, my Great Grandfather.They lived in Brownsville and Connorsville, IN.Their father was John Allen Shirkey and their mother, Anna Bradrick (Bradrich).I know very little about her and I am not even positive about her name.
John's older brother, James, lived in Rock Island and Mercer Counties, IL.I believe William Patrick left IN to live with his Uncle James.After he divorced (?) I believe he left for Canada and Montana.He is buried in Custer, MT.I have his death certificate which I sent away for.His date of birth is listed as 7 August 1858 and his date of death as 26 April 1931. At the time of his death he was married to Martha (I can't make out middle initial) Shirkey.He had lived in Custer for 15 years.He was a grain farmer.I believe William lived in Nanton, Alberta, Canada for sometime.Your Great Grandfather sent me a summary of thei history he knew.Do you have a copy?
Your Great grandfather, Earl, had sent me a photograph of William and Earl - Earl looks to be about 1 or 2 years old.I had a copy made and sent prints back.If you cannot find these please let me know.
Continuing back in ancestors, John and James' father was Patrick Shirkey and their mother was Sally (Sarah) Allen.Patrick brought his family west to IN in about 1830 and then some on to IL after Sally died in VA.Patrick died in IL.
Patrick was the son of James and Elizabeth (Poague) Shirkey or Sharkey.The name was changed to Shirkey during his generation.James' two brothers who went to TN and MS retained the name Sharkey.
James father was Patrick Sharkey and his mother was Anne.This Patrick was most likely the immigrant ancestor.The earliest record I have for him is in VA in about 1742.
You can send me a direct email if you would like and let me know what information I can send to you.It is nice seeing your posting.