The Work Families of Clinton County, Iowa

Not only is farming the most necessary and one of the most important occupations, but it is also one of the noblest. It was regarded as such by the old Romans, in the days of their virtue, and was so considered in the early days of our republic. The Romans, Cincinnatus and Virginius, the Americans, Washington and Jefferson, are among the greatest historical figures of their age, and the noblest examples of farmers, for with all of these it may be said to have been their main occupation. It is only in decadent times that the respect for the farmer is lost.

Alexander Work was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, six miles from Uniontown, on Tulv 25, 1837, son of Alexander Work, born in the same county January 8, 1808. and Frances (Barklew) Work, born also in Fayette county, July 5, 1808. His parents came to Clinton county, Iowa, in

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Alexander Work grew up on the farm and attended the common schools. He owns ninety-six acres of land and is a general farmer and stock raiser. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married on November 23, 1854, to Mary Kinkaid, who was born in Cumberland county. Pennsylvania, May 23, 1834, the daughter of David and Belle (Huston) Kinkaid. Her father died in Pennsylvania, and her mother came to Iowa in 1848, located in Scott county, then removed to Clinton county in 1850, where she bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, and here she died in 1866.

Mr. and Mrs. Work are the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy; another. Annie, died at the age of nine years.

Mr. Work is a hard working man. and one of the substantial citizens of the township. His life has been such as to win the respect of all who know him. He is the oldest settler in Clinton county and he and his wife stand high in the esteem of all who know them. Their home, just outside DeWitt, is a comfortable and attractive place, where the spirit of true hospitality is ever in evidence.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM A. WORK.

On the 15th of June. 1886. W. A. Workentered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company as brakeman, and served in that capacity until September 25, 1 89 1. when he was promoted to conductor, which position he still fills. He is at present in the freight service and is a resident of Clinton, which is the home of many of the employes of this road.

Mr. Work was born February 16, 1852, in Favette county. Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, William and Levisa (Mc- Laughlin) Work, were also natives. Coming west, the family reached Iowa on the 20th of June, 1 86 1, and located in DeWitt, Clinton county, where the father continued to make his home until his death, which occurred September 1, 1880. He was a distiller during his residence in Pennsylvania, but after coming to this state engaged in the grain and milling business. His wife died in February, 1886.

W. A. Work, the only child of this worthy couple, received a good practical education in the public schools of DeWitt, and during his youth learned the miller's trade, which he followed for about ten years in partnership with another man, selling out in 1882. He has been twice married, his first wife being Sarah Goff, whom be wedded June 20, 1877, and after her death he was united in marriage with Miss Estella Tanner, a native of Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. Her father was William Tanner, who enlisted in Company L, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, during the Civil war and died at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her mother is still living and now resides in Clinton. Air. and Mrs. Work have two children, Flora I. and Frank B. Fraternally our subject is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and all who know him hold him in the highest esteem. He has a fine home at 738 Stockholm street, Clinton, one of the prettiest streets in the city, which he built in 1891. In politics he is a Republican.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NIS PETER WORK.

The name of Nis Peter Work, one of the best known citizens of Clinton, Iowa, stands out prominently in the architectural world. He has by persistent endeavor and the application of right principles, properly exercised, forged his way to the front in one of the most exacting of vocations and has shown by his course and attitude toward his fellow men that he is deserving of the large success that has attended his efforts and of the high esteem in which he is held.

Mr. Work was born March 22. t86i. in north Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and he is the son of Peter and Anna Work. Both natives of Denmark. His father was a corporal in the army. Both he and his wife lived and died in the old country. They were honest and hard-working people.

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Street, Clinton, and three residences in Clmrlotte, Iowa, and has done much other work that stamps him as a leader in his line. That his work is eminently satisfactory and is meeting with general approval is attested by the many testimonials that his patrons are furnishing, verbal and written. In quoting two of these we will be able to learn something of how his work is appreciated.

F. W. Jericho, proprietor of the drug firms hearing his name at Fairfield, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and the one in Moline, Illinois, in which he is interested, writes: "To Whom It May Concern: I take pleasure in recommending N. P. Work as a first-class, up-to-date architect. I have just finished a six-thousand-dollar dwelling of which he drew the plans, and I am more than pleased with same. There were no extras to pay for, so you may know the plans were complete and drawn up carefully." C. C. Risk writes as follows of Mr. Work's ability as an architect: "I take pleasure in recommending N. P. Work, architect, of Fairfield, Iowa, who drew the plans for my store front, and I am very well pleased with his work. More than that, I can recommend him as a painstaking, honest man and one that is willing at all times to give you good, valuable advice in the building line. Give him a call."

Politically, Mr. Work is independent, preferring to vote for the man rather than the party. Religiously, he is a Lutheran, and belongs to the Masonic order, also the Dane Society of Clinton. He takes an interest in church and fraternal work and is always ready to do his part.

Mr. Work was married on September 28, 1882, to Marie May, of Sabula, Iowa, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Nissen and Peter are living in Clinton; Marie is the wife of Ray Mulkins, of Fairfield, Iowa.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.