John S. Rockwell
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." He is responsible for building many of the city's original foundations: a grist mill, the first store, hotel, fire department, elementary school, and library. 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; the Oconomowoc Seminary was later called Bord du Lac.