John S. Rockwell (1810 - 1862) 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]
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 in 1862 at the age of 52
John S. Rockwell (1810 - 1862) 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]
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 in 1862 at the age of 52