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ESTROP, RICHARD - Owing to the large mining interests of Great Britain, many persons born within the confines of the kingdom turn their attention towards that line of endeavor and learn the work thoroughly under competent supervision. One of the men of this class who later came to Sangamon County is Richard Estrop, now retired and living at Dawson. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 17, 1845, being a son of Richard and Anna Estrop, both natives of England, who never left that country, where they died. They had three sons, of whom two, Richard and a brother, Jarvis, of North Dakota, survive.

During boyhood Richard Estrop worked for his father on the farm, securing what education he could, but when he reached the age of fourteen began mining. Eventually he became dissatisfied with conditions in England and on April 9, 1872, sailed for America from Liverpool, landing in New York City. >From that city he went to Schuylkill, Pa., but remained there only a short time and came on to Riverton, Ill. Until 1876 he mined there, but in that year returned to England. This was but a flying visit, however, and upon his return he resumed his mining operations in Riverton and later moved to Barclay, where he continued mining for twenty-five years. He then retired to Dawson and for the past two years has found in that city the requirements for a good home. Nearly all his life in the United States has been spent in mining operations in Sangamon County. He was also for a short time interested in mines in Petersburg. Fraternally Mr. Estrop is a member of Barclay Lodge No. 555, I.O.O.F. For a number of years he has been a member of the Methodist Church.

On July 29, 1866, Mr. Estrop was married in England to Mary A. Dinsdale, also a native of England, having been born in Yorkshire, January 15, 1849, a daughter of William Dinsdale, a blacksmith. He and his excellent wife were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive, Mrs. Estrop being the eldest living, and the others being: Mrs. Ellen Windrass, of England; William and Mrs. Alice Lynch, both of Darlington, England. Mr. and Mrs. Estrop are the parents of nine children, six of whom survive: Mrs. David Smith, of Dawson; Thomas, of Spaulding; Stephen, residing near Barclay; Walter of Barclay, and Albert, of Dawson, as well as Miss Ellen, who resides with her parents. Mr. Estrop owns his residence in Dawson, as well as other property in the vicinity, and is numbered among the responsible men of his community. During a long and active life he has proved what can be accomplished through hard work and earnest purpose, and he and his family are proud of what he has achieved.