Jane (October 26, 1849-Jan. 4, 1885) was the daughter of James and Martha Gasaway. She was born in Ross County, Ohio. She married James Birks (Feb. 19, 1843-May 26, 1924) when she was 15 years old. They were married on August 2, 1864. Jane and James built a small house southwest of the present Lake Fork Ditch. The land was uncultivated and covered with swamp grass and cattails. It also had rattlesnakes on it. All of their children were born here. They had five children: John, Mary Emily, James William, Albert Miles, Virginia Elizabeth.
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1880 Census of Lake Fork, Logan Co., IL, Ed 44 page 12 line 7
James Birks, 41, IL,IL,TN
Eliz J., 30. IL
Mary R., 14
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History of Logan County - 1886
James Birkes, Farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, Lake Fork Township, is a native of this township, born February 19, 1843, to his father William Birks, now of Decatur, being one of the pioneers of Logan County. He hass been a successful agriculturist and now owns 400 acres of valuable land, He was married August 2, 1864, to Jane Gasaway, daughter of James D. Gasaway, of this township. Mrs Birks died January 4, 1885. She was a member of the Baptist Church and an exemplary Christian woman. Mr. Birks is an active member of the Baptist church. He has four children -- John, Mary E., James W. and Albert M. One daughter, Sarah V., is deceased.
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Lake Bank Cemetery Transcription:
A-8-14 Birks
James Birks Ella M Birks
Feb. 19, 1843 July 27, 1869
May 26, 1924 May 12, 1956


Lake Fork:
I think they are referring to an area on Lake Fork in south Elkhart Township. Lake Fork is a tiny community on Route 54 southwest of Mt. Pulaski. Lake Fork Township is a tiny Township [about 3 miles by 6 miles] south of Laenna Township. Just to further confuse you, there is Lake Fork which is a tributary of Salt Creek. Sometimes it is called 'the Lake' and sometimes 'the Ditch' and sometimes Lake Fork as it meanders through FOUR Townships before connecting up with Salt Creek in Broadwell Township.
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Here is a record that may mean nothing but if I don't record it I'll probably never find it again.
It could be that James' mother Emily remarried Israel Dyer who already had children.
1850 Census Roll 116, Page 194b taken the 20nd of September.
375, 379 Israel Dyer 53, Farmer, VA
Emily 48, VA
Franklin 21, Farmer, VA
Wilson 17, Farmer, VA, Attended school
Neptone 17, Farmer, Ohio, Attended school
Samuel 15, Ohio
Nancy 11, Ohio
Israel 9, IL
Emily 6, IL
James Birks 7, IL, Attended school
Emily 5, IL
Mary Ann 2, IL
Elizabeth Morrow 15, IL