Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 116

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

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Thomas Duncan Robertson came to the United States in 1839, from Edinburgh, Scot- land, at the age of twenty-one years. Locating at Rockford, Ill., he was in a land business, and then studying law, formed a partnership for its practice with a Mr. Holland under the firm name of Robertson & Holland. These gentle- men, in 1848, embarked in a private banking business, and Mr. Robertson continued an owner of it until his death on February 2, 1902, although, in the meanwhile, several changes had taken place in its management. In 1851 the name was changed to that of Robertson, Coleman & Co., and in 1863 it became Robertson & Starr, so continuing until the bank was reor- ganized and incorporated as The Winnebago National Bank. He married Elizabeth Ann Taylor, who died in May, 1878, and they had six children, as follows: two who died in

infancy ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eight years; William T., fourth in order of birth; Jane Melvina, who died at the age of nineteen years; and Mary Palmer, who became Mrs. David N. Starr, and lives at Clearwater, Fla.

Growing up in his native place, William T. Robertson attended the city's public schools, including its high school, and a preparatory school in Massachusetts. Following this he had a year's experience in an insurance office, when he became bookkeeper of the Winnebago Na- tional Bank, with which concern he has since been connected, rising successively until in 1902, upon the death of his father, he was made its president, which office he continues to hold. He is a member of the Elks, and socially is con- nected with the Union League, Equestrian and Bankers' clubs, all of Chicago. During his boy- hood and youthi he attended both the Congrega- tional and Episcopal churches.

In 1873 Mr. Robertson was married to Edith White, a daughter of Sheldon F. and Emily (Wood) White. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have two children, namely : Edith Mary, who married Ralph G. Root, was widowed in 1909, and now resides at Rockford ; and Arthur W., who is one of the assistant cashiers of the Winnebago Na- tional Bank.

The influence of the Robertson family on Rockford affairs has been powerful and extends over a period of about seventy years. The pres- ent bearers of the name are excellent represent- atives of the founder of the family in Winne- bago County, and many of his excellent quali- ties are inherited by them.

ROGERS, Daniel, electrical and steam engineer for the Haddorff Piano Company of Rockford, with residence at No. 1321 Twenty-first street, has had experience and is well fitted to discharge the duties pertaining to his responsible position. He was born in Putnam County, Ind., June 6, 18SS, a son of Thomas H. and Amanda ( Steele) Rogers, natives of Indiana.

Daniel Rogers was educated in the high school of his native place, and supplemented this by a course with the Scranton Correspondence School. His first work was on the home farm, but he later became engineer for a concern in his native state, and in 1910 he came to Rockford to be- come fireman for the Knickerbocker Ice Com- pany. This concern promoted him to the posi- tion of engineer, and after a period of efficient service, he went with the Forest City Creamery as engineer. His next employment was with the Bert Allen Ice Cream factory, and then in 1913 he was made general engineer for the Had- dorff Piano Company, and has continued with this concern ever since.

Mr. Rogers was married to Beatrice Pyle and they have one son, Ellsworth M. Mr. Rogers belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the N. A. S. E. and Fraternal Union of America. A live, progressive young man, filled with ambitious ideas, lie has come to the front and is recognized as a leader in his line.

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ROGERS, James, one of the progressive busi- ness men and stable citizens of Rockford, whose industry and thrift have placed him among the men of means of his community, is a member of the firm of Rogers Bros., galvanizers, at No. 544 N. Court street. He was born in Ayr- shire, Scotland, October 17, 1856, a son of Wil- liam and Helen (McGeachia) Rogers. The father, a native of Scotland, came to the United States in 1858, and located at Argyle, Harlem Township, Winnebago County, where he be- came a mason contractor, having carried on that same line of business in Scotland. Later he bought a farm in Harlem Township, but sub- sequently retired and passed away in 1909, aged seventy-seven years. The mother sur- vives. The father was a Republican in politics. He and his wife belonged to the Argyle Pres- byterian Church.

James Rogers was reared at Argyle, Roscoe, and Rockford, Ill., and was educated in the latter place. His first employment was with James Lane at Rockford, and he later was with the John McDermaid Churn Company for a short time. Following that he worked for Dr. Lane, taking charge of his farm of 1,400 acres near Rochelle, Ill., and there he remained for five years. Returning to this county, Mr. Rogers engaged in the meat business at Winnebago, later going back to Rockford where he once inore was connected with Dr. Lane, they going into the galvanizing business, and at the death of his partner, Mr. Rogers purchased the plant, and later took his brothers, D. F. and W. H. and A. T. into partnership with him. At present these brothers are operating galvanizing plants at Rockford, Freeport and Batavia, Ill. They manufacture galvanized steel castings, wind- mills and similar goods, and their product is sold over a wide field.

In 1892 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Ada M. Collson and they have three children, namely : Mary H., Louis A., and Dorothy E. Mr. Rogers owns a beautiful residence at No. 544 N. Court street, and spends his winters in Florida. He belongs to the order of Elks. His progress has been steady and his advancement rapid, and his success in life may be justly attributed to his determination to do well what- ever lie undertook, and to live up to his busi- ness agreements.

ROHLEN, Edward V. Merchandising calls forth business ability of a high order, and Rockford affords an enviable field for operations of large magnitude along this line. One of the men who lias found it profitable to devote himself to this branch of commercial life is Edward V. Rohlen at No. 1019 Fourteenth avenue. He was born at Galesburg, Ill., May 17, 1880, a son of Olaf and Inga (Erickson) Rohlen. Olaf Rohlen was born at Blekinge, Sweden, where he was edu- cated and taught the decorator's trade. This he followed and was also a musical instructor in both vocal and instrumental music. In 1867 he left his native land, being convinced that the United States offered more opportunities to an

ambitious man, and stopped at Galesburg, 111., until 1893, in which year he came to Rockford, having in the meanwhile built up a fine decorat- ing business, and having married. At Rockford he established himself in a painting contracting business and continued to operate the same until his death at the age of fifty-nine years. His widow survives and makes her home with her son, Edward V. In politics the father was a Republican.

Edward V. Rohlen was educated at Galesburg and there became associated with Daniel Drane in a dry goods business in the old Scotch Dry Goods House. This association continued for three years, when Mr. Drane died, and Mr. Rohlen went to Sharon, Wis., where he was in a dry goods business for three years. He was with the T. P. Burns' branch store at Zanesville, Wis., for ten months, then went to the main store of this company at Zanesville for three years. He then came to Rockford to assist his father in the decorating business, and after the latter's death, went on the road for the Rockford Shoe Manufacturing Company, and was with them for two years, and then traveled for the C. S. Ledger Shoe Findings Company for three years. He then embarked in his present busi- ness at No. 1019 Fourteenth avenue, on July 21, 1906, being one of the first to found a business house on this thoroughfare. For some time he has been president of the South End Business Men's Association, being the first president and continuing up to the present time. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1908 Mr. Rohlen was married to Miss Lillian Beach, who died in 1908, and they had one child, Grace Lillian, who through her mother, is of English descent. In 1913 Mr. Rohlen was married (second) to Miss Hannah Olander, a daughter of Olaf Olander of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Rohlen have one child, Eleanor B. A sound business man, Mr. Rohlen enjoys a fine trade and ranks high among his associates.

ROLASON, Horace B., one of the leading agri- culturalists of Winnebago County, belongs to an old and honored family of Durand Township. He was born in this township on section 16, September 12, 1865, a son of Horace J. Rolason, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was educated in the country schools of his township and the Durand High School, and lived with his parents, giving them devoted attention.

. On January 1, 1901, Mr. Rolason was mar- ried to Iva Boomer of Durand Township, a daughter of Edward Boomer, now of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Rolason are the parents of two children, namely : Helen and Hortense. Since his marriage, Mr. Rolason had carried on his farming operations separate from those of his father, and has always raised Poland-China hogs and Durham cattle. When his father died, lie came into possession of the 144-acre farm which he has since operated. Mr. Rolason has owned several stallions for breeding purposes, two famous ones, being a registered Percheron

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

and a carriage horse. He has probably raised more first class horses than any other man in Winnebago County, and often has bought large numbers of them for others and for speculative purposes. Since 1914, however, he has discon- tinued raising horses. Since July 1, 1915, he has been agent for the Oakland Automobile Company. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past two years has been a member of the Durand village board. A man of the hour, he has known how to grasp opportunities as presented, and has made a success of whatever he has undertaken.

ROLASON, Horace J. The late Horace J. Rola- son was one of the most representative men Winnebago County possessed and during his residence in the agricultural regions, through his enterprise and good judgment, rendered valuable services to farmers in his neighborhood. He was born in Sussex, N. J., April 27, 1827, and died at Durand, Ill., December 19, 1909. He was a son of William and Eveline (Corcel- lius) Rolason, the former a pioneer of New Jer- sey, where he died from injuries when Horace J. was nine years old. The American Rolason family is descended from Charles Rolason, who came to America from Liverpool, England. He made his home at Boston, Mass., where he reared three children, Isah, Henry and Mary. Isah Rolason, the paternal grandfather, was a farmer and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He reared a family of eight children : John, Peter, William, James, Mary, Katie, Anna and Sarah. Of these children, William Rolason, the father of Horace J., was born December 31, 1788. He was a farmer and he served in the War of 1812. His death occurred June 2, 1836, the mother living until 1861. Their children were as fol- lows: Asa, Mrs. Maria Crain, Mrs. Martha Cole and Horace J., all of whom are now deceased.

Horace J. Rolason remained on his father's farm in New Jersey until January 1, 1853, when he married Mary Jane Van Sickle, a native of New Jersey. In December, 1855, Horace J. Rolason, with his wife and their two children, came to Illinois, locating in Winnebago County, on a farm one-half mile west and one-half a mile south of Durand, in Durand Township. Mr. Rolason added to his possessions until he had 120 acres which he improved, and he also worked on the construction of the railroad which came to Durand in 1856. He continued to reside on his first farm until 1886, when he purchased 144 acres, a part of which is included in the limits of Durand Village. On this prop- erty he also made many improvements, erecting buildings, fencing, and putting in tile, and on it carried on general farming and raised thor- oughbred Jersey cattle and Poland-China hogs. He also kept excellent horses. He and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rolason was survived by his widow until April 14, 1915. They had five children: Ella, who is the widow of David Place, has had children, Jesse E., deceased, and Vida; Ida; Lillie, who is the widow of Eugene Hoyt, has

one son, Ralph E .; John V., who quite recently sold the homestead ; and Horace B., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Horace J. Rolason was a Republican and for a number of years was president of the village board of Durand. For half a century he was a member of the Masonic order.

ROOT, John Barnes, for years was an impor- tant factor in the life of Winnebago County, and the influence of his useful, honorable life remains. He was born in New York state May 5, 1843, a son of Harvey and Polly Ann (Barnes) Root, natives of a New England state and of New York, respectively. They were married in. New York and there Harvey Root carried on a blacksmith business.

In young manhood John Barnes Root went to Michigan, with an uncle, for the purpose of attending the University of Michigan, and he carried out his purpose and was graduated from that institution in 1865. For a time he was with Owen Barnes, at Mason, Mich., and then entered the Michigan Law School from which he was graduated, and for the two following years he practiced law at Mason. His health failing he then came to Rockford, Ill., and first engaged in market gardening, and later developed a seed business. In conjunction with this line he became a writer for the Ameri- can Agriculturist, the Prairie Farmer, and Moore's Rural New Yorker, and did so well and demonstrated his theories so practically that he gained a world wide reputation which of course increased his business. Unfortunately he never regained his health and death claimed him in November, 1876. After his demise his widow conducted the business for about four years, then sold it and since then has lived in her residence on North Church street.

On December 31, 1868, Mr. Root was married to Ella Giddings, born at Havana, N. Y., a daugh. ter of Ralph and Cornelia E. (Flemings) Gid- dings, he born at Sherman, Conn., and she at Romulus, N. Y. In 1854 they came to Rock- ford. Prior to coming to Rockford, Mr. Gid- dings was a cabinetmaker, but after his arrival in this county, he, with another man, bought a farm in the city limits of Rockford, now covered with residences. There he farmed for a few years, and then set his property out with small fruit trees and made a success in raising fruit. His death occurred in March, 1895. Mrs. Giddings died in December of that same year. Their children were: Charles M., who resides at Rockford, and Mrs. Root. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Root were as follows: Therese C., who died in infancy ; Albert Barnes, who also died in infancy ; and Ralph Giddings, who died in October, 1909, aged thirty-five years, married Edith M. Robertson of Rockford. He was manager of the Dairy Shippers' Dispatch, Chicago, and possessed great business ability. Mrs. Root belongs to the Westminster Pres- byterian Church, which her father helped to build. She is a member of the Daughters of

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the American Revolution, the Woman's Club and the Mendelssohn Club.

Since the death of Mr. Root Mrs. Root and her brother, Charles M. Giddings, have resided together. He was born at Havana, N. Y., and is a mechanical engineer and inventor. He married Anna A. Van Duyn, born at Romulus, N. Y. Their children are as follows: Czarina J., who is a teacher in the Rockford High School ; Corwin Holly, who lives at Peoria, Ill., is in the advertising business; Cornelia E., who is manager of the Pittsburgh, Pa., high school lunch room; and Ralph Vandine, who is a land- scape architect, lives at Augusta, Ga.

ROTHWELL, William A., one of the most highly respected pioneers of Winnebago County, was born in Marion Township, Ogle County, Ill., February 19, 1838, a son of Robert Rothwell, and grandson of Rev. Thomas Andros. The lat- ter was born in 1759, and died in 1846, aged eighty-seven years.

Robert Rothwell was born in Lancashire, England, June 2, 1803, and died June 14, 1884. He was a calico printer in England and came to the United States in 1826, landing in Massa- chusetts where he remained five years. He then moved to Loraine, Ohio, where he remained for five years, and then came to Illinois in March, 1837. In the spring of 1829, he had married Miss Susan Andros, a · daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, at Berkley, Mass., and she died in June, 1882. After coming to Illinois, Robert Rothwell bought 160 acres of land and farmed it. For years a Universalist, in 1840 he joined the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Decidedly anti-slavery in his views, he soon found that his fellow mem- bers were pro-slavery, and he cast his lot with the Wesleyan Methodists, although reproached for his action as he had been very active in build- ing up the church and preaching and giving coun- sel. He attended thirty annual conferences as a lay delegate, and seven general conferences. As lie had a local license to preach he often gave his services for the cause. For the last five or six years of his life he was an invalid owing to paralysis. He and his wife, had two children, namely : Thomas, who was born in 1834, died at the age of four years; and William.

In 1858 William Rothwell was married to Nancy Bartleman, a daughter of George and Jennie (Kirkwood) Bartleman. She was born September 1, 1838. Her father was born in Scotland, and her mother at Glasgow, Scotland, and died at the age of sixty-two years. They were brought to Canada by their parents at an early day, and there were married. When Mrs. Rothwell was seven years old the family moved to New York state, and when she was sixteen, they came to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell have had three children, namely: Abbie, who is now Mrs. George Stevens, was born January 30, 1859, and she has four children, Harry, Clara, Alma, and Orla ; Lester, born March 18, 1870, who married Mabel Fullerton, March 20, 1900, and they have three children, Vivian, Dean and Harley; Leslie, a son who died in

infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell have also an adopted daughter, Alice Duzan, whom they took when she was two years old and reared as their own child. She married Clarence Konkle in October, 1911, and they had one child, Alfred, deceased.

During the Civil War, Mr. Rothwell enlisted on August 7, 1862, in Company K, Seventy- fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mus- tered out June 27, 1865. From August until Sep- tember after his enlistment, he was at Camp Fuller, and then his regiment was hurried south to take part in the battle of Perryville. From then on until the close of the war the regiment was in almost constant action, being in the Nashville campaign against Bragg, the march through Georgia, then back to Nashville. During his period of service Mr. Rothwell was in thirty battles. The winter of 1864-5 was spent at Huntsville, Ala. While he was in action near Marietta, he received a bullet wound in the neck, while in a rifle pit with Roger Brown and Leonard Marsh. Mrs. Rothwell made her home with his people while he was away. It is a remarkable fact that the little three and one- half year old child he left remembered him upon his return. Mr. Rothwell was at one time supervisor of his township, and he is now a justice of the peace. He owns his farm of 1631/2 acres in New Milford Township. He is a mem- ber of Nevius Post No. 1, G. A. R., Rockford, Ill.

ROWE, Harry R., cashier of the American Ex- press Company, with office at No. 207 S. Main street, Rockford, is an example of what a young man can accomplish if he be intelligent, indus- trious and reliable. He was born at Mt. Morris, Ill., November 23, 1883, a son of Wesley and Anna (Royer) Rowe. These parents were born at Hagerstown, Md., and Chambersburg, Pa., respectively. In young manhood, the father lo -. cated at Mt. Morris, later moving to Rockford. During the years he spent at the former place he was engaged in farming, but he and wife now live retired, in this city, both being held in high esteem. In politics he is a Democrat.

Harry R. Rowe was reared at Mt. Morris, and there educated. In 1902, when the family came to Rockford, he entered the employ of the Bur- son Knitting Company and remained two years, and then for five years was with the Rockford Mitten and Hosiery Company. In 1909 lie be- came a driver for the American Express Com- pany, and his reliability and dependable quali- ties were recognized to such an extent that he was promoted until he is now cashier of the local office of this company,

In 1913 Mr. Rowe was married to Miss Bessie Evans, a daughter of Charles and Adaline (Cartier) Evans, In politics Mr. Rowe is a Republican.

ROWLAND, William M., page 707.

ROWLEY, Edwin R., who has property inter- ests at Rockford and is a man of substance,

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standing high in public esteem, was born in Guilford Township, this county, October 14, 1848, a son of Isaac H. and Harriet A, (Mon- roe) Rowley, the former born at Riga, and the latter at Troy, both in New York state. The mother was brought to Winnebago Township, Winnebago County, in 1838, by her father, Levi Monroe, and there he secured land. Isaac H. Rowley and two other young men came to Win- nebago County in 1839. They all lived together in Guilford Township until Mr. Rowley married, when he moved upon eighty acres of land he had bought in the township. Like many others, during the gold excitement of 1849, he made the long and dangerous journey overland to Cal- ifornia, going with Harvey Silsby. After four years he sold his interest to his partner, accord- ing to an agreement made at the beginning of their association, that either was free to with- draw when he felt like it, and returned by way of Cape Horn to New York City ; thence on the railroad to Chicago, from which place he rode by stage coach to Rockford. Upon his return, Mr. Rowley resumed farming in Guilford Town- ship, and died there in 1892, the mother passing away in the fall of 1911, an aged lady, as she was born June 5, 1824. Their children were as follows: Walter W., who is deceased ; Edwin R .; Milton C., who is deceased ; and Harry H., who lives on the homestead.

Edwin R. Rowley attended the district schools of Guilford Township, and had one term at Lownsbury College. He assisted his father until he went on the Welty farm just east of Rock- ford, and worked on it for a year. Moving then to Rockford he engaged in teaming, and was so engaged until 1887, when he went on the Rice farm, now known as Harlem Park, and re- mained there for three years. Leaving the farm he moved to No. 1308 Ridge avenue, Rockford, which property he still owns, and occupied it until 1905. when he bought his present beautiful home at No. 966 N. Court street. In 1892 Mr. Rowley became street sprinkler for Rockford, and held that contract until November, 1914, operating two wagons at times.

On June 28, 1874, Mr. Rowley was married (first) to Susie G. Fordham, born at Sycamore, Ill., a daughter of William Fordham, and she died in May, 1899, they having had one daugh- ter, namely : Florence Edith Rannie, who lives on Douglas street. Rockford. She has three children : Susie, Edwin and an infant. On No- vember 10, 1903, Mr. Rowley was married (sec- ond) to Mrs. Sarah J. (Felts) Haynes, widow of M. M. Haynes, and a daughter of Elijah and Elsie (Ball) Felts, born at Raleigh, N. Y., Feb- ruary 6, 1841. Mr. Felts came to Rockford in 1835 and entered 300 acres of land in Durand Township.

Mr. Rowley is a Republican in politics. He belongs to Rockford Lodge No. 140, I. O. O. F .; Star East Lodge No. 166, A. F. & A. M .; Win- nebago Chapter No. 24, R. A. M .; Crusader Com- mandery No. 17, K. T .; Freeport Consistory ; and Tabala Temple. Mystic Shrine. He went through the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge,

is past master of the Masonic lodge, and past commander of the commandery, being a Mason in very high standing, and enthusiastic in his support of its work.

RUDOLPH, John. The manufacturing inter- ests of Rockford are many and varied and the men engaged in them are bearing their part in advancing the prestige of the city. One of them who not only stands well with his employers but also with his associates, is John Rudolph, fore- man of the side-gluing department of the Had- dorff Piano Company. Mr. Rudolph was born in Lake County, Ill., February 20, 1862.

Until he was thirty-two years old John Rudolph lived in his native county and was there educated and became a farmer. In 1894 he moved to Cook County and embarked in a grocery business, conducting it for five years, when he sold and was then employed in a paper mill at Riverview, Ill. After two years there, he went with the Schaeffer Piano Company of the same place as side-gluer, and in 1902 moved to Rockford. Here he was employed by the Haddorff Company as side-gluer, and was found to be so efficient a man that he was placed in charge of the department, continuing its fore- man ever since.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 116

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972