Peter Shirk

Peter Shirk, a Pennsylvania German Mennonite, came to Waterloo Township in 1861. In 1866 he purchased the Blair Mill, which he sold three years later, and with Samuel Snider then formed the Shirk and Snider Milling Company, Bridgeport. In 1889 he increased the firm’s flour-making capacity to 250 barrels a day by purchasing the Baden Mill.

Shirk was a man of high repute in Mennonite and other circles and he held various public offices. He was treasurer of Waterloo Township from 1892-1912. His son George succeeded him in the office from 1912 to1927 and his grandson Allen held the position from 1927 to 1942, making a total of fifty years that members of the Shirk family carried out the duties of this office.

Shirk was also a member of the Berlin High School Board from 1878 to 1904.

He was the father of five sons and eight daughters.