William Monks

As printed in 1882

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 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.