Edgar L. Monks

As printed in 1914

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 Past and present of Randolph County, Indiana : with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.