Robert McBocock

Robert McBocock (deceased), was born in Ohio, December 19, '25, where his parents — Elijah and Barbara (McKenny) Bocock then resided. He moved with his parents to Illinois in '37, as related in their history (given in this chapter), and resided with them until '48, when he married Miss Elizabeth R., daughter of John J. and Abigail (Mitchell) Culton, natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively, and both of a long line of Irish-American ancestors. Robert learned the cooper's trade in Fulton county, which he followed for three years after his marriage. He was engaged in agriculture in Fulton county, Ill., until '54, when he came to this township and purchased eighty acres, devoting it to grain farming and stock-growing. Under his wise supervision and industry it grew into a large estate of 950 acres, thus providing fully for his large family and leaving them at his death, on January 19, '86, all that wealth and an intelligent example of industry and integrity should bring. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. McBocock, six are living, namely: Thomas J., William C, Abigail J., widow of Jefferson Francis, Sarah M., wife of Frederick Deitwig, James S., and Alva E., all residents of the township where their father settled in '54, and where they grew to manhood and womanhood. The father of this large family was, in political life, an unconditional Republican. For sixteen years he held the office of justice of the peace, and for thirteen years, successively, a member of the supervisor's board. From'61 to '66 he was a member of the Union League, and by his wisdom and prudence aided in averting mob law and in subduing the devices of unthinking men, who would blacken a proud record by resort to capital punishment for mere sympathy with the rebellion. Though unconnected with any religious body, he was a friend to all Christian forms, and in his life was strictly moral. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth McBocock, resides on the homestead, and like her husband, is possessed of those qualities which win success and esteem.