USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Rockton > The history of Rockton, Winnebago County, Illinois, 1820 to 1898 > Part 10
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Justices of the Peace, § Jesse Blinn, ( John B. Peterson. Philander Bird,
Com. of Highways, A. S. Newton, Wm. Leffingwell.
Constables, 1 Simon Young, Ira Cummings. Overseer of the Poor, Jesse Blinn.
The following persons have been supervisors of Rockton from its organization to the present time:
1850-Sylvester Talcott held the office for five years, and was chairman of the board of supervisors two years.
1855-Luman Pettibone two years, and chairman one year.
1857-George H. Hollister two years.
1859-John Perham two years.
1861-Erastus H. Stanton three years.
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HISTORY OF ROCKTON,
1864-Henry Shibley. Did not serve out his full term by rea- son of sickness, and James L. Gray was appointed to com- plete the term.
1865-George H. Hollister two years.
1867-David Carpenter three years.
1870-Robert Penman three years.
1873-David Carpenter two years.
1875-Joseph B. Merritt four years.
1879-E. J. Veness nine years supervisor, and seven years of the time, chairman of the board,
1888-A. A. Snyder most seven years. He resigned in the fall of 1894 on account of being elected county treasurer, and J. S. Cowen was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. 1895-J. S. Cowen four years and now in office.
The Congregational church which was commenced in 1849, was completed this year, and dedicated Oct. 24, 1850. The ser- mon delivered on the occasion, was by Rev. A. L. Chapin, the first president of Beloit college. The cost of the building was estimated at $5,000, and was a great undertaking for the little society that had its origin only twelve years before.
1851.
The mill race was extended this year, and the brick paper mill erected. It was built by Wright & Merrill, of Beloit, and was the pioneer paper mill of Rockton. It had twenty-eight shares of the water power occupying lot number five on the water power plat. The mill was subsequently enlarged with the addition of a print machine, and for a number of years, the paper on which the Northwestern Christian Advocate was printed, was made in Rockton. This plant has gone through many changes and owners, having been twice destroyed by fire. It is now owned by Fred M. Coons, who has recently purchased it.
The same year Bird & Peterson still further extended the race and built the two story stone mill just east of the paper mill for manufacturing purposes, and was first used by Alonzo N. Mellen for a wheel barrow factory. It was subsequently used as a reaper works, corn planter shop, oil mill, and shingle mill, until it was changed into a rye mill by Hollister & Carl- ton about 1861 or '62. Later they sold to Kidder & Cowles, and an addition was built to the mill for custom work. The firm
104
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
was then changed to Cowles & Gates, who run the business un- til it was destroyed by fire, April 25, 1879. It was never rebuilt.
The two story stone school house in the east part of the vil- lage, was commenced this year, and finished the year follow- ing. M. H. Patten and his wife were the first teachers in the new building. It was a great effort for that time, but the build- ing was very much improved thirty years later.
The shoe factory was built this year by Smith & Martin. George Smith and C. B. Martin constituted the firm. They did a large business from the first, and sent their sale wagons into most of the towns in the north-west part of the state. The business continued to flourish for about two years with a hun- dred men on the payroll, when the great mistake was made of moving the establishment to Dubuque, Iowa, which proved a financial disaster. The old brick building still remains and has since been used for various purposes, but it was shorn of its glory when the shoe business departed from Rockton.
Edwin Martin was born in Washington county, Vt., April 25, 1821. He married Caroline Wheeler, Jan. 1, 1846. She was born in Vermont, July 2, 1827. They came to Rockton in 1851. He purchased a farm of 150 acres, on the Roscoe road, of Phi- lander Bird, which he still ownes. He also has a town prop- erty where he resides. Thirty years ago he engaged with John Clover in manufacturing brick in the west part of the town- ship for a couple of years. He has been school director, church trustee, and has served the public in other capacities. He has now retired from active business and is in the enjoy- ment of a reasonable measure of good health for a man of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Martin celebrated their golden wedding, Jan. 1, 1896.
C. B. Martin was born in Washington county, Vt., July 18, 1832. He came to Rockton in 1851, and soon engaged with George Smith in building and running the shoe factory until its removal to lowa. He was town collector and constable nearly twenty years, and deputy sheriff five years. He engag- ed in buying grain and live stock for a number of years. He married Mary C. Cardell, Oct. 1855. She died Dec. 29, 1889. For several years past he has made his home in Florida, where he has an orange grove.
Dr. Smith came here from Malone, N. Y., in 1851, and lived in the Sherman Aspland house near the school building. He had
105
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
a son born here in 1852, that was named William H. Smith. Dr. Smith did not find a very encouraging practice, and in 1854, returned to his old home in York state. His son grew up to man- hood and attained to the position of assistant secretary of the treasury, during Grover Cleveland's first administration. He served a part of the term, but had to resign on account of his health. He went back to his home in Malone, and soon died there.
Stephen Dewey Lyman came to Rockton in 1850 or '51. He had a brother Thomas, who came about the same time. S. D. Lyman tried farming on some land west of the river, but soon moved into town and went in trade with the Talcotts, under the firm of Talcott & Lyman. They had their store in the west end of the stone block until about 1854, when they moved into their new store, now known as the library building. Mr. Ly- man built the stone house now the home of E. S. Waite, and while living there, his wife Julia A. Lyman, died very sudden- ly Nov. 28, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman were members of the Cong'l church, and Mr. Lyman was a leader of the choir for some time. After carrying on the business in the new store for a couple of years, Mr. Lyman bought out the stock in trade and moved it to Maquoketa, Iowa, where he conducted a store in connection with his brother, Thomas Lyman for a time until they failed in business. S. D. Lyman then turned his atten- tion to the study of law and in time became a judge. Thomas Lyman returned to Chicago and got into some business there. On the death of a cousin, he received by will $70,000.
George Smith was a settler of Rockton of 1851 or perhaps earlier. He engaged with C. B. Martin in building and carry- ing on the shoe factory. After the firm failed in business, he went to Chicago and was salesman for the large shoe firm of Doggett, Bassett & Hill.
1852.
Alonzo N. Mellen came to Rockton, in September, 1852, and commenced to manufacture wheel barrows. He was the first to use the new factory which had just been completed by Bird & Peterson, east of the Wright paper mill. He carried on the business for three or four years, when he sold out to Bird & Peterson. He bought a farm about two miles east of town, and carried it on for a number of years. Then he moved back to
106
HISTORY OF ROCKTON
town, and for several years was book keeper at the paper mill for Bradner, Smith & Co. Since then he has retired from bu- siness. He has been a deacon in the Congregational church for a good many years. He has also served as trustee, and been church clerk several terms. His first wife, who was a member of the church died June 18, 1890. She was born June 13, 1821. He is now living with his second wife, Mrs. Emma McConnell Mellen, whom he married July 7, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Mellen are highly respected in the community.
Sylvester Bartholomew was a settler of 1852, although he was first a resident of Roscoe for about seven years. He was born in Ohio, March 31, 1808. He married Calesta Johnson, in Ohio, May 11, 1835. They were both members of the Methodist church in Rockton. They were both much respected by all who knew them. He died Aug. 9, 1893. His wife was born Nov. 5, 1814, and died at the home of her son, O. T. Bartholo- mew, July 27, 1898.
S. Rosenbaum was a merchant here in the early fifties, and kept store in the stone block. He was a fluent speaker, and with his knowledge of law, was much sought after as a petti- fogger. After a few years residence in Rockton, he sold out and went to California, and became a noted lawyer.
Michael Connor came here in the early fifties and was fore- man in Wright & Merrill's paper mill for several years. After- wards he was foreman for Bradner, Smith & Co., and still later he occupied the same position in Merrill's paper mill at Beloit. He went to California in the seventies, where he made his home. He came back a few years ago on a visit and soon re- turned. His wife died in Rockford quite recently and was bu- ried in Rockton cemetery.
A. P. Newell was a settler here in 1852. He carried on wag- on making and built several houses, among which may be mentioned the one now owned by Barney Collins, the residence of Mrs. Goddard, and the home of W. W. Austin. He moved away a few years later, first going to Rockford, and finally to Sterland, where he now resides.
William Warren kept a store in Rockton in the first of the fifties. He bought the paper mill of Hollister & Co., in 1856, and formed a company to carry on the business. It was known as Bradner, Warren & Co. He lived on the Goodwin farm where he died Feb. 16, 1859.
107
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
James L. Gray was born in Montpelier, Vt., Nov. 18, 1816. He married Sarah I. Mitchell in 1839. She was born it 1812. They came to Rockton in 1852, and commenced keeping store in the Webb building, on the corner of Main and Washington streets. The firm was Densmore, Gray & Hadley. He sold out his share in the store a couple of years later to Mr. Jameson. He bought the stone house now owned by Charles Clarage, of Mrs. Ralph Smith about 1854, where he lived for the next ten years. He kept a lumber yard from 1856 to 1859. It was located where David Hudson's house now stands. He was an active man in the Methodist, and was one of the building committee when the church was erected in 1857. His wife died while in Rock- ton, Dec. 23, 1862. He married his second wife, Mrs. Frances Lock, Jan. 10, 1864. He moved to Rockford about 1872, where he died May 5, 1888.
Alpha Bligh was born Sept. 22, 1802, married Elmira H. Wiard, Jan. 27, 1828. They came west in 1848, and lived in the vicinity of Rockton for three or four years. In 1852 he located on the south side of the river, on section twenty-four, which was his home as long as he lived. He was a charter member of the masonic lodge, which was started in 1849. He served the town several years as commissioner of highways. He died May 2, 1857. His wife was born April 17, 1808, and died June 30, 1885.
1853.
James N. Douglas was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., March 11, 1834. He came with his parents to Wisconsin, and after living there ten years, came to Rockton in 1853. He married Charlott Veness, Jan. 25, 1855. He and his wife are hoth men- bers of the Baptist church. He has been sexton of Rockton cemetery for the past twenty-seven years, and during that time has buried 320 persons.
Joseph C. Truman was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1828. He married Mary A. Hollister, in Hartford, Ct. March 12, 1851. She was born Sept. 28, 1832. They came to Rockton in 1853. He was partner in the paper mill built by Hollister & Co., the same year. He soon bought a farm, which he has since occupied and devoted his attention to farming. He held the office of town assessor for eleven years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and he was one of the building committee when the church was erected.
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HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
Dr. David V. Waite was born in Auburn, N. Y., in 1822, grad- uated at Geneva medical college in 1851, and settled in Rock- ton in 1853. He has had a large practice for forty years, retir- ing in 1892, and during that time has accumulated ample prop- erty for all of his wants during the remainder of his life. He has a fine residence, and his sister, Mrs. Manard, presides in his home. He never married.
ROCKTON RAILROAD BONDS.
At the annual town meeting held April 5, 1853, it was voted that the town of Rockton subscribe the sum of $50,000 to the capital stock of the Rockton and Freeport railroad. On the 23rd day of February, 1854, the board of town auditors execut- ed the subscription to said railroad company, which was con- solidated with the Racine and Mississippi railroad company in 1854. The bonds were issued Dec. 20, 1855, in amount of $500 each, at seven per cent interest, and made payable Feb. 10, 1876. They were signed by William Halley, chairman of the bond committee, and W. R. Weld, town clerk. These bonds were issued in exchange for $50,000 of railroad stock in the Racine & Mississippi railroad. When the railroad company made an assignment, and the property went into other hands the railroad stock held by the town of Rockton became wortli- less; hence an effort was made to have the bonds cancelled without payment. The court's decision was against Rockton, and the bonds had to be paid. Some of them were paid in full with all the accruing interest, and some with quite a reduction, and some settled for seventy-five cents on a dollar. The total amount to liquidate the indeptedness as audited by the board, is given as follows:
PAID ON RAILROAD BONDS.
Sept. 3, 1861-Paid interest on railroad bonds 750.00
Sept. 6, 1862 750.00
Sept. 8, 1863- 975.00
June 23, 1864-T. W. Burgess, Chicago, attorney fee. 300.00
Sept. 5, 1865-Railroad bonds and interest on them. 1,460.00
Sept. 3, 1866- 1,365.00
Sept. 3, 1867-David Carpenter paid attorney fee 200.00
Nov. 1, 1869-Railroad bonds, interest and cost 10,000.00
Footing, $15,800.00
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HISTORY OF ROCKTON,
Footing brought forward, 15,800.00
Mar. 29, 1870-George F. Harding, attorney fee 300.00
-James Wight, attorney fee 50.00
-James L. Gray, bond committee 180.00
Sept. 6, 1870-Railroad bonds and interest 10,000.00
",
-George F. Harding, attorney fee
700.00
-James Wight, attorney fee 50.00
Sept. 5, 1871-Railroad bonds and interest
10,000.00
Aug. 12, 1872-Railroad bonds and interest " -Attorney fee defending suit "
500.00
Aug. 26, ,, -George F. Harding, attorney fee
100.00
Aug. 11, 1873-Railroad bonds and interest
10,000.00
Aug. 11, 1874
10,000.00
Aug. 6, 1885-
10,000.00
Aug. 11, 1876-
9,000.00
Sept. 4, 1877- .
9,000.00
Sept. 3, 1878-
9,000.00
Sept. 3, 1879- ",
7,500.00
Sept. 7, 1880-
8,000.00
Sept. 6, 1881-
7,500.00
Sept. 5, 1882-
7.832.65
Sept. 4, 1883-
7,867.10
Sept. 2, 1884-
,,
4,836.00
Sept. 1, 1885
3,200.00
Total paid on town bonds $151,415.75
The railroad bonds cut a big figure in the past finances of Rockton, and its experience in town bonds is not likely to be forgotten by the present generation. With a large tax for two iron bridges across the river, and several of less note, an in- mence town bounty for her soldiers during the late civil war, and the railroad bond tax, Rockton struggled for years with all her might; but happily the great strain has past, and now our taxes are as low as other surrounding towns.
A paper mill was built this year on the site of the present No. one paper mill of Bradner & Smith. It was erected by Hollister & Co., and ready to run about Jan. 1st, 1854. This company carried on the business a couple of years, when it was sold to Bradner, Warren & Co. The mill was destroyed by fire, Feb. 21, 1876. The mill was rebuilt that year and in run- ning order in the fall at a cost of about $45,000. it has been shut down the past two or three years.
10,000.00
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HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
1854.
J. H. Hanchett, of Beloit, built the pile bridge across the riv- er at the foot of Washington street in 1854.
William Talcott donated a bell to the Congregational church this year, and at the annual town meeting, Samuel Adams pre- sented the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
ROCKTON, April 4th, 1854.
"Resolved, that we the citizens of Rockton, assembled in town meeting, tender to William Talcott our sincere thanks for his very liberal donation of a church bell.
"Resolved, that it is suitable and in order to perpetuate the remembrance of the generous deed, that the following be in- scribed on said bell:
"PRESENTED BY WILLIAM TALCOTT, MARCH 18, 1854."
"Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions, signed by the moderator and clerk, be presented to William Talcott, and that the same be spread on the records of the town."
Among the early settlers coming from the New England states, was Edwin Case, who came in the spring of 1854, from Glastonbury, Ct. He soon moved into the brick house on Bridge street, which has ever since been the home of the fam- ily. Mr. Case was a wagon maker and worked at his trade for many years. He was born in Manchester, Ct., April 9, 1816, and died March 19, 1888. His mother, Mrs. Anna Case, came to Rockton in 1855, and lived with him until her death in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lord came from Glastonbury, Ct., in 1856, and made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Edwin Case. The next year Mrs. Lord was stricken with paralysis, and for eleven years remained a helpless invalid until relieved by death, Dee. 18, 1868. Mr. Lord died March 21, 1863. Walter Lord accompanied his parents in their journey west, and lived here a few months, making preparations for a permanent home, when he was taken sick and died suddenly, Feb. 9, 1857, on the very day that he had set to return east after his family.
Gen. William Richardson came to Rockton when he was seventy years of age, and first lived in the Myron Carpenter house west of the river. He bought the farm now owned by his son, C. B. Richardson. He soon purchased the brick house on Bridge street, where he died Nov. 24, 1860. His wife was
111
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
born Jan. 20, 1805, and died Jan. 23, 1879. He was a general of state militia in the war of 1812.
Lucius Mellen was born Nov. 2, 1796, married Abigail Mills. She was born March 3, 1798. Mr. Mellen was engaged in the woolen mill business while living in the state of New York. He came to Rockton in 1854, and purchased a farm about three miles east of town, where he lived some twenty years. He died May 21, 1878. His wife died May 9, 1879.
Dorson Newell was born Feb. 9, 1824, married Elizabeth A. Phelps, Sept. 12, 1850, and came to Rockton in 1854. For years he carried on wagon making in connection with his brother, A. P. Newell. Later years he has been variously engaged, mostly in selling groceries and confectionery. He lives on the west end of Main street, where he suffered the loss of his house and place of business by fire, Aug. 26, 1889; but he soon erected his present house on the same site, his friends generously giv- ing financial aid to assist the enterprise. Mrs. Newell was born July 26, 1832.
A. W. Gilmore was a settler of Rockton about 1854. He was a man of means and dealt in real estate, and for a time had a lumber yard and bought grain. He purchased the E. S. Waite place and greatly improved it during his residence here. He went to Chicago and started a private bank there. He is still living.
1855.
Col. Henry Shibley came here in 1855. He had a store in the west end of the New England hotel which he run for several years. He also bought the Northwest paper mill, of Mr. Wright and carried on that branch of business for a time. He bought land on the south side of the river, including the hill now own- ed by Lewis Fairchild. He lived in the brick house east of the Baptist church, which has been in possession of the family until quite recently. He was supervisor of the town in 1864, but did not serve out his full term, owing to a stroke of paral- ysis. He married Ruth A. Slighter, April 2, 18444. She was born Aug. 12, 1823, and died in Rockton, Feb. 4, 1891. He died Sept. 27, 1865.
Johni Benton came from Massachusetts with his family in 1855, and settled on land west of Coon creek, now owned by W. H. Phelps. He sold the farm in 1868. to Austin & Jones,
112
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
and moved to the village, buying the Bowker house on the south side of the river, now the residence of H. A. Webber, where he lived until his death, Sept. 17, 1877. Mrs. Benton died Dec. 3, 1870. They had a family of seven children, and all are now dead but one, Mary Benton, who was born Aug. 13, 1831. One son died in the war of the rebellion.
R. C. Sweet was born in Erie county, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1831, came to Rockton in 1855, and for ten years lived on the farm now owned by R. B. Meech, west of the river. He then moved to the town of Shirland, where he now resides. He married Lucinda M. Southworth, in Rockton, Oct. 29, 1857.
Austin D. Bliss was born Jan. 26, 1822. He married Betsey Adams, Nov. 29, 1843. She was born in 1823, and died May 23, 1865. He next married Mrs. Ellen Estes, July 5, 1866. She was born Aug. 9, 1841. He came to Rockton in 1855, but lived in Clinton, Wis., the first two years. In 1857 he purchased the place where he now lives of C. F. Chamberlain. He spent the most of his time in farming until quite recently, and since he has devoted his time to gardening. He suffered the loss of his house by fire, Feb. 19, 1889, but he rebuilt it a short time after- wards. He held the office of commissioner of highways from 1872 to 1891. He also served on the village board six years.
Caleb Bentley was born Feb. 14, 1829, read law in Woodstock, in the office of Lawrence Church, and was admitted to the bar, Sept. 13, 1853. He located in Rockton in 1855. He married Janet Gibson, Oct. 30, 1860. She was born June 13, 1840, and died Jan. 7, 1864. He next married Flora I. Pollard, April 1, 1875. She was born Dec. 5, 1845, and died Nov. 15, 1896. Mr. Bentley has enjoyed a liberal practice at his profession while living in Rockton. He held the office of justice of the peace, for twelve years. He owns a farm a couple of miles out of town on the Roscoe road, and a fine residence in the village.
John Lally came to Rockton this year and built the brick house on the south side of the river, on the brick yard lot, which was his home as long as he lived. He was an active nian of business and did a great deal of work in furnishing stone from his quarry for building purposes. He was at one time a member of the village board, and served as street com- mission one or two terms. He had the misfortune to break one of legs while working in his quarry, and his death follow- ed months afterward from a lingering spell of sickness. He
113
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
married Ann Rogers in Sept. 1848. She was born Aug. 15, 1830. and died Oct. 2, 1897. He was born June 24, 1826, and died Feb, 17, 1883.
C. B. Richardson came to Rockton with his parents in the early fifties. He spent several years in buying horses and tak- ing them to California by the overland route, making one trip a year. He could sell his horses at a fair price and get his pay in gold. He would return by the way of the isthmus to New York, where he could sell his gold at a good premium, thus in- creasing the profits on his venture. He married Emroy P. Gray, only daughter of James L. Gray, Jan. 10, 1864, and settled down to farm work. For a number of years past, he has prac- ticed as a veterinary surgeon. He now lives in Rockford. He was born Dec. 25, 1831.
Denison Fairchild may be classed with the early settlers, as his father, Daniel Fairchild, was a settler here as early as 1836. He was born March 26, 1843, He married Gertrude A. Board- man. Most of his time has been spent in farming.
Daniel Fairchild, brother of the above, was born in Rockton, Feb. 4, 1848. He married Diema Springer, Feb. 11, 1873. She was born in Maine, June 12, 1852. He is a farmer and resides in the town of Shirland.
ROCKTON LAWYERS.
. The first lawyer to locate in Rockton was Rufus R. Hadley. He first came here as a lecturer on phenology, and concluded to settle here. He was elected justice of the peace in 1851, to fill the vacancy caused by Jesse Blinn moving to Rockford. He held the office three years until his successor was elected. He was in company with James L. Gray when he kept store in the Webb store in 1852 and '53. He did not stay long in Rockton.
H. N. Chapman is the name of another lawyer who lived for a time in Rockton. He was a great admirer of old John Brown, and the day he was hung for his crime at Harper's Ferry, Mr. Chapman tolled the church bell all day. During war times he got a clerkship at Washington and went there to live.
W. R. Weld and Caleb Bentley were the other two lawyers, who have already been noted.
ROCKTON PHYSICIANS.
The list of Rockton physicians is quite extensive. £ In con- trast with the lawyers, it shows that the people have been more
114
HISTORY OF ROCKTON.
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