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Last week we learned about James Oxtoby, who left England and came to his Uncle Richard M. Oxtoby's farm. Richard M. and Sarah Turner had four children who were cousins of James'. One was Richard A. "Dick" who married Jennie Wilson.
Dick was born on the old Oxtoby farm in 1865, which was in English Prairie, just across the county line in Lake County. Richard attended English Prairie School and helped with the farm work. He liked farming and enjoyed horses and cattle.
Jennie was born in 1867 to Wyman Wilson and Sarah Hunter. Her father and was a merchant peddler in Spring Grove who would sell peanuts, dry good, medicines, candles and groceries.
Dick and Jennie married in 1890 and lived on the Oxtoby farm until 1902 when they moved to Spring Grove to a new home on Blivin Street. Dick started a teamster business and did odd jobs.
They never had any children of their own, but Jennie loved children and enjoyed spending time with and taking care of many of the town's kids.
They were both active in organizations that sought to better the lives of others. Richard was a member of the Masons, Modern Woodman, Royal Neighbors of America and also served as a school trustee. Jennie was a member of the National Daughters of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Royal Neighbors of America, and the Woman's Relief Corps.
In their later years they lived at 2014 Main Street. Dick died in 1933 and Jennie lived until 1942. The house was most recently a day care Montessori school which would have probably pleased Jennie very much.
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