For Want of a Chain

Published December 20, 2009

Peter Ducklow [see footnote] was a strong and determined man, apparently even late in his life.  His work ethic no doubt a reflection of being raised on a homestead farm carved-out of the wilderness by his pioneer family. His grandson, George Ducklow, recalled one story recently that really attests to his strength and determination.

Left: Peter Ducklow, 1901

In the 1930s, when Peter was some 70 years old, he lived in the city of Oconomowoc. He would regularly walk from his home in the city to his old farm that was about three miles to the north.  At this time his son Maurice was running the farm.  On one particular day Peter and Maurice were working to pull a large stone or a stump out of a field.  To get the job done they needed a heavy gauge logging chain.  They searched the farm, but could not find one that would do the job.  Peter decided that he must have one back at his home back in Oconomowoc.  So he walked the three miles back home to get it. He must have become disgusted, as he couldn’t find one at his home either.  So his next option was to buy one. 

Apparently there was no merchant in Oconomowoc who had what he wanted, so Peter then decided walked to Waukesha, some 18 miles to the east.  It was there he found what he was looking for, a heavy gauge chain suitable for the job he had in mind.  Peter made his purchase and then wrapped the 30 or 40-pound chain across his shoulders and neck. Satisfied he had what he needed, he set off on foot back towards the farm, some 21 miles ahead.  In all Peter walked some 45-50 miles that day, and about half of those miles with the chain around him. Not bad for a 70-something year-old man.  Oh yeah, and Peter did this with a major disability: he was blind in one eye!

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Footnote: Story told by George Ducklow to Jeff Ducklow on December 12, 2009

Footnote: Peter was the 12th child and youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ducklow.  The farm referenced here is not the original Ducklow pioneer farm, but rather Peter's own farm that was about six  miles to the south and west of the original  homestead.

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