Wilbert J. "Bucky" McCoy was born and raised in the city of Ashley, Illinois. For many years, he was employed as supervisor at the local candy factory, a major employer for the area, but spent many years collecting facts and artifacts. When the new Ashley Public Library was under construction, Bucky asked for a room to display some of his collections, which includes historic photographs, manuscripts, and published materials, many items which were rescued from the now-demolished Ashley School building that housed both Ashley Grade School and Ashley High School. Bucky often spends time in the Historical Room, researching a new subject or discussing local history with visitors. He also has an interest in genealogy, mapping several Ashley-area cemeteries. Bucky also writes a weekly column, "Spit and Whittle from Bucky's Bench" for the Ashley News that tells a variety of stories, including lessons he learned as a child and vivid descriptions of his mother's cooking.

Mayor Leonard Piasecki says of Bucky: "At 90 years young, [he] is an extraordinary person and an inspiration to us all. He relentlessly volunteers his time recording the history of our community and remind us of our heritage."