Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 131

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 131

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In August. 1863, Mr. Robinson was married at Harrisburg, Pa., to Sarah Gensinger, born in Cumberland County, Pa., July 22, 1846. a daugh- ter of Daniel Gensinger. a native of Pennsylva- nia. as was his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Gensinger had two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Robin- son and her brother Joseph, of Marysville, Pa .. being the only survivors. The latter served during the Civil War in the Seventh Uuited States Cavalry. for nine months and later for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson became the parents of ten children. six of whom sur- vive : Alice, wife of John Maddox, of Spring- field; Rebecca, wife of Vincent Saville, of Ri- verton, where he is electrician for the town; Joseph, a miner of Riverton; Tennie, wife of Adam Rhode of Riverton; Thomas, at home; Susan, a teacher in the Riverton sehools. There are twenty grandchildren and one great-grand- child in the family. Mr. Robinson owns his home and other property in Riverton, and has the utmost confidence in the locality, helieving that all realty will show a steady and healthy advance, so that in his opinion it is the best kind of investment.

ROBINSON, William S., switchman for the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad Company, is a man of careful habits, whose fidelity ean aiways be re- lied upon. He was born in Virginia, April 21, 186S. a son of Samuel and Mandy (Grant) Rob- inson. The father was born in Loudon, Eng- iand, while his wife was born In County Cork, Ireland. He was a rallroad man and later con- nected with the recruiting serviee. When twenty-one years old he came to the United States, settling in Virginia, where he worked at various kinds of employment. Eventually he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he now resides. He belongs to various railroad orders. His wife died in 1869, leaving four children: Martha, wife of Jake Barns; John, Edward and Will- iam S. Edward, twin brother of William, is now deceased. Mr. Robinson was a Protestant and a Democrat, and the mother was a Catholic.

William S. Robinson attended school in Vir- ginia until he was eleven years old, when he hegan working as a structural Iron worker, but later went into rallroad work. In 1895 he came from Virginia to Terre Haute, Ind., but April 26, 1902, came to Springfield to enter the service of the Chicago and Alton Railroad Com- pany, as a switchman, which responsible posi- tion he still holds. For twenty-three years he has been a railroad man and could not now interest himself in any other line of work.

On October 2. 1894, Mr. Robinson was mar- ried, at Logansport, Ind., by Rev. H. Harland, in the Methodist Church, to Millie Small, a native of that eity, born September 28, 1872, daughter of Alexander and Anna Catherine (Wean) Small, the latter a native of Dayton, Ohlo. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have two chil- dren: Otis S., born August 3, 1895, In Logans- port, and Marie Catherine, born June 23, 1903, in Springfield. Mr. Robinson is a Democrat and a Catholic. while his wife is a Presbyterian. They are members of the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is very popular among rail- road men and is generally liked wherever known. Ile has been a hard worker all his life and has never shirked any duty which was laid upon him. If he is selected to hoid an elective office his constituents may be certain of the same faithfulness to duty in the discharge of its obligations that he has ever observed in his private life.

ROBINSON, William T .- Many of the oider residents of Springfield remember well the great Abraham Lincoln, and love to recall him as he was to his fellow-townsmen. One of these men is William T. Robinson, a native of the coun- ty, wbo was born far enough back to remember distinctly when Indians were not merely names, but realities. He was born in Buffalo Hart Grove. August 2, 1833, a son of John W. and Lucinda Robinson, natives of Virginla and Winchester, Ky. The father came to Illinois at an early day, locating at Buffalo Hart Grove, where he resided until his death, being

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killed by lightning iu 1840, at the home of his muother. A bolt struck the house, which was bullt of logs, and he was killed instantly and his sister badly injured. The poor old mother, who at the time was on her death bed, suffered the shock of seeing these two terrible accidents occur before her eyes. Mr. Robinson left a widow, who lived until about 1890, and two sous and two daughters, one of the latter beiug now deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Fiufrock re- sides iu Waynesville, Ill., aud is the other daugiiter. One son, Johu F., resides in Lincoln, III. Mr. Robinson comes from good old Vir- ginia and Kentucky ancestry.

Ilis father being a farmer, Willlamu T. Robin- son was brought np to agricultural work, at- tending school in a little building that was also used for religious services. He worked on his father's farm until 1860, when he went to Atlanta, III., to conduct a grocery business, but seven years later returned to Springfield, where he has since lived. Upon his return he took a position with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, working as truckman for a year, then becoming shipping clerk. For twenty-thirec years he held this position, when he was in- jured in the freight house. Upon his recovery the company made him flagman at one of their crossings, and he is now faithfully discharg- ing the duties pertaining to that position. Mr. Robinsou never served in the army, although he wanted to and offered his services, but failed to pass the examination. His brother John served In Company I, One Hundred and Four- teenth Illinois Infantry. While residiug at At- lanta, Mr. Robinson served as Constable, and was also a School Director at Buffalo Hart Grove, being elected on the Republican ticket, as he has always held to the principles of that party. His personal friendship for Mr. Lin- coln led him to adopt these principles as his own, and he has never wavered. He is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church and is faithful in his devotion to it.

Mr. Robinson was married in Springfield, De- cember 4, 1856, at the old American House, which stood on the present site of the Bress- mer dry-goods store, to Julia A. Lunbeck, born near Courtsville, Ohio, August 24. 1837. Her parents moved from Courtsville to Iowa, resid- ing there until their deaths. Her father was a carpenter and farmer. Six children came to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, four daughters and two sons, two of whom survive: Ida L., wife of Benjamin Fagin, living on a farm west of Springfield ; Clara E., living at home, employed by the Illinois Watch Company. There are four grandchildren in the family: Bessie, Ethel and Roy and Herbert, and one great-grandchild, Helen Binney. Mr. Robinson lives at No. 1251 North Second Street. He recalls mauy inter- esting events of the days when his father's house was the stopping place of the various lawyers who rode through on horseback on their way from Springfield to Pulaski. Among them was Abraham Lincoln, who was attracted to-

wards the intelligent young man, aud the two became' warm frieuds.

ROCCHICCIOLI, Charles, who has been en- gaged iu business in Springfield since 1889, has a fruit and coufectionery store at 605 East Washington Street. He has established a large patronage, being considered an npright and lion- est dealer and highly respected. He was born at Lascana, Italy, January 8, 1860, son of Palo Rocchiccioli, a farmer by occupation, who died there. He had almost no educational advant- ages as a boy, as his parents were uot able to send him to school, and he began working on a farm at a tender age. He is largely self-edu- cated, and through study at home and learning in the school of experience is able to carry on his business in an able manner and reap a good profit therefrom. At the age of sixteen years, wearing the crude wooden shoes he had been ac- customed to at home, Mr. Rocchiccioli went to London, and there for two years sold statues from door to door. Then he made a short visit home, but returned to England and re- sumed his former occupation, making another visit home, and In 1884 embarked for America. He lauded at New York and went thence to St. Louis, where for three years he sold statues, then came to Springfield. He embarked In busi- ness first at 707 East Washington Street and a few years later moved to 825 East Washington Street, where he remained twelve years, and in 1906 came to his present locatiou.

Mr. Rocchiccioli was marrid in Springfield to Zita Maggenti, who was born in Italy in 1872 and came to America with her parents when a child. Her father, Dominoe Maggenti, kept a store in Springfield some years, but finally re- turned to his native country, where his death occurred recently. Children were born to this couple as follows : Marie was born in Italy in 1890, while her mother was making a visit to her native country ; Charles J., born in Spring- field May 31, 1892; Millie, born in 1896. and Yolanda, born in 1903. The family are mein- bers of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church and Mr. Rocchiccioli is a Republican in politics. He has a comfortable home on West Washington Street and has many friends in the city.

ROCK, John Francis .- Some of the solid, reliable men of Springfield have lived In the city all their lives, and their interests are closely connected with its growth and prosperity. One of these representative citizens is John Francis Rock, of East Capitol Avenue. Hc was born In Springfield, July 15, 1860, a son of James and Mary (O'Connor) Rock, natives of Ire- land. In 1835, they came to America, and after a residence in New York City that covered only a short period, they came to Springfield, which was then attracting attention as the proposed site of the State capital. Mr. Rock established himself in a grocery business on Jefferson, be- tween Third and Fourth Streets, in which he

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

continned for five years. He and his wife are deceased. They were worthy people, and con- sistent members of the Catholic Church.

John Francis Rock went to school in Spring- fieid, attending the Lincoln School and St. Mary's institution, leaving to enter the employ of the rolling mills which were located in the suburb of Ridgeiy. There his faithful and efficient service extended over a period of twenty years, or until the miils were ciosed. He then connected himself with the large plow works of Springfield, where his efforts are equally appreciated.

Mr. Rock served as patrolman for two years, but otherwise has confined himself to labors as before mentioned. His pleasant home on East Capital Avenue is owned by him, and his wife's taste is reflected in its artistic furnishings. Mr. Rock is a Republican in political faith. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. On June 21, 1887, Mr. Rock was married in Springfield, Ill., to Catherine L. Madden, no issue. While Mr. Rock has never taken an active part in public affairs, he has always been in favor of good government, and has borne his part in securing it.

Mrs. Rock was born at Salisbury, Sangamon Connty, July 27, 1860, daughter of John and Marguerite (Fitzgerald) Madden, natives of County Ciare, Ireiand. The parents came from Ireland and settied in Sangamon County, where they became prosperous farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Rock are devout members of the Catholic Church.

RODEMS, Charies E. proprietor of a black- smith shop at Cotton Hill Station, Ill., is a na- tive of Sangamon County. having been born at New City, January 15, 1885, a son of Peter Rodems. His grandfather was a native of Ger- many, who spent his entire life in the Father- land.

Peter Rodems was born in Germany and first came to the United States in 1859, but re- turned to his native land in 1860. only to come again to this country the year following. His occupation was that of a machinist. and after coming to America the second time he settled in Sangamon Connty, where he spent the re- mainder of his life working at his trade. his death occurring December 13, 1899, in Spring- field. He was born October 30, 1829, and was married to Marie Lederbrand, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 18. 1848, and whose father came from Germany to Sangamon Coun- ty, where he died. She died November 25. 1909, in Springfield. Both she and her husband were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Charles F. Rodems received his education in the public schools of his native city. and was always an active. healthy boy, delighting in all manner of out-door sports. At an early age he started working on a small Illinois farm for his father, and he so continued until he was sixteen years old, when. deciding that he could better use his abilities in another field, he started to

learn the trade of blacksmith, and being bright and quick to learn, soon mastered this occupa- tion and began to find ready employment in various shops in the vicinity of Springfield. When he was eighteen years old he went to Bloomington, where he worked for six months in the shops, but returned to Springfield and continned working at his trade for three and one-half years. During the next year he was engaged at his trade in Chicago. After his re- turn to Springfield secured a position with the Iilinois Central Railroad Company as a black- smith, and worked all along their line for ten months. Once more he returned to Springfield, and ten months later decided he was capable of conducting a business of his own, and accord- ingly invested his savings in the shop and equip- ment at Cotton Hill Station. He does a flour- ishing business and his excellent workmanship has given him a high reputation in his trade. He is a Republican in political views, is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church, and holds membership in the Illinois Life Insurance Com- pany.

On November 18, 1908. Mr. Rodems was nnited in marriage with Annie Gritens, at Springfield, Ill. Mrs. Rodems was born at Deer Plain, Cal- honn County. Ill., August 7, 1891, daughter of Henry and Ida Gritens, natives of St. Charles, Mo., and Caihonn County, Ill, respectively. To this union there has been born a son, Peter Henry, born at Cotton Hill, November 25, 1909.

Mr. Rodems is one of the energetic yonng business men of Ball Township, and is im- mensely popular with all who know him. In addition to his business he is the owner of the residences and lots at Nos. 1228 East Stuart Street and 2000 South Thirteenth Street, in Springfield.

RODERICK, John C. (deceased) .- In looking back over the history of Springfield, the bio- grapher is struck with the number of its rep- resentative men who figured prominently during earlier days, and who have passed away from this life. This city was the home of Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, Logan, and many others who have helped develop the State and make it sec- ond in importance in the nation. There are others who, although they did not rise so high in political and military iife, bore just as im- portant a part in making history, for they were part of the great backbone of the State. One who belonged to the latter class was the late John C. Roderick, who was for many years a carpenter of Springfield, where his family stili reside. He was born in Madeira, in April, 1842, and was an excellent example of the people of that country. His father was Joseph Roderick, and his mother was Jocintha (Roderick) Rod- erick. and both were natives of Madeira. Jo- seph Roderick was a carpenter and contractor before coming to America, but when he located in Springfield, in 1850. he became interested in the iron industry, and was connected with it for thirty-four years.

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John C. Roderick was associated with his father in several enterprises in Springfield, even before enlisting, when twenty years old, in the Union Army, in 1861. He served faithfully and well, making a record as a soldier of which his family is justly proud. Mr. Roderick was a carpenter by trade, but also operated a grocery for some years, becoming successful in all his ventures. He was a Woodman, belonging to Springfield Lodge No. 114. A Republican, he took an active part in party life. The Presby- terian Church held his membership and he died in its faith.

Mr. Roderick was married in Springfield, De- cember 24, 1869, to Mary Sylvester, a native of Madeira, born there in 1852, daughter of John A. and Frances C. (Depotas) Sylvester. Mr. and Mrs. Roderick had children as follows : Albert, boru in March, 1871, is married and re- sides in St. Louis ; Eva, born August 15, 1873, resides with her mother in Springfield; Joseph A., born iu 1875, married and lives in St. Louis ; Elmer V., born 1SS5, and Charles O., born March 26, 1SSS.

During his long and useful life Mr. Roderick made many frieuds. and when he was taken away, April 21, 1905, his loss was deeply felt and the bereaved family had the universal sym- pathy of a wide circle of those who knew aud appreciated him. While he was prominent polit- ically, he never sought public office, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen. Faith- ful in his church observances, he tried to do his full duty and live up to his beliefs, and no man stood higher in the estimation of his neighbors and business associates.

RODERICK, Joseph (deceased) .- Although Portugal has not contributed as many of its sons to the United States as a number of other European countries, those who have come are excellent examples of sturdy, hard-working men, who become good citizens. One of the best rep- resentatives of this class was the late Joseph Roderick, of Springfield, probably born on the Island of Madeira about 1826. When only twenty years of age he came to the United States, landing in New York City, whence he came direct to Springfield, being one of the early natives of his country in this locality.

His first employment after coming was iu the line of day laboring. Never neglecting a chance to improve his condition, Mr. Roderick worked hard and saved his money, and after marrying built a house at No. 930 North Ninth Street. Later he built two more north of his residence, which yielded him a good income. When lie purchased land in the locality there was but one other house there, but he had confidence in future prospects, and lived to see his foresight- edness justified. His death occurred at his home iu 1906. he dying a faithful member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Republican.

Mr. Roderick married Clara Mendonsa, aiso a native of the Island of Madeira, who died in

1894. She bore him the following children : Julia Auua, now Mrs. Johu DeFrates, of North Eighth Street; John, of Springfield, and Lucy, now Mrs. Sidney Vasconcellos. Mr. Vasconcel- los is a carpenter of Springfield, and he and his family live in a pleasant home at No. 926 North Ninth Street. He was born in Jacksonville, where he was educated in the common schools, but came to Springfield in 189S, finding ready employment at his trade there ever since. In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Vasconcellos aud Miss Lucy Roderick, and they have one child, Roiand Roderick, a bright little feilow, who can already speak in both English and Portuguese, and is a wonder at counting. The affection existing between members of this fam- ily is something that unites them very closely and makes them proud of the father who ieft behind him a name which stands for hard work and sterling integrity.

RODGERS, Alfred, a retired farmer living at Spaulding, Iii., belongs to an old and promi- nent family of Sangamon County, where he has spent his entire life. He was born in the county, May 22, 1845, son of Thomas and Mary K. (Lockert) Rodgers, the former born in Penn- sylvania and the latter in Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife came to Sangamon County among the pioneers. He died in 1851 and his widow sur- vived until 1872. They were parents of three sons and three daughters, ali of whom are deceased except Alfred.

The boyhood of Alfred Rodgers was spent on his father's farm in Sangamon County. The school he attended, near his home, was fur- nished with slab seats. He worked with his father untii he was seventeen years of age, then began to work on his own account. He spent one year on his grandfather's farm near Riverton, then for one year conducted Mr. Yokum's farm, for one year iived on Mr. Cooley's farm, a year later removed to Mr. Wil- son's farm, where he remained a like period, and then for one year lived on Mr. Pitcher's farm. He put in one crop on river land and lost it all by inundation from the river. He conducted a confectionery store and pool room in Spaulding for three years, and some three years ago retired from business life.

Mr. Rodgers was married in Springfield, in October, 1897, to Mary Davis, born in Tennes- see, May 22, 1855. Both her parents died in Tennessee, some five or six years since. By a former husband Mrs. Rodgers had two chii- dren : Eilen married John Spoon and living in Peoria, Ill .; and Daniel Morgan, who is liv- ing at home, carries on farming and mining.

Mr. Rodgers is regarded with respect and esteem by all who know him, as he is a true friend. a kind neighbor and the soul of honor. He is a man of good habits and high character, industrious and energetic, and fond of his home. He was always very kind and dutiful to his mother in her widowhood, and cared for her

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

well until her death. IIc is known as a second Abraham Lincoln in regard to the number of ralls he has split and the wood he has ent. He has carried a sack of wheat or corn to mill on horseback, waited for it to be ground, and then brought the grist back home. He Is an active member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the American Home Circle. IIe owns four acres of land in Spaulding and his wife also owns some property.

RODGERS, John, a successful merchant and well-known citizen of Dawson, Ill., is a native of Scotland, and has inherited the thrift and business enterprise of his race. He was born in Montrose, in 1836, a son of James and Janc (Thompson) Rodgers. The parents were farm- ers and spent their entire lives in Scotland. They had five children, of whom three were sons.

The education of John Rodgers was acquired in his native country, and when sixteen years of age he became a merchantman on a ship and followed the occupation of sailor for ten years. then engaged in gold-mining in Anstralia. He followed mining ten years, then returned to his native country and In 1873 emigrated to the United States. Mr. Rodgers lived for a time in Chicago, then moved to the vicinity of Cov- ington, Ind., where he engaged in coal mining. In 1877 he located at Riverton, Ill .. engaged for a time in mining, then became employed in the company's store, and in 1880 this company started operations in Dawson. Mr. Rodgers severed his connection with the company in 1898 and made a trip to Scotland, where he re- malned until 1901, then returned to Dawson and engaged in mercantile business in company with Thomas A. Morgan. They carried a line of groceries and Yankee notions, and continued in partnership until the death of Mr. Morgan. In 1905, since which time Mr. Rodgers has con- ducted the enterprise on his own account. Ile has established a good trade and carries on his business in a manner to inspire confidence and insure success.

In July, 1874, Mr. Rodgers married Jessie A. Eggo, who was born in the same county in Scotland as himself, and who had come to Cov- ington, Ind., in that year. They have no chil- dren. Mr. Rodgers is a Presbyterian in religious belief and a Democrat in politics. His education was acquired in the parish school in his native place, and was rather limited, but he has learned much in the school of experience and is pos- sessed of good business judgment and ability.

RODGERS, Richard, a retired farmer residing In Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, Ill .. belongs to a family that has been prominent in the county since 1837, and its members have ever been identified with its best interests. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 5, 1836, and is a son of Robert B. and Catherine A. (Huggins) Rodgers, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, the former born August 1, 1793, in West-

moreland County, and the latter born February 11, 1800, in Liverpool, Perry County. They were married in Pennsylvania, where eight of their children were born, and moved to Medina County, Ohio, where they had one child born. In the spring of 1837 they arrived east of the river, in what is now Clear Lake Township, and there became parents of two more children. Mr. Rodgers continued to live on his farm near Riverton until his death, which occurred March 25. 1862. Ifis widow died in April, 1864. They were parents of children as follows: Lucetta married Charles McClure and died in Wooster, Ohio, leaving three children; Thomas, married Catherine Hazlitt, in Sangamon County, and died in 1852; Jane married William McClure, and both she and her husband died, leaving two children ; Rebecca married James Morton, in Sangamon County, and they had eight children; Amanda married William Steele in Sangamon County, and they had six children; Mary mar- ried J. C. Harris in Sangamon County, had eight children, and died in Christian County ; John served in Company A. Third Illinois Cavalry, and married Mrs. Nancy J. (Kinder) Harsh ; Caroline; Richard; Samnel D. served in Com- pany I, One Hundred Fourteenth Illinois In- fantry, and married Emma Yocnm; Robert, born in Sangamon Connty in 1842, in 1861 enlisted for three months in the Seventh Illinois Intan- try, and died at Cairo, July 9, 1861. The only two of these children who now survive are Sam- uel, of Riverton, and Richard.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 131

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774