John S. Rockwell | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Star Rockwell March 25, 1810 New York, U.S. |
| Died | February 3, 1863 Oconomowoc Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | La Belle Cemetery Oconomowoc Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, Politician, Judge, |
| Known for | Founder of the City of Oconomowoc |
| Notable work | Built the first lumber mills, establish the first bank and general store. Built the first hotel and donated land for all of the early churches. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lavinia Hard (m. 1839 - 1852) Anna P. Bradley (m. 1854 - 1863) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent | Ard Rockwell (father) Elizabeth Shaw Rockwell (mother) |
| Relatives | David Henry Rockwell (brother) |
John Star Rockwell (March 25, 1810 - February 3, 1863) is known as the "father of Oconomowoc." [1] He is responsible for building many of the city's original foundations: a grist mill, the first store, hotel, fire department, elementary school, [2] and library. [3] Rockwell also donated land for the community's churches. In January 1856, John and his brother D. Henry were among the trustees who obtained a state charter for the Oconomowoc Seminary, an Episcopalian female seminary for the Diocese of Wisconsin; [4] the Oconomowoc Seminary was later called Bord du Lac.[ citation needed ]
Rockwell married his first wife Lavinia Hard in 1839 but passed away in 1852. Rockwell re married two years later to Anna P. Bradley. Rockwell had 3 children with Lavinia and had 2 children with Anna. In many of these enterprises, he worked with his youngest brother, D. Henry Rockwell (who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly); John was the eldest. In 1859, their parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin; at that time, John was described as the eldest child, and D. Henry as the youngest (and unmarried). [5]
Rockwell died on February 3, 1863 at the age of 52. He was buried at the La Belle Cemetery. His son Albert later became the Mayor of Oconomowoc from 1879 - 1880.