George W. Monks

As printed in 1882

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 History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.