USA > Illinois > McDonough County > Bardolph > History of Bardolph, Illinois > Part 12
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JAMES ALEXANDER MCELROY
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Humphrey) McElroy, was a native of Warrenton, Jefferson County, Ohio. He was born on the 13th day of February, 1842. In '43 his parents went as far west as Iowa but soon returned home. The next year they came to Illinois and located near Marietta in Fulton County. Here his father worked at his trade as builder and contractor for a number of years, while James attended school. In 1874, on the 8th day of January, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Ross, of New Philadelphia, at Macomb, Ill. Directly after this he entered business in New Philadelphia, where he remained for one year. On coming to Bardolph the 20th of April, 1875, he entered business in the Old Rink, handling general merchandise. Here he remained for about 10 years. For a time he had the postoffice at this place in connection with his regular trade. During the last few years N. H. Jackson bought one-half interest in the firm and they worked together. This partnership was later dissolved and in 1885, retiring from active business life he began farming, which he has continued on a small scale ever since. He is a hard worker and a good citizen, always desiring the best for his town and county.
HENRY McELVAINE
Was born in Maine County, Ohio, Feb. 18, 1824, where he lived until ten years of age. His parents, George and Sarah Rawles McIlvaine, of Scotch descent, re- moved to Ohio from Pennsylvania. He was one of a family of thirteen children. In 1834 he removed to Grange County, Northern Indiana, on the Indiana-Mich- igan boundary. He rode on the first railroad in Michigan, Kalamazoo-Detroit Road, which stopped whenever signaled. In 1846 he removed to McDonough County, Illinois, near Fountain Green. In 1855 he removed to a farm five miles west of Bushnell, where he still resides. When he first came to Chicago in 1847, it was about the size of Bushnell, and grain was being hauled into market with ox teams. Bushnell at this time consisted of one log house and a store. He at- tended school in a log school house, where the scholars sat on split log benches and wrote with goose quill pens. In 1849, June 10, he was married to Latitia Cox from Kentucky. To this union was born three children, one of whom survives, O. M. McIlvaine, with whom he lives. He united with the Methodist Church in the 70's, being one of its most faithful and conscientious members. In his early days he voted with the Whig party and later voted the Republican ticket. He is
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a hard worker and a good citizen, being highly respected by his friends and neigh- bors who have from time to time honored him with important school and church offices, also being Commissioner of Highways for twenty-five years in succession.
H. H. McELVAINE
O. M. McELVAINE JUNIOR MCELVAINE
BENJAMIN MORROW
Was born Feb. 4, 1830, in Ohio. He moved near Ipava, Ill., in the year 1844, where after ten years he was married to Roxselany France. The couple remained there until 1864 when they moved to the Hager farm, south of Bardolph, remain- ing there for four years. Then purchasing a farm in the neighborhood he moved to it, where he lived 14 years before purchasing the place which has been his late home. During this time eight children were born, namely: Andrew, Mary, Brown, Esther Burnhart, of Adair, Wm. E., Roxse Stephens, of Bushnell, Henry, who lives on the home place, George, southeast of town, and Alanzo, west of Bushnell. Mr. Morrow came to the country when there were only a few settle- ments on the prairie; those who had come be- fore settled in the timber, thinking that the prairie was worthless, but now it holds the wealth of the state and nation.
JAMES MYERS
Born in Orange County, Indiana, July 17th, 1820. He was the son of Solomon and Mary Steward Myers. When 15 years of age he re- moved with his parents to Brazil. Indiana. He came to Indiana when the country was new
JAMES MYERS
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and had to clear the land for their homes. The old home is now the center of Brazil, a large mining town. Here he grew to manhood and was married. In the early sixties he removed with his family to McDonough County, Illinois, and lived on the Gibbs farm northeast of Bardolph for one year. He moved to a farm two and one-half miles east of Bardolph and resided there for a number of years. In 1882 he removed from Illinois to Southern Kansas and lived there until moving to Oklahoma in 1894, at which place he lived until moving to Oregon in 1904. On September 20th, 1842, he was married to Sophia West and to them seven children were born. This wife of his early manhood was laid to rest May 10th, 1864, and on April 25th, 1869, he was married to Eliza Messick, who still resides in Laidlaw, Oregon. To this union was born one son.
James Myers received his education in the country schools. He was born of Scotch-Irish and German parentage, and was one of eleven children. In early life he united with the Christian church and always tried to live up to its teachings. In his last illness he showed that great patient strength which characterized his life. He died May 24th, 1909, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery.
HARRY KIRKBY OGDEN
Was a native of March, Cambridgeshire, England, and was born November the 7th, 1851. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Kirkby) Ogden, were old Eng- landers and lived on the farm. As a farmer lad, Harry grew to young manhood. At 22 years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Green on the 10th day of October, 1873. He continued farming after his marriage, in England, until 1882, when he removed to America in the month of May and located in McDonough County, Illinois, just at the southwest edge of Macomb, and worked that sum- mer for Robert Y. Hunter. In Oct. of the same year, he located in Bardolph and began work in the old tile works. When these burned he began work as a mason and this he has followed ever since. Fraternally he is a Mason and Woodman; religiously, a Presbyterian.
JOHN F. PARVIN
Was a native of Franklin County, Indiana, and was born April 3, 1837. His par- ents, Samuel R. and Ann (Tice), were both natives of New Jersey. John was the second of six sons born to these good people, and in his boyhood days attended the public school. It was not until 1856 that he came to McDonough County, Illi- nois, working here on the farm until of age when he was elected constable. After serving one year as clerk in a store in Bardolph, he enlisted in Company I, 57th Reg. Ill. Volunteer Infantry. He served loyally through that long struggle for the preservation of the union. Being with the army of the Tennessee, he was at the seige of Fort Donelson and all other engagements in which his regiment par- ticipated and finally under Sherman made that grand march to the sea which did almost as much as anything to weaken the Confederacy. On being discharged July 7, 1865, he went to Colchester, where he clerked again in a store. The next year he was united in marriage to Mary E. Hoagland and then buying a farm in Macomb Township operated this until his retirement from active business life in 1897. Religiously he is a Presbyterian and a republican in politics, and has never voted outside of McDonough County. He has held various offices entrusted to him by his neighbors and friends and has always proven faithful to this trust.
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JOHN D. PELLEY
John D. Pelley, son of Willey and Martha Tinsley Pelley, was born in Adair Coun- ty, Kentucky, October 20, 1838. His father dying in 1846, the next fall he removed to McDonough County, Illinois, and settled on a place now occupied by Fred Mul- len for two years. He then purchased the farm the tile yard was built on. He sold this in 1854 and moved on the Hoagland place and worked on the farm and in the mill near Bardolph. He was married to Cassandra Myers, of Bushnell, in 1876. After marriage he lived in Bardolph the greater portion of his time, mov- ing to Macomb in 1883. He is a member of the Christian Church and during his stay in Bardolph we remember him as an active and enthusiastic worker.
JAMES M. PELLEY
For years one of Bardolph's prominent citizens and business men, was a native of Adair County, Kentucky, being born there Feb. 4, 1837. After the death of his father which occurred in 1844, Mr. Pelley at 11 years of age, came to Illinois in company with his mother and settled in McDonough County within one mile of Bardolph. They resided there until 1857, when they moved to town and he went into business for himself. The same year he built the house where Uncle James Jackson now lives. He moved to St. Augustine, Knox County, but after a short stay there returned to Bardolph, where he resided until 1905 when he retired from active life and moved to Macomb to spend the rest of his days. Mr. Pelley was a good business man. His honesty and integrity were never questioned.
He was married on the 1st day of January, 1860, to Sarah E. Pearson. To this union were born nine children, three boys and six girls. Mr. Pelley is a Master Mason and with his wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church of this place while they lived here. She died Sept. 4, 1896. Since going to Macomb he has been honored by the people of the county in that he was elected to the office of County Treasurer in 1906 and held that a term of four years.
JOHN PUGH
Was born on May 30, 1833, in West Virginia. He came to this county when he was about twenty-seven years of age and settled near Vermont. A couple of years later he came to the vicinity of Bardolph, where he lived the rest of his life. In 1865 he was married to Rebecca Smith of near this place. He was prominent in local affairs in the village, having served as constable, town clerk, justice of the peace, for a number of years. He died on March 28, 1904, age seventy-one years, ten months and two days. He was survived by his wife and children.
WILLIAM HARRISON RANDOLPH THE FOUNDER OF BARDOLPH
Was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 20th, 1813, near the village of Leba- non. His parents, David and Rebecca (Sutphin) Randolph, were natives of New Jersey and at an early period came to Kentucky staying only a short time, when they removed to Ohio, where William was born. All his early life was spent on the farm, though he was fortunate enough to be allowed good schooling, very good for that day. On coming to Illinois, his father first located in Rushville from whence they went to Macomb. Here William H. entered various kinds of busi- ness, grocery being the first, and at which he made good. In 1838 he was elected sheriff of the county and held that office continuously until 1844, when he was elected to the House of Representatives of Illinois. This he had until 1848. At this time he was chosen circuit clerk of the county, serving thus till 1856. He was popular with the people, always running ahead of his ticket and never being
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beaten. In 1854, in company with Joseph M. Parkinson, Joseph W. Blount and M. T. Winslow, he opened the first banking house in McDonough County. This ran successfully until 1858, when on account of the failure of other banking houses whose notes he held, he was finally forced to close his doors. Yet not a man ever lost a dollar through him, as all creditors were paid in full. He was a man of great public spirit and he used his money for public good as well as private. The Randolph Hotel of Macomb, as well as the beautiful Oakwood cemetery, are monuments of the public interest of the man.
Politically he was always very radical, being firm in his position relative to the leading questions of the day. In early life the Whigs received his support but on the organization of the Republican party he embraced its principles of "Free press, free speech and freedom."
He labored for Lincoln's election and when the war began, though he could not go to the front himself, no one assisted more than he by their private means, He was appointed deputy provost marshal for McDonough County during this struggle and it was while doing his duty as such that he met his death, shot by John Hire, whom he had arrested for endeavoring to escape the draft. On the 26th day of January, 1837, he was married to Matilda Jane Brooking, with whom he lived happy until the day of his death. No children were born to bless their union.
WILLIAM ROBERTS
Was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1835, where he lived till at the age of 15, he with his parents came to Ipava, Fulton County, Illinois. It was here that in the winter of 1855 he gave his heart to Christ and made the start into Christian service, a step which he has never had cause to regret. And to this day one of the fixed habits of "Uncle Billy's" life is regular Bible study and never missing an opportunity to testify and say a word for Jesus. In the spring of 1858, taking an ox team, he made his way over the lonely prairies to Kansas, returning in the fall to Ipava, where he remained until the fall of 1862.
At this time he married Miss Anna Liza Darr, whose home was three miles northeast of Knoxville. After the marriage, the happy young couple went to the "Old Dillworth" place south of Tablegrove, where they began housekeeping for themselves, moving in 1864 to a farm near New Philadelphia where John T., the oldest son was born, after which they located at the old Kimble place south of Bardolph in 1868, where Clarence was born. The next year found them on the farm just north across the road from the Wiley schoolhouse. This was the noted "wet year" of the early days, for it rained most of June, July and August.
From here in succession they went to Knox County, Illinois; Ringgold County, Iowa, where Philip was born; Jasper County, Iowa; and finally to Bardolph in 1879. But in 1882 the desire for roaming again overtaking them, they left for Kansas, where May 5th, 1887, the wife died. For the next six years he was practically a wanderer, living here and there, working chiefly at mining, but at last in 1893 re- turned to Bardolph, where he has since remained. During the time he has been here he has given 17 years free service to Christ's cause by way of being janitor of the Presbyterian Church. During 14 of these years he has also been janitor of the schools of this place. "Uncle Billy" is now 76 years of age, hale and hearty, seem- ingly good for another quarter century. His record for regularity at Sunday School and church is one of which he is justly proud for in several years he has never missed. He is loyal also to the A. F. & A. M. society.
JAMES ROBERTS
Was a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, and was born June 11th, 1839. Here he lived until 1850 when he came with his parents to Fulton County, Illinois, where
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June the 1st, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Willis, who was born at Freeport, Ohio. At the age of twenty-eight he moved to the McBride place south of Bardolph, now known as the Kimble place. In 1869 he came to Bardolph, where his wife died Dec. 20th, 1877, and four years later, Sept. 15th, 1881, he married Miss Missouri Spangler of near Bardolph, who was born in Ohio in 1853, moving with her parents to this place at the age of three years. To this union were born Lottie, April 3rd, 1887, and Forrest, Sept. 19th 1891.
At an early age James learned well his lessons in masonry, having worked at that trade now for 54 years, and so well known is the grade of work that he does, that were he able he could ply his trade the year round without missing a day. .
He has held various offices while in and around Bardolph, showing the con- fidence his friends and neighbors put in his business ability. Has served as justice of the peace, two terms as road commissioner, school director, and as a member of the village board in some form or other for 22 years of which two terms was as its president. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. society of this place, join- ing the lodge when 21 years of age.
DR. HORACE B. SIKES
Was born in North Granville, Washington County, New York, April 5, 1842. He left Granville in 1862 and attended school and clerked in a store for several months. During the winter of 1863-64 he taught school in Michigan. After school closed he entered the store where he remained for some time as a clerk and book- keeper. He then went to Chicago and traveled for a wholesale Notion House. He then returned to Michigan and studied medicine with Dr. Harvey, of Romeo, and took two courses of lectures in Ann Arbor. He was graduated in 1872 and settled at Tablegrove, Illinois, in partnership with Dr. A. J. Bacon. He came to Bardolph May 18, 1875, and in the spring of 1884 attended the practitioner's course at Rush Medical College. He was married March 19, 1883, to Fidelia Hill, who died March 27, 1885. In June 12, 1894, he was again married to Anna Parvin.
Dr. Sikes was a prominent citizen in village affairs. He was a member of the Masonic order, held the office of Master of the Bardolph lodge No. 572 for five years. He died at his home in Bardolph, Nov. 4, 1896.
GEORGE A. SINGER
Was born Dec. 4, 1837, in Lancaster County, Penn. His parents were George and Liza (Bates) Singer. The former died at an early age and the mother re-married some time later. In 1848 the family settled on a farm in Macon, Ill. When George was a boy of 16 years, she also died, leaving him practically alone. He then worked here and there on the farm both in Macon and Scott Counties until short- ly after the war began. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 129th Ill. Reg. During the war he served mainly under Sherman and was with him at Atlanta and also on his "march to the sea." On the 25th day of June, 1865, he was discharged at Chi- cago and returned home at once. The next year he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Adkisson, who was born and raised in Scott County. They settled down to farming in Scott County, where they lived happily for about seven years. At that time they removed to McDonough County, Ill., near Camp Creek, and farmed there until 1888 when he bought his "old home place" north of Bardolph. Here they lived until about 1903 when they removed-to Macomb at which place they continued to live. "George" was always an energetic and alive farmer, never al- lowing "idle time" to be near him.
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REUBEN SMITH
Was a native of Cassy County, Kentucky, where he was born in 1817. His father, one of these stern, brave frontiersmen, who knew no such word as fear, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and served in various offices of importance in his home county.
Reuben was married Feb. 10th, 1842, but remained at his old home farming until 1847, when he with his family moved to Illinois, first locating on the old Vin- cent place, where Fred Mullen now lives, until buying the old home place which his son John now occupies. This was in those early days before many settlers had arrived and it took hard work and ingenuity on the part of Mr. Smith, as it did on the others of this carly day, to make both ends meet. But careful planning and hard work told, and all went well with them until 1875. In this year, Feb. 4th, he died, leaving wife and family to mourn his loss.
WILLIAM STANLEY
Is a native of Kingdom County, Ohio, where he was born in 1832. His parents, Thomas and Mary Kiger Stanley, were both born in West Virginia, the former in 1806, the latter in 1801, and after their marriage in West Virginia removed to Ohio.
William, the subject of this sketch, lived near his old home till he reached the age of 29, having married at the age of 18 years, Miss Jane Jett, who was born in Janesville, Ohio, Muskingum County. During this part of his life he farmed quietly, though throughout the whole period National life was stormy in the ex- treme. Stirred intensely by the secession, on Lincoln's call for volunteers, he en- listed Oct. 26, 1861. During the war he served loyally for three years in the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the seven days' fight, Fredricksburg, Chancellors- ville, and serving under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. On the 26th of Octo- ber, 1864, he was mustered out of service and returning home, began work on the farm once again. In the early seventies he moved west to Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, where his wife died. He continued to farm, however, though in the spring of '81 he removed to Bardolph, where he successively farmed and worked on the section. One year prior to this, his second matrimonial venture was made, being united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah (Lewis) Harris.
Religiously he is a Baptist, having united with that church at Gresden, Ohio, in 1850. Ever since that time he has been a member of that church, ever living up to his standard of right and wrong as he saw it. In politics he is a loyal Re- publican and has been ever since the party organized. At present he is living in ease and quiet in his beautiful little village home.
ABRAHAM SWITZER
Was born in Augusta County, Virginia, Oct. 23, 1882. Here he lived until 1854, when he came to Illinois in October, spending the first winter at Astoria .. The next year he moved to Industry, where he stayed two years then moved two miles south of New Philadelphia, where he made his home for the next eight. All this time he farmed and continued this same occupation until he retired from active life. In the fall of 1865 he came to the "Old Switzer" homestead northwest of Bardolph. He was ever a wide-awake and energetic farmer, on the out-look for improvements in the farming line, being the first in all his neighborhood to use one of the "Pattee Mulley" cultivators. Up to this time all corn plowing had been done with the old single shovels. It is worthy of notice also that Mr. Switzer's
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mind had some of the inventive turn, for even before the advent of the Pattee plow, it was common to see him by means of an iron bar and braces unite two single shovels, thus plowing both sides of the corn row at once. At this early date "corn planters" were not in existence, and all corn was planted by plowing a furrow, dropping it by hand and then covering it.
Mr. Switzer was married in 1852 to Miss Matilda Bryan of Virginia. Relig- iously he was a United Brethren and joined the church at the age of 18. He was one of the founders and a member of the first board of trustees for the Jerusalem Chapel that was built north and west of Bardolph. He remained a member here until the M. E. organization in the community somewhat reviving, he joined them in 1873 and assisted in building the Greenwood Church, which became at that time a very strong point. He was a very active church and Sunday school worker, in fact was one of those few that can truly be called strong men.
In 1908, while living in Macomb, he was called to that home beyond, his re- mains being interred in the Oakwood cemetery of that place.
LEWIS WILSON
Who is now living in Bardolph, was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, May 10th, 1832. At a very early age he was left an orphan and made his home with an aunt, Mary Jones. Here he remained until 1850, when he enlisted in troop H, 1st U. S. Dragoons, and was sent to Carlisle barracks. At this place regular drill was given the boys until April, 1851, he serv- ing as a blacksmith and a bugler. The regiment was then fitted out at Leaven- worth, Kansas, for crossing the plains and sent to Mexico. After serving here, in California and Texas, he was dis- charged Feb. 25th, 1856, at Fort Union, New Mexico, having honorably complet- ed his five-year service.
Before returning he bought up a lot of horses which he brought to Macomb, Illinois, for sale. He worked at his trade of blacksmithing at Macomb and other places, and Feb. 2, 1858, was married to Ann M. Kuhn, of Macomb. In 1859 he made a quick trip to Colorado, returning in the fall to Macomb and arriving at Bardolph the next year where he located. On the 22nd day of August, 1862, he en- listed in the 119th Reg. of Ill. Infantry. He was discharged as sergeant in 1865 and resumed his old trade at Bardolph. Here he has held various positions in village affairs, being for three terms ABRAHAM SHIRK school director, one term Police Magistrate and one term President of the Vil- lage Board. In whatever he undertook he put forth his best efforts to make that a success, until within the last year or so he has worked steadily ever since the war closed, at his trade but now is taking his much needed rest, living in a house which he had built a few years ago, making the fourth good dwelling house that he has had erected in Bardolph.
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WILSON WINTER
Was born Jan. 26, 1837, at Sandusky, Ohio. His early boyhood days were spent at Scanville, Ohio. When ten years of age he went to Cincinnati, where he re- mained for two years. From Cincinnati Mr. Winter moved to a farm near. When sixteen years old he came to Illinois, settling three miles east of Ipava in Fulton County. Mr. Winter attended college for a few years at the Iowa Wes- leyan University, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
On Oct. 14, 1862, he was united in marriage to Maria Head. She also was a native of Ohio, being born in Highland County, on the 23rd of December, 1844, and settled near Bardolph. Two years after their marriage they moved to Sheridan, Iowa. While there they both joined the church and have been active in church work ever since. After several years Mr. and Mrs. Winter located on a farm near Bardolph, where they remained until a few years ago, when they moved into town. Seven children were born to them: Lincoln, Frank, John, William, Eva (Hunt), Olive (Hunter), and Eddie.
JONH McCORMICK WILCOX
A native of Carroll County, Kentucky, was born March 19th, 1826. His parents, Benjamin and Flora McCormick Wilcox, were both reared in Kentucky. The father died early in life, leaving the wife with seven children, among whom was John. Mrs. Wilcox then removed to McDonough County, Chalmers Township, two miles northeast of Middletown. John when 22 years of age, went to Cali- fornia, where he engaged in mining and buying and selling cattle for three years. In 1852 he returned to Illinois and in 1853 bought a farm some three miles South of Bardolph which was then raw prairie. This he brought to a high state of cul- tivation. On the 13th of March, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Yocum, daughter of Major Yocum. After the death of his wife in 1883, he re- moved to town and engaged in the lumber business which he run successfully as long as he had control. He was straight-forward. and honest in all his dealings, thus winning the confidence of all the people, by whom he was well liked. He died in Bardolph in 1893.
GEORGE W. WETZEL
Was born in Augusta County, Virginia, Jan. 18, 1833, and died Jan. 10, 1909. His father was George W. Wetzel, born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and his mother was Sarah Nebergall Wetzel from Augusta County, Virginia. In 1845 he came to Illinois with his parents, they locating in Fulton County near Table Grove. On July 16, 1857, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McKee. To this union were born six children, five of whom are still living. Shortly after their marriage they began housekeeping on a farm in New Salem Township. Later they moved to Mound Township, where they lived until their removal to Warren County. After 17 years they returned to McDonough County, buying the pres- ent home place northwest of Bardolph. When 17 years old he became a member of the United Brethren Church and remained a faithful and consistent worker. He was for many years a leading member of the Jerusalem Chapel which had been erected on a farm in 1867 and owned by Nicholas Combs, afterwards purchased by Mr. Wetzel. In this Chapel he always took a great interest, having served many years as Sunday School Superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel celebrated their golden wedding anniversary July 16, 1907, at the old homestead. All the children and grandchildren of the couple were present and the occasion was a joyous one. Politically he was a Republican, but never took an active part in that organization. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a good
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neighbor, fully deserving the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow men.
THE WORK BROTHERS
JOHN M. WORK
One of the best breeders of stock in this State, was born November the 8th, 1834, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His parents were John and Margaret (McCluskey) Work, the latter being a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsyl- vania. John, one of eight children, while yet a boy, was taken by his parents to Adams County in Southern Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In January, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Gibboney, who was a native of that place. They moved directly to Illinois, settling at Monmouth, but left there the next year, and located on the old Cone place northeast of Bardolph. In 1864 his wife died. Three children had blessed their union, though only one is now living, Alice M., now Mrs. Alice Collins. He was united in marriage again in 1865 with Miss Martha J. Hervey of near Peoria. She was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and had moved here with her parents.
When Mr. Work first settled here he lived in a small house back of the pres- ent homestead and the lumber of which it was built had to be hauled from Bur- lington, there being no place closer at which to buy at that time. Mr. Work was a man who had great love for sport, and nothing seemed to satisfy him so much as a good chase with the hounds. He always had a great number of these and many a day and night he has spent with them in the woods, covering the country for miles around. He thought nothing of driving 50 or 60 miles for a good hound and often did so whenever he heard of one for sale. He with his brother Samuel began breeding fine stock in 1865 with a few Berkshire hogs, bred by the "Illinois Importing Company." In 1871 they began to import for themselves, securing during that and the following year, six fine hogs. "Tandy," a thoroughbred boar, they imported from Gloucestershire, England, in 1874, and two years later bought "Kings Toombs" for $200 of Edward Tooms, Oxfordshire, England.
During their years of work they obtained a national reputation for stock. Their success as breeders of fine stock was always unquestioned. They always exhibited at County and State Fairs, taking more premiums than any other breeders in this western country. In 1873 at the State Fair at Peoria, they com- peted with the best herds in the United States and Canada, winning five blue and one red ribbon. About 1878 they had one sow, named "Queen," which took premiums wherever exhibited, and without question was about as fine an animal
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as could be found anywhere. She was shown at St. Louis twice and received the blue ribbon each time. During later years "John" managed the business alone and won such a name for his quality of stock that orders were received from, and hogs shipped to all the Western States and Territories.
He likewise was a breeder of fine cattle and sheep. In 1891 he made a trip to. England for sheep and returned with a number of fine Shropshires. With these and what he already owned he built up an excellent business. He was a man whose word could be relied upon. He was out-spoken in his convictions, honest, free-hearted, true to his friends, was a Presbyterian, having joined that church in Ohio at an early age. His death occurred while he was visiting his brother Wil- liam at Earlsboro, Oklahoma, on the 15th day of January, 1905.
SAMUEL WORK
The only one of the "Work Brothers" now living, was for years in partnership with John M. Work in the raising of fine hogs and sheep. He was also born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and went to Adams County, Ohio, while yet quite a youth. He came from there to McDonough County, Illinois, in 1866 with his parents, settling on the farm, three miles east of Bardolph, now owned by Ora Crabtree. Here he remained till moving to Rushville, Ill., where with his family he resides at present.
WILLIAM WORK
One of the early settlers of McDonough, was born in Washington County, Penn- sylvania, on the 24th day of July, 1832. Here he received his schooling. At the age of 17, he removed with his parents to Adams County, Ohio. Here he re- mained for a number of years working on the farm. In January, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Kerr of that place. To this union, nine children were born, eight of whom are living. On coming to Illinois in March of the same year, he located for one year at Bardolph and then moved to his old home four miles due east of town. He improved this place wonderfully, besides starting a large fruit orchard which he took great pride in, during his stay there. Early in the nineties he removed from this vicinity and finally located at Ysleta, Texas, where he remained until shortly before his death. In early life he joined the Presbyterian Church of which he remained a faithful and consistent member during the remainder of his life. He was a good man, neighbor and citizen. On the 26th day of February, 1911, the hand of death laid its cold, icy fingers upon him after a very short illness. He was buried beside his wife in the Bardolph cemetery.
ROBERT (BOB) WORK
Was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania. Early in life he removed with his parents to Adams County, Ohio. Here he remained until his marriage with Miss Gibboney of that place, when about the early sixties he came to Mc- Donough County, Illinois, and settled in the old house, near the water tank of the C., B. & Q. R. R., which his brother John had recently vacated, when he re- moved to his old home place. Although it was quite a distance between John's and Robert's places, yet so open was the country that their wives, who were sis- ters, could shake their table cloths at one another after meal time. After a short time here, Robert bought what is now the James Logan farm east of town three miles, where he later built the good frame house that is still standing. Leaving here he moved to the old Hoagland homestead or where Robert Hamilton now lives. In the early nineties he moved west and located in Oklahoma, where he was living at his death.
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