Engine-nuity feeds man's spirit and family
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Lending a hand, as always Wilbur O. Jones, left, is a charter member of the Carroll County Antique Tractor Club. Recently the club held a plow day on theAyres farmsouth of Flora. Jones, a whiz at antique tractors, took part in the event, including helping others set up their machines. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

What began as a way to make a living has turned into a shiny collection of memories.

Local antique tractor aficianados generally agree rural Delphi resident Wilbur O. "Pop" Jones is tops when it comes to knowledge of the machines. Not only did he support his wife and six children with his talents, but how he shared that knowledge through the years has won the hearts of many.

The 1930s were tough times for many. Like others Pop Jones lived it and did what he could to make an honest day's wage during the challenging times.

In a September interview, Pop said he lived near Sheridan and worked sweeping floors at Delco-Remy inAnderson in the late 30s. He quit when laborers went on strike and took a job for John Deere in Lebanon.

Later he moved his family to Carroll County in search of steadier work. He and his family drove from Sheridan on dirt highways atop Pop's favorite tractor, a 1936 John Deere A. He found work here and there including some with Talbert's helping farmers with tractor and equipment issues at their farms.

His first run, he recalled, was to Adams Township in heavy November snow to assist a stuck service truck. Pop got stuck, too, but eventually all was fine and his baptism into the business was complete.

The first tractor Pop owned was a 1941 John Deere B. He said that machine got him interested in tractor repair and restoration. He built upon his knowledge of tractors, over the years, benefitting not only from working with them but growing up around the models as they were introduced.

By the 1960s, Pop had earned a solid reputation for knowing his way around tractors. He had worked for some and helped many and decided to open his own business. That lasted three years until Bill Lee of Chittick- Jackson-Lee, now Jackson-Lee- Pearson of Flora, hired him.

Long-time employees at Jackson-Lee-Pearson said when Pop worked there farmers would bring their equipment and request Pop do the repair work because of his talent and helpful nature.

Pop and fellow tractor-lovers Dick McCain and Blaine Brubaker chartered the Carroll County Antique Tractor Club, which was incorporated in 1993. The club is host to about 75 members today.

At a recent tractor club event, 10-year member Tom Etherington of Howard County said when he was young his father would visit Pop. In late September, Pop celebrated his 85th birthday, and Tom Etherington was there.

"He's the greatest guy I've ever met next to my parents," Etherington said of his longtime acquiantance. "And he's probably forgotten more about two-cylinder John Deere tractors than most of us hope to know."

Pop retired in 1984, but his passion for tractors has not diminished. He purchased more than 25 since then and found time to modify or restore them while continuing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Pop was able to attend a tractor club plow day held recently on the farm of Meredith Ayres. He missed the last two plowing events due to the illness and death of his wife, Luella.

Despite his loss, he said he was happy to provide for his family while doing what he loved.

"It didn't make us a lot of money," Pop said with tears in his eyes. "But I was able to provide for my wife and six children."