The McWard Family

Richard and Robert McWard

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In October 2022, Deanna Griffin sent an email to Richard McWard, inquiring about a photo that had the names "Robert and Richard" on the back. She wasn't positive that it was McWard, but assumed so based on the names.

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Below the photo is Richard's response.

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Deanna 

 

Robert McWard was born in Donegal Co. Ireland January 1, 1837 and died October 29, 1908 buried Oak Ridge Cemetery Springfield, IL. He came to America arrived in Philadelphia in 1859. He then re-located to Springfield, IL. He moved to Ricks Township in 1873. He married Margaret McIntosh on July 4, 1863 in Springfield, IL. 

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Robert and Margaret had four children. Two died in childhood. The surviving sons were Robert J McWard, Jr. and Richard (R.D.) McWard. Robert J was born in 1866 and R.D. McWard was born January 14, 1870. 

 

R.D. was my grandfather and Rose Agatha Cashen my grandmother. 

 

R.J and R.D. would been 9 and R.D 5 years old in 1875 and living in Ricks Township. It is possible as that looks fairly close on age. 

 

Robert and Margaret lived in Springfield, IL and Chatham for almost 10 years from 1863 to 1973. So the key is where was the picture taken? Is that a school in background? Robert McWard, senior  was member of the Presbyterian Church in Morrisonville.

 

I do not think the building in background is Morrisonville or Palmer so maybe Springfield or Chatham. The other problem is Robert McWard, Sr was one of a family of 5 brothers and 4 sisters. One brother died in Philadelphia ( date is uncertain) and sister died in Philadelphia around 1906. His brother, David who lived in Bear Creek Township survived him as well as brother in Ireland, and two married sister in New Zealand. 

 

Richard McWard Family a different Richard, was the first son of David and Ellen Holmes McWard of Greenwood township. This Richard McWard Family had children but only one named Richard and no Robert. 

 

So from what little I know do not know of any other Robert McWard, JR or Richard D. McWard. There are Robert and Richard in almost every McWard Family but not brothers or Robert J. or Richard D. McWard. 

 

I am Richard A. McWard and my dad was Richard Howard McWard and our first son is Richard Douglas McWard. 

Dick

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