My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT McCONKEY. In the death of this of gentleman Randolph County lost one of its most enterprising agriculturists, and one who had been a prominent factor in its upbuilding, being himself an exponent of the power of a strong will and strict integrity—qualities calculated to bring success. No higher tribute can be paid to any man than that “he helped himself and others as he journeyed through the passing years,” and of Mr. McConkey this remark may be truthfully made.

Born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1818, Mr. McConkey emigrated to the United States in 1851, and for three years made his home in New York City. Thence in 1854 he came to Illinois, and purchasing land in township 7, range 5, Randolph County, settled thereon, and commenced the task of clearing and improving the place. While still a resident of the Emerald Isle, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hunter, and two children, James and Margaret, were born to their union prior to their emigration. After coming to America five children were added to the household, of whom W. R., now residing on the old homestead, is the only survivor. The parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which faith they died, the mother in 1885, and the father on the 15th of January, 1891.

The elder of the two surviving sons, James, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, November 15, 1845, and came with his parents to America in 1851, remaining at home until he was nineteen years old. He then joined the boys in blue, enlisting February 15, 1865, as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and doing service with the regiment in Tennessee. Upon being discharged, June 23, 1865, he returned home, and assisted his father on the farm until twenty-two years old.

On the 11th of November, 1868, James McConkey was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of W. W. and Nancy (Farrar) Mitchell. Of the children born to this union three are living, Robert, Alexander and Israel. The second marriage of Mr. McConkey united him with Miss Ellen Crain, their wedding taking place October 9, 1888. Three children were born to them, of whom two are living, Josephine and Lola. Mrs. McConkey was born in township 7, range 5, this county, May 22, 1860, and is a daughter of James H. and Phoebe (Morris) Crain. She is a lady of amiable disposition, and is influential in the social circles of the community. Their farm is located on section 32, where Mr. McConkey owns and cultivates one hundred and twenty acres, raising the various cereals to which the soil is adapted, and also making a specialty of stock. Politically he votes with the Republican party.

The younger son of our subject, W. R., married Miss Susie M. Andrews on the 4th of July, 1888, and they have two living children, Maude and Mabel. The first-born, Robert E., died when ten months old. The parents of Mrs. McConkey, Frederick and Caroline (Zang) Andrews, are residents of township 7, range 5, and unto them were born ten children, eight yet living. William R. took charge of the home farm until his father’s demise, when, the place having been willed to him, it became his permanent home. Here he is prosperously engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and his wife are well and favorably known throughout the county; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he is a generous contributor, though not a member. In political matters he votes the Republican ticket, and invariably gives to the principles of that party his warm support.