Warren County Bicentennial
Oral History Project
As part of our celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Warren County, the Warren County Historical Society has begun an oral history project to preserve stories about the early settlers in the county. These memories are important for our community and help to provide context for the objects that we collect.
The Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project is modeled on StoryCorps, a non-profit organization founded in 2003, which has recorded the conversations of about 700,000 Americans. These recordings are preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress and in an online archive.
If you are interested in sharing your story or volunteering to conduct interviews, please call us at (309) 734-8433.
The following interviews have been completed:
Bicentennial Oral History Project Interviews, 2025-2026
Mark Parrish Interview
Mark Parrish was interviewed by his grandnephew, Dalton Parrish, on November 19, 2025, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Mark's family has been farming in Warren County for several generations. He is the current president of the Warren County Historical Society.
youtu.be/GbciC64dHQg
Ron Jensen Interview
Ron Jensen was interviewed by Julie Shaw on January 30, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Ray's family farmed in Warren County, and he served as editor of the Review Atlas.
youtu.be/961ocA1lKNc
Jo and Bob McVey Interview
Joan "Jo" and Robert "Bob" McVey were interviewed by Julie Shaw on February 9, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Jo was employed by the Warren Achievement Center, Inc. in Monmouth for nearly 30 years, serving as President/CEO for over 25 years. Bob is a U.S. Navy veteran and was the owner of the Model Clothing store in Monmouth for over 35 years.
youtu.be/OibiTpaJu54
Jim Brown Interview
Jim Brown of Monmouth, Illinois, was interviewed by Julie Shaw on March 12, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Born and raised in Warren County, Illinois, Jim has been an entrepreneur, community leader, sports coach, and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
youtu.be/TOrNNwrdErQ
Larry Moore Interview
Larry Moore of Roseville, Illinois, was interviewed by his daughter, Leanne Wood, on April 10, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Larry is a retired farmer. His family has been farming in Warren County since 1910. Their farm is a Centennial Farm, which means the agricultural property has been owned by the same family of descendants for at least 100 years.
youtu.be/D-Auq1x4SOo
John Turnbull Interview
John Turnbull was interviewed in Monmouth, Illinois, by Julie Shaw, on May 1, 2026 (not 2016, as said in the video), for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. John and his family have served the Warren County community as undertakers and funeral directors for more than a century.
youtu.be/xhAKybPbTqo
Jeanne Robeson Interview
Jeanne Robeson was interviewed in Monmouth, Illinois, by Anne Sienkewicz on June 3, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Jeanne and her husband Don Robeson farmed in Warren County. Jeanne has been active throughout her life in many social and philanthropic organizations in the county.
youtu.be/otYybis_k1w
Bill Dutton Interview
Bill Dutton of Kirkwood, Illinois, was interviewed by Ann Tenold at his home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Their conversation centered on his childhood memories and his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse.
youtu.be/TIgMHgdibMI
Dave Gillen Interview
Dave Gillen of Monmouth, Illinois, was interviewed by his daughter Amanda at his home on July 9, 2026, for the Warren County Bicentennial Oral History Project, sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society. Amanda interviewed him via Zoom from Indiana. Dave and his family have been farming in Warren County for generations.
youtu.be/yx4i0Prz2oc
John Twomey, Guest Speaker for the West Central Leadership, 2014-2015
In addition to our Bicentennial interviews, we thought our community would enjoy the following talks by John Twomey.
John Twomey Speech, “Yours Truly”
West Central Leadership, Inc. in Monmouth, Illinois, invited John Twomey to be the guest speaker at their fall 2014 "Hearing From Our Very Own" annual luncheon. John was an All-America cross country and track and field star in the 40s and early 50s. He won numerous national championships, competed globally and held a world record. This video is entitled “Yours Truly.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I1Ml10LO9E
John Twomey Speech, “The Rest of the Story"
At the West Central Leadership 2015 fall luncheon, John Twomey discussed his World War II experience and the history of the Twomey Company. This video is entitled "The Rest of the Story."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxzicJCtoI4
