The Monks Family of Randolph County, Indiana

JOHN MONKS. John Monks was one among the early pioneers of this county, and the father of a family whose members have borne a prominent part in its subsequent history. He was born in one of the great cotton manufacturing districts of England, and at an early age learned the art of weaving. When a young man, he came to the United States, and found employment at his trade. Early in the year 1820, he came to Randolph County, Ind., locating one and one-half miles south of Winchester. He had no knowledge of farming, and was ill prepared for the labors of pioneer life, and beyond an occasional job of carding wool for some of his neighbors, he found no work at his trade. In the tiresome drudgery of clearing his farm, building fences, and chopping brush, much of the burden was borne by hia wife, who, although Irom one of the aristocratic families of Kentucky, knew more than her husband about farm work. There was little demand for mechanics of his guild in this thinly settled region, and his first few years in the wilderness were years of hardship, anxiety and toil. He possessed the sturdy Euglish disposition in a market! degree, and determined lo make the best of his surroundings. Little by little he succeeded in clearing his farm and driving a revenue from its products, and little by little he enlarged its boundaries until he possessed quite a good

Hebk )cing a well-k all his neighbor learned, in time ma

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0 and enterprisunity. He died;lil 1861. Their

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. MONKS. George Washington, eldest son of John and Matilda (Elder) Monks, was born April '25, 1814, near Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Randolph County, Ind.. with his parents, in 1820, and grew to manhood amid the scenes thof marked the pioneer period of this county's history. By diligent application, assisted by a few terms in the log schools of that period, he acquired a good English education, which, added to a naturally fine intellect and good judgment, fitted him for the stations which he was afterward called to occupy. While growing up, he devoted a large share of his time to the clearing and improving of the home farm, to spare his mother as much as possible the necessity of performing work so far removed from her proper sphere. As his younger brothers grew up and were able to manage and cultivate the farm, he began to look about for the means of earning an independent livelihood. He taught school two terms: first in a log schoolhouse on the David Wysong farm, and afterward in the vicinity of the farm of John Robinson, now known as the Kemp farm. But he preferred a more active avocation than school teaching, and removing to Winchester in 1836, found employment in the store of Michael Aker, one of the leading merchants of early days. He developed fine business talents, and at once began to take a leading and active part in civil and political affairs. While acting in the capacity of clerk for Mr. Aker, and while scarcely more than a boy in years, he was selected by the Whig party as their candidate for Clferk of Randolph County. At the election which followed, he was elected by a flattering majority, succeeding Charles Conway, who retired after a service of twenty-one years (three terms). In 1846, at the expiration of his first term,

Mr. Monks was re-elected, and served until 1863. Upon the election of his successor, he became Deputy Clerk, serving in that capacity until 1861. Mr. Monks was an efficient and able man in whatever capacity he acted, and in his hands the affairs of the Clerk's office were well administered. After his long service in this capacity, he was called by his fellow-citizens to fill other trusts, in the discharge of which he displayed the same conscientious fidelity. He wiis selected by Gov. Wright to serve as one of the delegates from Indiana to the World's Fair, held in the city of New York, and was commissioned as such in May, 1863. In 1854, the Republican party in this county was organized by a coalition of the anti slavery Whigs and the Free-Soil party. At a mass convention held at Winchester in that year, he was nominated by acclamation for Representative in the General Assembly, thus becoming the first Republican nominee from this county for a legislative office. He was elected in the fall, and took a prominent and active part in the session of 1854-55. He was a very pronounced temperance man, and was identified with the temperance legislation of that session, voting for the prohibitory law of 1856, by which it was made illegal for any one but an authorized County Agent to sell liquor, the intent of the law being that none should be sold, except for medical purposes. He served bat one term in the Legislature, but his entire career in this capacity was marked by the greatest fidelity to the trust reposed in him, and the most unwavering devotion to the best interests of the public and his constituency. He had studied law, and after his admission to the bar associated himself in the practice with Carey S. Goodrich, which relation continued for a short time. He afterward entered into partnership with Judge James Brown, with whom he continued to practice until his decease. Perhaps no man among all the citizens of early days was more widely known, and certainly none were ever more universally respected and honored. He was one in whose integrity and honor the utmost confidence was reposed by every one who knew him, and he never betrayed a trust, however insignificant it might be. So marked was the confidence reposed in him that people from all parts of the county came to him with money for which they had no immediate use, placing it in his hands for safe-keeping, and taking no security whatever. He was a public-spirited, whole-souled man, and ever wide-awake to the interests of the public. He was identified with most of the public improvements instituted during his life, and contributed generously of his means to all enterprises having in view the ultimate benefit of the county, such as railroads, turnpikes, etc. He was particularly the friend of public education. He was called the best mathematician in the county, and was proficient in all the branches that go to make up a good education. But his knowledge was acquired under the most trying disadvantages, and he was unceasing in his efforts to encourage and build up educational facilities within the reach of all. He was industrious and energetic, and while he enjoyed a considerable income, he never possessed the disposition to hoard his earnings, and acquired only a moderate amount of property. He was unselfish in his use of money, spending it in many ways where it would lighten the burden of a fcUow-mortal less fortunate than himself, and always happiest when he was able to afford relief and pleasure to others. This seemed to be his idea of the use of money, and having provided well for his family, he had no inclination to miss a fortune. His first re.silence in Winchester still stands at the east end of North street, where lie lived for a number of years, his residence property extending as far north as the ' Bee Line" rallro4d, and as far south as the present re.silence of Col. M. B. Miller. In 1849, he sold this residence and purchased the land upon which Gen. A. Stone now lives. The tract contained about fifty acres, apart of which he divided into lots, and laid out as the South Addition to the town of Winchcslef. He left the impress of his identity iipoil the moral, educational and material interests of this county, and was in all respects one of its foremost and best citizens. In 1843, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church under the ministrations of Rev. John H. Hull, and in all his after life waa a consistent Christian. His house, which was ever open to the wayfarer in need of hospitality, was especially the home of the itinerant minister, who found there royal entertainment and a hearty welcome. In 1845, he united with the Masonic fraternity at Winchester, progressing as far as the Royal Arch degree. He was active in his fraternal relations, and was a valued member of the lodge. He took an active interest in the development of the agricultural resources of the county, and was one of the leaders in the organization of its first agricultural society. He served as Treasurer of that society from 18.2 to 1867, and was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for a number of years. Mr. Monks was twice married. First on the HHh of November, 1837, to Miss Belinda Hulitt. By this union they were the parents of two sons, one of whom died in infancy. Charles, the surviving son, still lives in this county. In later years, he was called to mourn the death of the wife of his early manhood, and on the 18th of August, 1842, was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Irvin, daughter of Robert Irvin, an early settler and prominent citizen of Randolph County. This second union vas blessed by seven children, named respectively Leander J., Mary E., George W., J. Irvin, Viola, Minerva B. and Segel. On the ISth of September, 18fi4, Death again invaded his household, claiming the wife for his victim. Subsequently, the father purchased land in Minnesota, with the intention of locating in that State with his family. He made a preparatory visit and came back to Winchester with the purpose of removing his family to the new home in the summer of 1865, but before his plans could be consummated he fell ill, and on the 4th of April, 1806, his active life closed in death, and his remains were laid to rest beneath the soil of the county of which lie was BO prominently a part. He was universally mourned when his death was made known, for his fellow-citizens knew that a good man was gone — one whose place it would be hard to fill. His memory is fresh in the hearts of all who knew him, though his form shall great them no more.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOSEPH MONKS, farmer, P. 0. Harrisville, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, April 7, 1818, and is a son of John and Matilda E. Monks, the former a native of England, and the latter of Bardstown, Ky. He came with his parents to this county in 1821, at that time the Indians, deer, turkeys and wolves were numerous in this locality. The Monks settled in the thick woods, and labored bard to prepare a home. Mr. Monks has ground corn in a hominy block with an iron wedge. The nearest mill was at Richmond, twenty-five miles distant, and that distance he went on horseback. There was no school until he was thirteen years old, and then it was. a subscription school, taught in a log cabin, with "stick and clay" chimney, slab seals, luncheon floor and clapboard roof Mr. Monks was married, August 17, 1846, to Miss Lucinda Wilmore, daughter of W. C. Wilmore, of whom we shall make further mention elsewhere in this work. They had five children, viz., John, Willis, Louisa, Sarah (deceased), and an infant (deceased). For eleven years, Mr. Monks followed wool carding, with his father in Winchester, since that time he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He now owns 160 acres of valuable land, and resides on Section 12.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

C. C. MONKS. Christopher Columbus, son of John Monks, was born April 10, 1827, in gaged in the performance of farm work, at his father's farm in this county, acquiring, in the meantime, a good common school education. In 1843, he became an apprentice at the cabinet-maker's trade, and for the next ten years was engaged at that occupation. Subsequently, he worked five years at the carpenter's trade, alter which he embarked in mercantile pursuits. He was engaged in the dry goods trade one year, and in the grocery trade one year, conducting a very satisfactory and profitable business. After retiring from mercantile life, he resumed work at the carpenter's trade, at which he was engaged for two years. In 1869, he opened a meat market at Winchester, and has ever since continued in this line of employment. He has always attended closely to his business, and by good management has succeeded in accumulating a very comfortable estate. He is industrious and energetic, and enters enthusiastically into the spirit of any work at which he is engaged. He has been blessed with remarkable health, having never lost a day from his work on account of physical disability. He is respected and esteemed as an honorable, upright citizen, and enjoys the confidence of the community. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity at Winchester, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Frances E. Batchfield. By this union they are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living — Minnie, Lizzie and Eddie.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM MONKS. William Monks, deceased, son of John and Matilda Monks, was born in this county July 28, 1830. He was the eighth of a family of nine children, of whom five are now living. His father was a native of Enirland, and came to the United States when he was eighteen years of age. His mother was born in Kentucky. They moved to this county in very early times, and entered 100 ner Farm. His parents lived on this farm until their death. William was born and raised upon this farm, and received his education in the common district schools of the neighborhood. He received the best education the schools at that time afforded. He was married to Catharine Wright March 5, 1857. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Monks settled on the farm now owned by the widow. At the time of purchase there were ninety-five acres, with eighteen acres improved. The farm now consists of 222 acres of excellent l.'ind, with 120 acres under a high state of cultivation. This is a very beautiful and productive farm, being one of the best in the township. The form buildings are both beautiful and convenient. The dwelling was erected in 1876, and is a two-story structure of modern architecture, beautifully situated and richly furnished. The erection of this beautiful dwelling was the last work Mr. Monks was permitted to do on earth, for he was soon after its construction stricken down with heart trouble, a disease that had been making inroads upon him for three years. The summons to bid adieu to loved ones and home came to William Monks October 8, 1876, and his life work was ended, at the age of forty-six yore, two months and ten days. His mortal remains, followed by his grief-stricken family and morning relatives and friends, were deposited in the cemetery at Winchester. He was a man of great energy, frugal and honest in his dealings. He accumulated properly rSpidly, and at the time of his death was surrounded by the comforts and many luxuries of life. He was quiet and retired in his nature, and it is said that he had many warm friends and no enemies. None knew him but to honor and love him. At his death, he left a widow and only child, whose portraits and biographies are herewith given. He united with the Christian Church March 13, 1870, and remained a faithful and devoted member until death. Thus lived and died a devoted husband, a loving father, a valuable member of the church, and an

Catharine (Whioht) Monks, widow of William Monks, and daughter of Edward and Mary A. Wright, was born in this county February 20, 1839. She is the oldest of a family of four children, all of whom are living. Her father was born in Highland County, Ohio, August 18, 1816. Her mother fMary A. Heaston), was born In Montgomery County, Ohio, April 13, 1819. They came to this county with their parents before either one was a year old. They were married, December 21, 1837, and settled one-half mile west of Winchester, on a farm owned by Mrs. Wright's father, where they remained for one year. They then bought a farm one-half mile south of Win- Chester, where they remained about one year, when they sold out and returned to Mrs. Wright's father, where they remained about four years. They then bought a farm two and one-half miles south of Winchester, where they remained until the death of Mr. Wright, which occurred August 23, 1880, and where his widow still resides. The subject of this sketch spent her youthful days on the farm with her parents, and obtained her education principally at the Randolph County Seminary, under the supervision of Prof. E. P. Cole. Sho acquired a good English education. Mrs. Monks is the mother of ne daughter —.Vlary A., whose biography is herewith give\ Mrs. Monks is the owner and proprietor of 322 acres of excellent land, all in White River Township. She joined the Christian Church b.\ the same time as heV husband, and has rem'gained a faithful member ever since. She is a woman of sterling integrity, of great business capacity, and was a strong support to her husband in his efforts to develop a comfortable home. Since the death of her husband, she and her daughter have had entire charge of the farm and all business connected therewith. She is surrounded with an abundance of property, has a model home, and is blessed with all calculated to make life happy. She is a valuable member of society, and beloved by all her neighbors and acquaint-

Mart Ann Monks, daughter of William and Catharine Monks, was born in this county March 5, 1864. She is an only child, and received her education in the Winchester Public Schools, and graduated from the High School May 12, 1882, with high honors. She united with the Christian Church August 5, 1876, and has been a faithful member ever since. She is a young lady of rare ability, accomplished and well educated, and is a valuable assistant to her mother in the management of her business. She baa always been a and considerate, and certainly has a bright future before her.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HON. LEANDER J. MONKS.

Indiana has been especially honored in the character and career of her public and professional men. In every county there have been found individuals born to leadership in the various vocations and professions, men who have dominated not alone by superior intelligence and natural endowment, but by innate force of character which has minimized discouragients and dared great undertakings. It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence. on the part of others just entering upon their first struggles with the world. Standing out distinctly as one of the central figures of the judiciary of Indiana is the name of Hon. Leander J. Monks, whose home is in Winchester but who maintains an office in Indianapolis. As a lawyer he has won a reputation for distinguished service second to none of his contemporaries, and as a jurist of the highest type and a man of sublimated integrity and honor, for many years judge of the circuit and supreme courts, he has made a deep impress upon the history of this state of which he is one of her distinguished and honored native sons. He is a worthy and conspicuous member of a striking group of public men whose influence in civic and social life as well as in professional circles of the state has been of a most beneficent order. Wearing the judicial ermine with becoming dignity and bringing to every case submitted to him a clearness of perception and ready power of analysis characteristic of the learned and unbiased jurist, his name and work for years have been allied with the legal institutions, public

Zvo/iA fX((h enterprises and political interests of the state in such a way as to earn him recognition as one of the most influential citizens in a state noted for the high order of its talent. A high purpose and unconquerable will, vigorous mental powers, diligent study and devotion to duty are some of the means by which he has made himself eminently useful, and every ambitious youth who fights the battle of life with the prospect of ultimate success may peruse with profit the biography herewith presented.

Judge Monks was born in Winchester, Indiana, July lo, 1843, " is the eldest son of George W. and Mary A. (Irvin) Monks. George W. Monks was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25, 1814. In 1820 he came with his parents to Randolph county, Indiana where the future home of the family was established, this locality being at that time a very sparsely settled wilderness and here the grandparents of the future jurist endured the usual privations and hardships incident to pioneer life on the frontier, but they were courageous and industrious and in due course of time were comfortably established. Amid such a primitive environment George W. Monks grew to manhood and received such educational advantages as were possible in those early times. In 1839, while still almost a boy, he was nominated by the Whig party as a candidate for clerk of Randolph county and elected by a large majority. He filled the office so satisfactorily that he was re-elected in 1846 and served until 1853. In 1854 the Republican party was organized in this county by the coalition of the Anti-slavery and Free Soil parties, and Mr. Monks was the first Republican nominee from Randolph county for a legislative office. He was elected and took a conspicuous part in the session of 1854-55. He had studied law, and, after his admission to the bar, he was associated in the practice for a short time with Carey S. Goodrich, subsequently entering into partnership with Judge James Brown, with whom he continued successfully until his death. He was industrious and energetic. He was charitably inclined and materially assisted many in need of help, for, after providing well for his family, he had no inclination to hoard his large income, and many lives were made brighter and better through his assistance and encouragement. He was a man of exemplary character and in every way merits the universal esteem which was so long accorded him. He did a great deal toward the upbuilding of the county in its earlier history.

George W. Monks united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1843, and remained faithful to its principles the rest of his life, carrying his religion into his every-day affairs. He donated to the grounds in Winchester upon which is located the present church building of this denomination, and also the parsonage lot. He joined the Masonic order at- Winchester in 1845. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture for a number of years and was active in the work of the same.

George W. Monks was twice married, first to Belinda A. Hulett. To this union one child was born, Charles N. Monks, a well known citizen of Randolph county. His second marriage was to Mary A. Irvin and of this marriage there are living three children, namely: Judge Leander J., subject of this review; Minerva B., of Mankato, Minnesota; and J. Irvin, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. After the death of his second wife in 1864, George W. Monks purchased land in Minnesota, intending to remove to that state with his children, but soon thereafter illness overtook him and he died April 4, 1865, thus closing the career of one of the most active, useful and honorable citizens known in Randolph county in its pioneer period.

Leander J. Monks grew to manhood in Winchester in which city he acquired a good common school education, and in 1861 entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, where he remained during three school, years, leaving the university in his junior year. For some time he had been studying law and was admitted to the bar in 1865. He rose steadily in his profession from the first, and while yet a young man was called upon to fill responsible and honorable public positions. In 1870 he was chosen chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Randolph county, and in 1872 was again called to the same position. In 1874 he was elected a member of the Republican State Central Committee and re-elected in 1876, was also a member of the Executive Committee. In 1878 he was the Republican candidate for judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of Randolph and Delaware, and in view of his candidacy for this office, declined the position as a member of the State Central Committee. Something of his popularity in this district will be gained from the fact that he was elected judge without opposition. In 1884 he was again nominated for the office of circuit judge in the same district, and a third time elected to the same office in 1890, Randolph county alone then constituting the district. His long retention in this office is sufficient evidence of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his constituents and of his fairness and ability in discharging the duties devolving upon him. His decisions were always characterized by uniform fairness and showing a profound knowledge of jurisprudence in all its ramifications. He was prompt and energetic in the dispatch of the business of this court and won the hearty commendation of all concerned. In 1894 he was a candidate for judge of the supreme court

RANDOLPH COUNTY, INDIANA. 1127 from the Fourth District and was elected in November by a plurality of over forty-six thousand. His term of office on the supreme bench expired January 7, 1913, having been commissioned January 7, 1895, and re-elected in 1900 and 1906, thus serving eighteen years as supreme judge, his long career on the nisi pris bench having been in every way successful, fully meeting the expectations of the people of Indiana, for he came to the supreme bench exceptionally well qualified for its exacting duties and responsibilities and from the beginning of his judicial career his decisions were characterized by a profound insight into the law and an earnest and conscientious desire to apply it impartially; so he was not long in gaining the confidence of the attorneys and litigants and earning for himself a reputation among the leading jurists of the state.

In the practice of his profession Judge Monks has been associated with several gentlemen who have distinguished themselves at the Randolph county bar. First, in 1865, he was associated with Col. M. B. Miller, which partnership was discontinued in 1866, but re-established the following year and continued until 1871. In November of that year he entered into partnership with Hon. E. L. Watson, with whom he practiced until July, 1875. He then formed partnership relations with W. A. Thompson, which continued until he retired from practice in October, 1878, when he entered upon his illustrious judicial career. The day after leaving the bench, January, 1913, he opened offices in the Knights of Pythias building, Indianapolis, for the practice of law, forming a partnership with James P. Goodrich and John F. Robbins and H. C. Starr under the firm name of Monks, Robbins, Starr & Goodrich, and this is one of the busiest and best known legal firms in the state capital.

As already indicated Judge Monks is a Republican, and as such has been active in public and political affairs and an influential force in his party, not only in local matters, but in the larger and more important theater of state and national politics. He comes of a Republican ancestry, but he does not attribute to this fact his strict adherence to the principles which he supports, but rather to history, also to reflection, judgment and conscience, all of which have combined to make him not only an able and judicious counselor, but a holder of public opinion and leader of men, in what concerns the best interests of the body politic. While loyal to his party to promote its success, he believes that a man can be an earnest and active politician and yet be strictly honest in his methods and above reproach in all that he does to advance the interest of his cause. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and was elected by that body as a member of the committee on judicial procedure, to serve during the year 1882. He became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, when in college. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and has not departed from the same.

The domestic life of Judge Monks began on August 2, 1865, when he led to the hymeneal altar a lady of culture and refinement, known in her maidenhood as Lizzie W. White, daughter of Alexander and Margaret B. (Smith) White, a sterling pioneer family of Randolph county where Mrs. Monks grew to womanhood and received a good education. She was called to her eternal rest on April 18, 1908, after a mutually happy, helpful and harmonious married life of nearly forty-three years. She was always a favorite with a wide circle of friends and influential in the best circles of Winchester and wherever she was known. The union of the Judge and wife was blessed by the birth of four children, named as follows: Margaret married Thomas J. Kizer, and they live in Indianapolis; Mary D. married Dr. Milo V Smith, of Winchester; Alice and Agnes, twins, the former married George L. Davis, of Kokomo, Indiana; Agnes married William R. Hunter, and they reside in Indianapolis. The children are the possessors of many praiseworthy attributes of head and heart, reflecting the wholesome home atmosphere in which they were reared.

Judge Monks is a member of Winchester lodge No. 56, of the Masonic order, Scottish Rite, thirty-second degree. Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment, at Winchester. Also of Columbia and Marion clubs of Indianapolis.

Personally Judge Monks is entirely unassuming, a plain, genial and uniformly courteous gentleman who makes and retains friends without effort, inspiring the utmost confidence and respect in all with whom he comes into contact.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EDGAR L. MONKS.

Deeds are thoughts crystallized, and according to their brilliancy do we judge the worth of a man to the country which produced him, and in his works we expect to find the true index to his character. The study of the life of the American representative never fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction, developing a mastering of expedients which have brought about most wonderful results. Edgar L. Monks, well-known groceryman in Winchester for many years, now engaged in the loan, real estate and insurance business here, is a worthy representative of that type of American character and of that progressive spirit which promotes public good in advancing individual prosperity and conserving popular interests. Members of the Monks family have long been prominently identified with the affairs of Randolph county, and while their endeavors along material lines have brought them success they also advanced the general welfare" by accelerating industrial activity.

Mr. Monks was born December 15, 1868 in White River township, Randalph county. He is a son of Charles N. and Evoline (Reed) Monks, both parents born in the same township and county, mentioned above, each representing sterling old pioneer families, and here they grew to maturity, received such educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded, and here they were married, and here they spent their lives successfully engaged-in general agricultural pursuits. The death of Charles N. Monks occurred on February 12, 1900. His widow is still living on the old home farm in Washington township. Besides our subject they were the parents of one other child, Nathan R. who is operating the home farm.

Edgar L. Monks grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work during crop seasons, and during the winter months he attended the district schools, later the Valparaiso State Normal. He began life for himself by teaching in the district schools of the county, which he continued with great success for a period of ten years, his services being in much demand. Finally tiring of the school room he turned his attention to the grocery business in Winchester for a period of five years, during which he enjoyed an excellent trade as a result of his fair and courteous dealings with his many customers, and he always carried a good line of fancy and staple groceries. In 1906 he discontinued the grocery business and engaged in the loan, real estate and insurance business in Winchester, with offices in the Knights of Pythias building, and he has built up a large and growing business.

Mr. Monks was married three times, first, on June 30, 1894, to May Chapman, daughter of William and Ellen (Kizer) Chapman, of Winchester. To this union one son was born. Reed C, now a high school student. The wife and mother died April 13, 1899. On January 15, 1906 Mr.' Monks married Sarah F. Bales, daughter of William D. and Rebecca (Jackson) Bales, of Randolph county. She survived but a few months, her death occurring on July 9, 1906. Our subject's last marriage took place on October 29, 1909, when he espoused Sarah J. Heaston, daughter of Abram and Margaret (Mclntire) Heaston, both old pioneers families.

Mr. Monks owns a good farm in 'washington township to which he gives considerable attention in addition to his other business.

Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and also belongs to the Sons of Veterans, by virtue of the fact that his father was a gallant soldier for a period of three years in the Union army during the Civil war, a member of Company C, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Our subject is a Republican and he has long been active in the affairs of his party, but never an office seeker.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.