Thanks very much for the message, and I have to admit you really got me thinking. The first I came across Malinda's maiden name Shirk in a biography of Douglas Whitlock (not me) who was involved in political affairs and lived in Washington DC. He was involved in foreign affairs with Haiti. His bio listed his paternal grandparents as Thomas and Malinda (Shirk) Whitlock. The book of biographies was in a local college library and I failed to make a copy. From there I located Thomas Whitlock and Malinda Shirk's marriage in Parke County, IN in 1833.

From there it gets a little foggy but I think I determined that David was the only Shirk in Parke County of an age that could have been Malinda's father. Most of the Shirk's remained in Franklin County. I have a letter dated 1995 from Loretta Cohen a researcher that worked for me for a time in area. She seemed elderly at the time so I doubt she is still researching. Her letter mentions a Parke County Will Book entry for David which lists Malinda Whitlock as one of his children. Right off I could not find that information but I'll keep looking. I must admit that it has been some time since I pondered David Shirk's connection to Malinda Whitlock, so it might take until next weekend to go through my papers. It might be easier to email me at whit103@aol.com. Are you related to the Shirks?

Best Wishes
Douglas Whitlock
San Juan Capistrano, CA