In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Wolfe's history of Clinton County, Iowa (1911)
ALEXANDER WORK.
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
[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]
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 Wolfe's history of Clinton County, Iowa (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: De Witt (b. 1843)
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.