Our little slice of Heaven was once part of a shallow sea that covered the Earth
eons ago. During this time, the dolomite limestone that characterizes this area was
formed, along with pockets of galena lead. When the waters receded and the Ice Age
glaciers advanced across North America, for some reason this part of the world was
spared the leveling effects of the megaton ice flows. Through three successive
glacial advances, our area maintained its topography, which is why we're one of the
only "hilly" areas of Illinios.
up the Mississippi River. There once were a lot of beaver and muskrat in Northern
Illinois, but the real boon to this region was the discovery of the lead deposits. Before
the construction of locks and dams, all the rivers feeding into the Mighty Miss were
much deeper, including what become known as the Galena River. As could be expected,
a port was built to handle the budding commerce, and as a matter of course, a town
developed. Named after the lead that prompted its construction, Galena became a
major hub for furs and ore. With the advent of reliable transportation, settlers were
able to move farther and farther into the surrounding countryside.
Greater and Lesser Rush Creeks, and deeded it to his father, Robert Campbell, who
worked for the Hudson Bay Fur Company. Robert moved from Galena to his property
several years later, and became known as a breeder of fine horses and cattle - his
family came to hold almost a Section in Derinda Township, and built trading posts
and schools for their employees' families. The red building that you see in the photo
is one of the schoolhouses: Our original house was built on the foundation of the
local trading post.
parcels - we own one of the smallest at seven acres of rolling pasture and three acres of
hay ground. Over the years we've tried raising every conceivable (and some
inconceivable) types of livestock, with varying rates of success. Although our area looks
pretty civilized to the naked eye, someone forgot to tell the "critters", so we are
constantly trying to discourage 'coons, skunks, weasels, 'possums, coyotes, and hawks
from making our animals into an Old Country buffet. This is why Yzma and Cronk have
become such valuable members of our family (more on them later). We have raised
sheep before - about 12 years ago, we had a lovely flock of Clun Forest sheep - so when
circumstances dictated that we make our property pay for itself, we chose to raise sheep
again.
Internet can really open doors if you're looking for one to walk through. The brief
description and the photos in "Sheep Breeds of the World" sparked my interest, so I
went to the ISBONA Home Page, fell in love, and the rest is history being made.
