Family History: Descendants of Samuel Jones Rockwell: Smethport, McKean County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Beverly Schonewolf. 4bevswolf@MAIL2.LCIA.COM USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ____________________________________________________________ Descendants of Job Rockwell Generation No. 1 1. Job1 Rockwell (SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 31 August 1766 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT1, and died 15 October 1846 in Willet, Cortland, NY2,3. He married Deborah in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT. Notes for Job Rockwell: By 1800, Job Rockwell had married Deborah, where he appears in the census records of Stafford, Tolland Co., with his brothers Samuel and Benjamin. They all had young children, and were the only Rockwells in the Stafford census returns. The Barbour Index for Stafford Vital Records lists the birth of all the children of Job and Deborah, Peter in 1797, Eliza in 1799, Lois Jones in 1801, twins Rilla and Riley in 1803, Juliana in 1808 and Margaret Malissa in April of 1810. By 1820, Job Rockwell is found in German, Chenango County, New York, very near the Cortland County line. with two sons and five daughters, engaged in farming. (U.S. Census) His family in 1830 consists of 3 males and 4 females in German, Chenango County. (U.S.Census) In 1840 there are just 2 males and 4 females., son Peter having married Ann Leach in 1833. A family Bible record lists the deaths of the unmarried daughters of Job and Deborah; Margaret in 1859, age 50, Eliza in 1872, age 72, Lois J. in 1884, age 82 . Their son Riley is also recorded, died 1873, age 70. They are all buried in the Willet Village Cemetery in Willet, Cortland County, New York. Their tombstones reflect the same dates as the family bible. Job and Deborah's tombstones are large, flat stones on the ground of a small cemetery in Willet, NY. His stone reads, "In remembrance of the _____ while they are laid in dust _________their bodies rise _________ above the skies. Deborah died in 1841, aged 65 years, Job died 15 October 1846, age 79. (Willet Cemetery Records, gravestones, Family Bible) Death-Tombstone in churchyard in Willet, NY Census-1790;US;CT;Tolland Co.;Stafford Town; Job may be living with father Samuel (4 males 16 yr. and upwards, Job age 20) p. 137, Heads of Families CT column 2. Census-1800;CT;Tolland Co.;Stafford;p.635, line 31,1 male under 10 (Peter), 1 female under 10 (Eliza), Job 26-45(34yrs), wife Deborah 16-26 yrs (24 Yrs). National Archives microfilm M-32, roll 2. Census-1810;NY;Genessee Co.;Sheldon, p.120, line 4.N.A. film M-252, roll 27. Census-1820;NY;Chenango Co;German;p.292, male 45 and over. N.A.film M-33, r.66 Census-1830;NY;Chenango Co;German;p.68, line 27, male age 60-70. N.A.film M-19, roll 86. Census-1840;NY;Chenango Co.;German; p.105, line 3, male 70-80.N.A. film M-704 roll 273. Stafford CT First Congregational Church Records Barbour Index LDS Birth and Marriage Records Stafford Vital Records Vol 2 pg 67 Peter Rockwell Family Bible; copy from Gerald Parsons, genealogist and librarian Onondago County Public Library, Syracuse, NY More About Job Rockwell: Christened/Bapt.: 18 June 1769, Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT Burial: old Church cem, Willet, NY Notes for Deborah: References: death- Willet Cemetery, Willet NY Bible-Peter Rockwell Bible More About Deborah: Burial: Willet Cemetery, Willet, NY Children of Job Rockwell and Deborah are: + 2 i. Peter2 Rockwell, born 04 August 1797 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT; died 15 September 1868 in Triangle, Broome, NY. 3 ii. Eliza Rockwell, born 03 March 1799 in Stafford, Tolland Co. CT4; died 04 February 1872 in NY5. 4 iii. Lois Jones Rockwell, born 16 May 1801 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT6; died 14 March 1884 in NY7. 5 iv. Rilla Rockwell, born 16 August 1803 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT8. 6 v. Riley Rockwell, born 16 August 1803 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT9; died 07 October 1873 in NY10. 7 vi. Julana Rockwell, born 20 June 1808 in Stafford, Tolland Co. CT11. 8 vii. Margaret Malissa Rockwell, born 17 April 1810 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT12; died 16 December 1859 in NY13. Generation No. 2 2. Peter2 Rockwell (Job1, SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 04 August 1797 in Stafford Twp, Tolland, CT14, and died 15 September 1868 in Triangle, Broome, NY15,16. He married Anne Leach 16 January 1833 in Cortland Co. NY, USA17,18, daughter of Alexander Leach and Lovina. Notes for Peter Rockwell: Peter Rockwell was born in Stafford, Tolland County in 1797 (Stafford VR) migrating to New York with his family after 1810. In Book L p. 231,232. Cortland Co. NY deeds recorded Apr 1828- Mar 1829 film #083705 LDS Church records. Peter Rockwell of German, Chenango County, NY bought 50 acres in Cincinnatus township, Cortland Co., lot #47 for ___hundred and fifty dollars from Archibald and Betsey Nichols, residents of Oxford, Chenango Co. on 17 Feb 1823. Peter Rockwell married Ann Leach 16 January 1833. (Family Bible) Deeds: Book Z p. 516-517. 17 Oct 1837. Peter Rockwell and Ann his wife sell to James Pugsley for $1600.00 land in Willett (formerly Cincinnatus), Cortland Co. part of lot #60, 106 acres and 35 rods. Recorded 30 Dec. 1837. Peter and Ann lived in Cortland County until 1838, their children Maryette and Arvilla Gennette born there in 1835 and 1837. They moved to Triangle, Broome County in 1838. (1835 and 1855 NY State Census). They raised their family of eight in Broome County, New York; Samuel Jones Rockwell born 17 January 1840, Elbridge born 1842, Silas in 1843, Albert 1847, Alvira 1849, and Eliza Jane born in 1853. (Elbridge is not listed with family in census records, but is listed in family bible, died in service of the union 2-9-65 age 23 years Co. 11, 43rd Reg. NY SV) Silas served 8th NY Cavalry died in service of country Dec 1864 age 22 yrs. In 1864 and 65 Peter Rockwell lived in the Northern end of the town of Triangle Broome County, NY, north of the road leading from---------------'s farm past W. Jackson's to the Chenango County line. He had 120 acres improved, 33 acres unimproved, a value of $4500. on farm, $1130. on stock, $200. on tools. He plowed 12-15 acres, 60-67 acres in pasture, 38-41 acres in meadow, produced 40 tons of hay, 36 bu.oats, 24 bu. winter rye, 60 bu. corn, 75 bu. potatoes, 50 bu turnips, 30 bu. apples, 1 barrel of cider, 20 gal. maple molasses, had 3 calves, 8 over 1 yr., 12 milk cows, 1000# milk, one colt, one 2 yr. old, 6 pigs, 3 slaughtered for 900# pork 11 sheep, 5 lambs, 33# wool, $12.00 eggs, etc. (Agricultural Census) P. Rockwell is listed as a citizen of Upper Lisle (Triangle) in the 1866 Broome County Atlas Peter Rockwell wrote his will 7 September, 1868, naming his neighbor Orlando Fuller executor. The will was presented October 15, 1868 for probate in Broome County, NY. His date of death is recorded in the Family Bible as 15 September, 1864,an error in transcription or entry, his gravestone reflects the date of 15 September,1868. His daughter Orvilla Genett Niles received 16 acres of land. His son Samuel received $5.00. His son Albert G. received a piece of fine black broadcloth sufficient for a suit of clothes and $5.00. His wife Ann received, so long as she remain his widow, the remainder of the real estate, providing a home for their unmarried daughters Alvira and Eliza, and widowed daughter Maryette Brown with her son Frederick, being about 130 acres of land, including buildings. The exception was the house where Samuel Niles lived (with wife Orvilla) which house he gave to Samuel Niles. His wife Ann received the remainder of the estate, with the request that son-in-law Samuel Niles remain in the home he had been given to work the farm and share the profits. Each of his unmarried daughters to receive one cow and $200.00 at such time as they marry or become twenty one years of age At the death of his wife Ann, Peter Rockwell willed that his real and personal property be divided among his four daughters. His wife Ann Rockwell died at the home of her son Albert Rockwell in 1904. References: Birth-Stafford Vital Records Vol.2 Family Bible, copy obtained. Death-Cemetery Records of Broome and Cortland Co.NY; Microfilm #0812921 LDS Church Records; info taken by Go-Wan-Go Chapter DAR by Cloe Brown and Helen H.Read Tuttle; compiled into book form by Guernsey Library Staff May 1953; pg 259; Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich,NY. Marker seen by Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf, and photographed in Upper Lisle Cemetery 1980's. Family Bible Marriage-Peter Rockwell will, Broome County NY, Will Book 2, p. 97 Family Bible of Peter Rockwell in possession of Mrs. Merton Rockwell until she died in 1961. Merton Rockwell was grandson of Peter, son of Albert Photocopy of transcription owned by Beverly Schonewolf. Census 1800-US;CT;Tolland Co., Stafford, p.635, line 31 lists Father Job Rockwell with male under 10, (Peter is age 3). N.A. Microfilm M-32,roll 2. Census-1810-US;NY; Genesee Co; Sheldon, lists Jobe Rockwell with children appropriate ages,(Peter is 13) p.120, line 4, N.A. film 252, roll 27. Census-1820; US; NY;Chenango Co., German, p. 292, 2 males age 16-26, (Peter is 23 and not married). N.A. microfilm M-33, roll 66. Census-1830;US;NY;Chenengo Co.,German, p. 68, line 27,Peter still unmarried, age 33,male listed 30-40 with father Job. N.A. film M-19, roll 86. Census- 1835 NY, Cortland County, Willet; one male, two females, one voter. p. 4, LDS microfilm 17610. Census-1840 U.S.;NY;Broome Co.;Triangle;pg 799,line 10, Peter head of house-hold, age 40-50 (43). N.A. film M-704, Roll 266. Census-1850 U.S.;NY;Broome Co; Triangle; dwelling #494 fam#241 p263, Age 52, farmer, value of real estate $3000., born in CT, lives with wife Ann, Maryette 14, Jannette 12, Samuel J. 10, Silas 7, Albert 3, Alvira 1.N.A. film M-432, roll 477. Census-1855 State of NY, Broome Co., Triangle, age 57, 17 yrs in Broome Co., also listed in Agricultural Census in 1855 and 1865. Census-1860;US;NY;Broome Co.;Triangle, family 466, dwelling 473, line 15, age 63.Farmer,real estate $4500, born in CT. N.A. film M-653, roll 724. Census-1865; NY State; Broome Co., Triangle. P. Rockwell is listed as a citizen of Upper Lisle in the 1866 Broome County Atlas Deeds: Book L p. 231,232. Cortland Co. NY deeds recorded Apr 1828- Mar 1829 film #083705 LDS Church records. Peter Rockwell of German, Chenango County, NY bought 50 acres in Cincinnatus township, Cortland Co., lot #47 for ___hundred and fifty dollars from Archibald and Betsey Nichols, residents of Oxford, Chenango Co. on 17 Feb 1823. Deeds: Book Z p. 516-517. 17 Oct 1837. Peter Rockwell and Ann his wife sell to James Pugsley for $1600.00 land in Willett (formerly Cincinnatus), Cortland Co. part of lot #60, 106 acres and 35 rods. Recorded 30 Dec. 1837. More About Peter Rockwell: Vocation: farmer Migration: Stafford, CT to Chenango and Broome Co. NY Burial: Upper Lisle Cem, Broome, NY Notes for Anne Leach: Anne Leach settled in Triangle, Broome County, New York. Her husband was a farmer. Two of her sons served in the Civil War. She lived to be 88 years of age, is buried in the Upper Lisle Cemetery in Broome County, NY. Birth-Marriage-Death-Children;Peter Rockwell Bible copied and owned by Mrs. Merton Rockwell; RD1 Cincinnatus NY in 1960, she died 1961. Copy obtained from Gerald J Parsons, librarian Onondaga County Public Library, Syracuse NY. Death- Tombstone in Upper Lisle Cemetery, Whitney Point, Broome Co. NY Census-1840;U.S.;Broome Co.NY;Triangle;p.799; line 10, Peter Rockwell with female 20-30 (Ann age 24). National Archives microfilm M-704,roll 266. Census-1850;U.S.;Broome Co.NY;Triangle;p.263;family 241, dwelling 494, line 23, age 34,born in NY. N.A. film M-432, roll 477. Census-1855;NY State;Broome Co.;Triangle;family 345, age 39, born in Cortland County, NY. States family had been in Triangle for 17 Years Census-1860;US;Broome Co;NY;Triangle;Family 466, dwelling 473, line 15, age 45, five children living at home. N.A. film M-653, roll 724. Census-1865;NY State;Broome Co.;Triangle Family 5. States Ann had total of eight children. Two youngest daughters and Silas a Civil War soldier were living in family but Silas had not bee heard from in quite some time. Census-1870;US.;Broome Co;Triangle; Family 219;pg 24, line 17, lives with son-in-law Sam Niles. N.A. film M-593, roll 906 or 907.(Age 60 listed) Census-1875;NY State;Broome Co;Triangle;2nd ED;Family 32 Census-1880;US.;Broome Co; Triangle;pg 17; family 184, dwelling 177, line 24, age 67, widow, lives with daughter, N.A. film T-9, roll 811. Census-1900;US;Cortland Co; Cincinnatus town;p.6, line 10, dwelling 137, age 84, widow, living with son Albert, his wife Victoria and grandson Merton (note owner of family Bible above). Whoever gave the info stated Ann and both her parents were born in NY, she was the mother of eight. Film T-623, roll 1020. Death-Cemetery Records Broome and Cortland Co.NY; Microfilm #812921 LDS Church Records; info taken by Go-Wan-Go Chapter DAR; marker seen and photographed by Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf in 1980's Residence-Gazateer and Business Directory of Broome and Tioga Counties NY for 1872-73;pub.by Hamilton Child;Syracuse;1872. Ann Rockwell listed as farmer. -Will of PeterRockwell;WillBook2;pg.97;estate#121;Surrogate's Office; Binghamton;Broome County;NY. Will of Alexander Leach lists minor daughter Anna in 1827, Cortland Co.,Harrison, Will Book III. Tree Talks Vol.29 No.2 June 1989. p.98. Abstracted by Kathy Barnello, 118 Westminster Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214. Children-Mother of 8, listed in notes of husband, Peter Rockwell Obituary in "Cortland Democrat" 29 April, 1904 : Mrs. Ann Rockwell died at the home of her son, Albert Rockwell, one mile and a half north of this village on Tuesday of last week, April 19. The funeral was held on Thursday. Burial at Upper Lisle. Her age was 87. Evidence Supporting the Premise that Ann Rockwell was born Anna Leach, daughter of Lovina and Alexander Leach in Cortland County, New York, 20 December, 1815________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________ Montgomery County was taken from Albany County in 1772 as Tryon, renamed Montgomery in 1784 Herkimer County was taken from Montgomery County in 1791 In 1791 "the standard of civilization was planted within the confines of Cortland County" Onondaga County was taken from Herkimer County in 1794 Cortland County was taken from Onondaga County in 1808. The towns (townships) of Cincinnatus and Solon were part of the Military Tract set apart by the legislature of 1782 as bounty lands to be given to the soldiers of the Revolution. Solon was organized in 1798, Cincinnatus in 1804. The towns of Willet, Freetown and Harrison were erected from the town of Cincinnatus in 1827 The town of Harrison was renamed Marathon between 1829 and 1831 Cortland County federal census for 1810 has been lost. In the 1790 census index for the state of New York, the only Leach households were Alexander and Thomas in Washington County, A William in Washington County and a William in Albany County. Thomas, Alexander, Jonathan and Timothy Leach were pioneers to Marathon in 1800. (Cortland Co History 1885, p. 356) The only Leach households in Onondaga County NY in the 1800 census were those of Alexander Leach and Jonathan Leach in Solon. Jonathan Leach who served in the Revolutionary War went to Cortland County in 1800 (Lawrence Leach of Salem, MA by Phelps Leach, 1921 and 1924) Alexander Leach and Lovina were married prior to 21 August 1802 when they signed a deed selling property in Onondaga Co., NY to Silas Salisbury. Jonathan Leach (father of Alexander) witnessed. Cortland County Deed Book "D" p. 308 Alexander Leach was living in Onondaga County in 1801 when he was made Captain of the Militia. for the Fourth Regiment, Sixth Company (p.549 Annual Report of the State Historian, NY) Ann Leach Rockwell born 20 December 1815 (extraction from Peter Rockwell Bible) Alexander Leach is the only son of Jonathan Leach with a daughter named Anna (Lawrence Leach of Salem, Ma) In 1820 Cortland Co. NY US census the only Leaches with females aged 0-10 were: Jonathan one (Eunice b. 1811, as documented in Lawrence Leach of Salem, MA) Thomas, one (Laura b. 1812, as documented in Lawrence Leach of Salem, MA) Timothy, one (Julia Ann b. 1820, as documented in Lawrence Leach of Salem, MA) Alexander, three (Levine, Hannah b.1810, Anna b. 1815, as documented in his will) In 1823 Peter Rockwell of Chenango Co., bought land in Cortland Co. (will Book "L" p. 231) In 1826 Alexander Leach wrote his will naming his beloved wife Lovina, and daughter Anna (among other children) who was not yet eighteen years of age. Recorded 19 September 1827. (Will Book Cortland County NY p. 266) The ages of Alexander Leach's children in the 1820 census coincide with the ages of his children listed in his will of 1826. Ann Leach married Peter Rockwell 16 January 1833 (extraction of Peter Rockwell Bible) Ann Leach married Peter Rockwell (mss of Gerald J. Parsons, M.S. [L.S.] Fellow, American Society of Genealogists) In 1837 Peter Rockwell and his wife Ann sold property in Cortland Co., NY (Deed Book "Z" p.516) 1840 census lists Peter Rockwell in Broome County NY with female 20-30 yrs. Ann/Anna Rockwell in Broome County, NY census returns 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880. Ann Rockwell, age 39, born in Cortland Co., lived in Broome Co. for 17 years, first two children born in Cortland County, remainder born in Broome County (1855 NY state census) In 1868 Peter Rockwell refers to his wife Ann in his will. Broome Co. NY Will Book 2 Estate # 121. Ann Rockwell in Cortland County living with son Albert Rockwell in 1900 census. Obituary states Ann Rockwell died at the home of her son Albert on April 19, age 87 Cortland County, NY (Cortland Democrat April 29, 1904) Ann Rockwell's tombstone in Upper Lisle, Broome Co. NY lists birth 20 Dec 1816, death 18 April1904. More About Anne Leach: Migration: Cortland Co to Broome Co. NY Census Records: 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880,1900 Obituary: 29 April 1904, Cortland Democrat, Cortland Co. NY Burial: 21 April 1904, Upper Lisle, Broome Co. NY Children of Peter Rockwell and Anne Leach are: + 9 i. Maryette3 Rockwell, born 05 November 1835 in Cortland Co. NY; died 20 March 1870. + 10 ii. Arvilla Genette Rockwell, born 15 September 1837 in Cortland Co., NY; died 04 January 1872 in Triangle, Broome Co. NY. + 11 iii. Samuel Jones Rockwell, born 17 January 1840 in Triangle, Broome Co, NY, USA; died 04 March 1919 in Bellingham, Whatcom Co, WA, USA. 12 iv. Elbridge Gerry Rockwell, born 19 February 1842 in Triangle, Broome Co. NY19; died 09 February 1865 in Civil War20. 13 v. Silas Lu Rockwell, born 20 March 1843 in Triangle, Broome Co., NY21; died December 1864 in Civil War. + 14 vi. Albert Gallatin Rockwell, born 09 April 1847 in Triangle, Broome Co, NY; died 01 February 1925 in Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. NY. 15 vii. Alvira Rockwell, born 04 April 1849 in Triangle, Broome Co. NY22; died 10 July 188423. Notes for Alvira Rockwell: Alvira was born in Triangle, Broome Co. NY, did not marry, died 10 July 1885 16 viii. Eliza Jane Rockwell, born 24 May 1853 in Triangle, Broome Co. NY24; died 15 September 192425. Notes for Eliza Jane Rockwell: Eliza was born in Triangle, Broome Co. NY, she died 15 Sept 1924, never married. Generation No. 3 9. Maryette3 Rockwell (Peter2, Job1, SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 05 November 1835 in Cortland Co. NY26, and died 20 March 1870. She married George Brown. Child of Maryette Rockwell and George Brown is: 17 i. Fred4 Brown, born 1867. 10. Arvilla Genette3 Rockwell (Peter2, Job1, SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 15 September 1837 in Cortland Co., NY27, and died 04 January 1872 in Triangle, Broome Co. NY28. She married Samuel Niles 25 December 1857. Children of Arvilla Rockwell and Samuel Niles are: 18 i. Ceylon E.4 Niles. 19 ii. John J. Niles. 11. Samuel Jones3 Rockwell (Peter2, Job1, SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 17 January 1840 in Triangle, Broome Co, NY, USA29, and died 04 March 1919 in Bellingham, Whatcom Co, WA, USA30,31. He married Mary Anne Underwood 04 September 1862 in Cortland Co, NY, USA32, daughter of Alanson Underwood and Laura Stafford. Notes for Samuel Jones Rockwell: Samuel Jones Rockwell was born in 1840 in Triangle, Broome County, NY, son of Peter Rockwell and Ann Leach. He is found living with his parents (farmers) in the federal and state census records from 1840 until 1870 after which he moved to McKean County PA with his family. He married Mary Ann Underwood when he was twenty-two, she was seventeen. In 1868 he received just $5.00 in his father's will, obviously having received his inheritance when married. In 1865 Samuel Rockwell, age 25, lived in the northern end of the town of Triangle in Broome County, NY, with his young family. His farm had 40 acres improved, 10 acres unimproved with a value of $1800. His stock was valued at $575. and his tools $100. He plowed 22 acres, 30 in pasture and 10 in meadow. He produced 14 t. hay, 10 bu. corn, 100 bu. apples, 2 barrels of cider, 1 gal maple molasses, 3 bu. oats, 50# of honey, 2# bees wax, 1 calf, 8 milk cows, 900# milk, 3 pigs, 200# pork etc. Samuel Rockwell moved his family to McKean County PA in 1871. His daughter Addie May was born in 1864, she married Wilbur Oviatt in Smethport, at age sixteen. Daughter Minnie was born in 1867, married Frank Herron and lived in Olean, NY. Elbridge, born in 1872, Mary in 1874 married Fred Kautz. His son Samuel was born in 1877 and went with his father to the state of Washington after 1882. A daughter Myrtle was born in 1879, but died young. He had acquired enough money to build the Rockwell House in Smethport in 1879/80. It was later called the Imperial Hotel. He owned a large amount of land in McKean County. Sometime after his wife"s death in 1882, he moved to Bellingham WA, was a logger and farmer. He died there at age seventy-nine. (Death certificate) He is buried in the Bay View Cemetery. His obituary appeared in the Smethport newspaper in 1919 "Former Smethport Resident Died in Washington" Samuel J. Rockwell, former Smethport resident and builder of the Imperial Hotel, died Tuesday, March 4, 1919 at the hospital in Bellingham, Washington. Mr. Rockwell was born in Upper Lyle (Lisle), Broom (Broome) County, New York, January 18, 1840. In 1863 he was married to Miss Mary Anne Underwood, who died in 1882. Of this marriage three daughters and two sons were born, all surviving, who are: Mrs. W. I. Oviatt and Mrs. Fred Kautz of East Smethport, Mrs. F.W. Herron of Olean, N.Y. Elbridge in Kansas, Samuel Jr. of Bellingham, Washington. The latter with whom the deceased had been residing for the last few years. In 1871 Mr. Rockwell came to McKean County and purchased the farm formerly owned by Philip Wright. Later he was extensively engaged in buying and selling cattle, and in 1879 built the present Imperial Hotel. The Rockwell lines include the family names of Orcutt, Lillie, Wright, Boutell, Parke, Norton, Wells, Capen, Purchase, Newton, Harris, Moore, Rogers, Drake. It is interesting to note that in Windsor CT, in the 1600's, my paternal Rockwell ancestors were members of my maternal ancestor Rev. Samuel Mather's congregation. Samuel Rockwell's mother was Ann Leach, who stated she was born in Cortland County, NY.. A Jonathan Leach settled in that county after the Revolutionary War, along with five sons, including Alexander, who named daughter Anna in his will..The Leach family traces its ancestry to James Chilton of the Mayflower. All of these ancestors in the Rockwell lines are English, all identified to date emigrating in the 1600's, migrating to MA, CT, and then NY, PA, and WA. Samuel Jones Rockwell was born in 1840 in Triangle, Broome County, NY, son of Peter Rockwell and Ann Leach. He is found living with his parents (farmers)in the federal and state census records from 1840 until 1870 after which he moved to McKean County PA with his family. He married Mary Ann Underwood when he was twenty-two, she was seventeen. In 1868 he received just $5.00 in his father's will, he must have received land when he married, as he had acquired enough money to build the Rockwell House in Smethport in 1879/80. It was later called the Imperial Hotel. He owned a large amount of land in McKean County. Sometime after his wife"s death in 1882, he moved to Bellingham WA, was a logger and farmer. He died there at age seventy-nine. The Rockwell lines include the family names of Orcutt, Lillie, Wright, Boutell, Parke, Norton, Wells, Cholmley, Capen, Purchase, Newton, Harris, Moore, Rogers, Drake. It is interesting to note that in Windsor CT, in the 1600's, our Rockwell ancestors were members of our ancestor Rev. Samuel Mather's congregation. Samuel Rockwell's mother was Ann Leach, who stated she was born in Cortland County, NY.. A Jonathan Leach settled in that county after the Revolutionary War, along with five sons, including Alexander, who named daughter Anna in his will.. All of these ancestors in the Rockwell lines are English, all identified to date emigrating in the 1600's, migrating to MA, CT, and then NY, PA, and WA. Samuel Jones Rockwell died in Bellingham, WA, is buried there. References; Death certificate, Bellingham WA lists 25 Nov 1839, obituary in Smethport, PA newspaper and father Peter Rockwell's Bible list 18 Jan 1840 Marriage-Death Certificate, obituary, Peter Rockwell Bible Death Certificate record No. 83 Washington State Board of Health, Whatcom Co., Bellingham, filed 6 March 1919.Obit, Smethport paper 1919. Parents-Peter Rockwell will Broome County Courthouse, Binghamton, NY, Will Book 2, p.97, estate 121. Census- 1840 US, Broome Co., NY, Triangle, p.799, line 10 male child of Peter Rockwell under age 5, National Archives film M-704, roll 266.; Census-1850;US, Broome Co., NY, Triangle, p. 263, line 26, age 10, film M-432, roll 477. Census-1855;NY State, Broome Co. Triangle, age 15. Census-1860-US; Triangle p. ?, line 17, family 466, age 20, film M-653, roll 724.; 1865-NY State Census, Broome Co., Triangle p.? , line 5 Agricultural Schedule.; 1870-US Census; NY, Broome Co.; Triangle p. 24, line 5, age 30, N.A film M-593 roll 907. 1880 US Census,PA, McKean Co., Smethport, age 40, p. 40, line 20, N.A film T-9, roll 1153\54. More About Samuel Jones Rockwell: Burial: 07 March 1919, Bay View Cem, Bellingham, WA, USA Notes for Mary Anne Underwood: Mary Ann Underwood born in Cortland Co. NY married Samuel Rockwell in 1862, lived in Cortland Co. until 1865 when they moved to nearby Triangle, NY. Between 1870 and 1875 they moved to Smethport, McKean Co. PA where she died in 1882 at age 37 yrs, 5 mo. 20 days. She is buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Smethport, PA where her tombstone reads, "Weep not for me friends most dear. I am not dead but sleeping here." References: Birth-1850 census, Underwood Genealogy Vol. 1, p. 240-244. Marriage-Obit of Samuel Rockwell in Smethport newspaper, 1919 Death-Tombstone, RoseHill Cemetery, Smethport, PA Census-1850 US Census, Cortland Co., NY, Freetown, age 5, p. 248, line 32, National Archives microfilm M-432, roll 493. Census-1860; US; Cortland Co., NY, Freetown, age 15, with parents, family 116, p.416, line 4, film M-653, roll 739.; Census-1870; US, Broome Co., NY, Triangle, wife of Samuel Rockwell, mother of 2, age 24, p. 24, line 6, film M-593, roll 907.; Census-1880 US, PA, McKean Co., Smethport, wife of Samuel Rockwell, age 33, mother of 6, p. 40, Family 176, dwelling 173, line 21, N. A. film T-9, roll 1153 or 1154. More About Mary Anne Underwood: Burial: Rose Hill Cem, Smethport, PA, USA Children of Samuel Rockwell and Mary Underwood are: 20 i. Addie May4 Rockwell, born 21 March 1864 in East Freetown, Cortland Co, NY, USA33; died 20 February 1926 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA34,35. She married Wilbur Ira Oviatt 18 May 1880 in Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA36. Notes for Addie May Rockwell: Addie May (Rockwell) Oviatt was born in 1864, also during the Civil War, daughter of Samuel Rockwell and Mary Ann Underwood. She was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland County, NY, lived in Broome County at age 6, was moved to McKean County, PA between 1870 and 1875 where she met Wilbur Oviatt as he worked for her father. They were married when she was sixteen, in 1880. Except for a brief time that they were in Wisconsin logging, the family lived in Farmers Valley, McKean County, PA. She took in washing and ironing for fifty cents to a dollar per week while she raised ten children, saving her money to buy a parlor organ. Her family is interesting in that most of our Revolutionary War patriots are found in these families. Most of these people were farmers from CT and RI who settled on the military tracts in Cortland County after the war. They were the Underwood, Wood, Crouch, Johnson, Abbe, Mason, Marcy, Ainsworth, Dudley, Leach and Allen families from CT and MA. and the Stafford, Hopkins, Sprague, Bennett, Whitman, Herndon, Arnold, Gorton, Whipple Tower, Holden, Dungan, Latham, Barker, Burton, Wickes and Allen families of RI and MA. These people were all of English origin, all emigrated in the 1600's to New England, all interesting stories to tell. Addie Rockwell died at age sixty-two, is buried in Smethport, PA. Addie married Wilbur Oviatt at age sixteen in the Rockwell House in Smethport PA. The ceremony was performed by G.M. Smith Esq. In the mid 1880's she went to Wisconsin with her husband, who was logging there. They returned to East Smethport, lived in Keating Township the rest of their lives. In 1917 she made a trip to Oklahoma to see her children who had moved there. She is credited with having said that her husband had never seen her bare feet. >From her obituary: The deceased lady was born at East Freetown Cortland County NY 21 May 1864 and located with her parents in Smethport in 1871, marrying Wilbur Oviatt, well known local contractor in early life. She was a woman of lovely character and highly revered by all. References: Letter to son Robert Oviatt in possession of BJS Account book Birth-Interview of son Alfred L. Oviatt, obituary of Addie Rockwell Oviatt in Smethport Newspaper Feb 1926 Marriage-Obituary of husband Wilbur Oviatt in Smethport Newspaper June 1930 Death- Obituary in Smethport Newspaper Feb 1926 Census-Triangle, Broome Co., NY, 1870 age 6,p. 24, line 7, Microfilm M-593, roll 907; 1880 Census Smethport, McKean Co., PA age 16, p. 40, line 22, film T-9, roll 1153/54; 1900 Census, Keating Twp., Mc Kean Co., PA., p. 2819, line 9, film T-623, roll 1439; 1910 Census, same residence, p. ?, line 52, film T-624, roll 1374 1920 same residence, p. 2, line 2, film T-625, roll 1600. More About Addie May Rockwell: Burial: 23 February 1926, Rose Hill Cem, Smethport, PA, USA Notes for Wilbur Ira Oviatt: >From the obituary of Wilbur I. Oviatt, Smethport, PA: Wilbur was born at the Oviatt homestead in Keating Township where he lived his boyhood years and received a good education. His father died when he was a mere boy,leaving ten children. His father was a pioneer of the area, and one of northwestern Pennsylvania's first editors and publisher of the "Settler and Pennon" a forerunner of the McKean County Democrat newspaper. By the hard work of his mother and help from good neighbors, his family was kept together. Early in life those natural qualities of leadership that made a prominent county figure asserted themselves. He had barely entered young manhood's estate when he was elected road supervisor by the Keating Township voters. In this office he built some of the best roads of this vacinity, including the dug-road below East Main Street on the Farmers Valley Highway, and so well did he perform the task that those roads are in steady use today. He had served the township well in nearly every public capacity and had repeatedly served terms as school director and had been pronounced by state educational experts to be one of the most capable township directors. It was due to his fighting proclivities that the beautiful Farmer's Valley Consolidated School was completed in shape for acceptance last year and he led the movement for the erection of the second Keating Consolidated School, now being built at Simpson. Up to the time of his death he served efficiently as secretary of the school board. He was elected and capably served several terms as auditor of McKean County and on two occasions was within a few votes of being elected county commissioner. Last fall he was elected jury commissioner after an exciting race in which, despite threatening health, he demonstrated anew his old time prowess as a political campaigner. Kindliness, generosity, sympathy and an unswerving loyalty to friends and courage of his convictions caused Wilbur Oviatt to be held in affectionate regard by a legion of friends. His cordial personality will be sadly missed in local circles. He was a democrat of the old school, with whom the great human principles of Jefferson were more than a mere credo. He fought fearlessly and with all his might - but always fairly - for what he considered the cause of justice and right. He held alike the respect of friend and opponent. Of no true man can more be said. He had always occupied a position of leadership in party affairs of the county and up to last year was a vice chairman of the county committee. A devoted husband and father, his home life was ever the phase which found hospitable Wilbur Oviatt at his best. In business he was most successful, not only as a builder, but a mover of buildings. He possessed a natural ability as an engineer which enabled him to intelligently perform exacting assignments. He was a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and ranked high in the affairs of that fraternity in this section. Deceased was a loyal friend and kind-hearted; no favor asked of him that was not granted, if possible. Following the evening repast he complained of not feeling well to members of the family and soon thereafter was seized with the fatal attack. Dr. Burg Chadwick was hastily summoned, but life was extinct by the time the physician reached the stricken man's side. The popular citizen had been subject to similar attacks extending over a period of two years back. Despite this fact, it was characteristic of the courage and energy of the man that he continued an active career and lately had been engaged in moving a number of buildings for McKean County along the right-of-way of the new Smethport-Simpson highway. He had been about town Friday as usual. Wilbur Ira Oviatt was born in Keating Township, McKean County, PA in 1858, son of Joseph Beaman Oviatt and Catherine Marie Stickles, seventh of eleven children. His father died when he was seven years old. He is one of very few ancestors who stayed in one place, as he can be found in every census of McKean County from 1860 to 1920. In 1880 at age 22 he was working for Samuel Rockwell, married his daughter. The amazing thing about that is that eight generations and 240 years earlier, they had common ancestors John Drake and Hannah Moore, Addie Rockwell descended from their son Job Drake, and Wilbur descended from their daughter Ruth Drake. Wilbur was a farmer, logger, contractor, road builder and house mover. He was a Democratic political leader, jury commissioner, road supervisor, township director, school board director and secretary, McKean County auditor, vice-chairman of the McKean County Democratic Committee and a member of the Odd Fellows. See Joseph Oviatt for Oviatt history. Wilbur died at age seventy-two, is buried in Smethport, PA. References: Birth- Oral interview of son A.L.Oviatt, obituary of Wilbur Oviatt in Smethport, PA Newspaper following death in June 1930 Marriage-Obituary in Smethport, PA Newspaper, June 1930 Death-Death certificate PA. Obituary in Smethport, PA Newspaper, June 1930, estate inventory of Wilbur Oviatt, copy in possession of Beverly Schonewolf Census records Keating Twp. McKean Co PA, 1860 age 3,p.718 , line 15, Microfilm M-653, roll 1138; 1870 age 12, p. 695, line 24 (Erroneously listed as Miller) Film M-593, roll 1372; 1880 age 22, p. 40, line 28, living with future father-in-law Sam Rockwell, as "servant", film T-9 roll 1154; 1900 age 42, p. 2819, line 8, film T-623, roll 1439; 1910, age 52, p.?, line 51, film T-624, roll 1374; 1920 age 62, p.2, line 1, film T-625, roll 1600. Letters to son Alfred during WW I, copies in possession of BJS More About Wilbur Ira Oviatt: Cause of Death: Chronic valvular disease Heart 21 ii. Minnie Rockwell, born 03 October 1867 in Upper Lisle, Broome Co., NY37. She married Frank Herron. 22 iii. Elbridge Rockwell, born 07 January 1872 in McKean Co. PA. 23 iv. Mary Rockwell, born 12 September 1874. She married (1) Swartz. She married (2) Fred Kautz 1918. 24 v. Samuel Rockwell, born 25 February 1877 in McKean Co. PA; died 21 February 1966 in Bellingham, WA38. He married Dolly. 25 vi. Myrtle Rockwell, born 14 June 1879. Notes for Myrtle Rockwell: Myrtl died at 20 months 11 Feb 1881 14. Albert Gallatin3 Rockwell (Peter2, Job1, SamuelA, BenjaminB, JosephC, SamuelD, WilliamE, JohnF, William IG) was born 09 April 1847 in Triangle, Broome Co, NY39, and died 01 February 1925 in Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. NY40. He married Victoria B.. Child of Albert Rockwell and Victoria B. is: 26 i. Merton4 Rockwell. Endnotes 1. Tombstone 2. Peter Rockwell Bible 3. Willet Cemetery gravestone, Willet, NY. 4. Stafford Vital Records 5. Willet Village Cemetery 6. Stafford Vital Records 7. Tombstone 8. Stafford CT Vital Records Vol 2 p. 67 9. Stafford CT Vital Records Vol 2 p. 67 10. Peter Rockwell Bible, tombstone 11. Stafford CT Vital Records 12. Stafford CT Vital Records 13. Peter Rockwell Bible 14. Family BibleStafford CT VR Vol 2 p. 67 15. WillTombstone 16. Upper Lisle Cemetery, gravestone of Peter Rockwell. 17. Family Bible 18. Gerald J. Parsons, The Niles Family Ancestors and Descendants, Syracuse, 1973. 19. Peter Rockwell Bible 20. Peter Rockwell Bible 21. Peter Rockwell Bible 22. Peter Rockwell Bible 23. Peter Rockwell Bible 24. Peter Rockwell Bible 25. Peter Rockwell Bible 26. Peter Rockwell Bible 27. Peter Rockwell Bible 28. Niles Family Records 29. Peter Rockwell Bible RecordDeath Certificate #83 Whatcom Co. WA 30. obituarydeath certificate 31. Obituary of Samuel Rockwell, Smethport, PA. 32. Gorton Genealogy p. 616obituary 33. Census Records,1870, 1880,1900,1910, 1920Obituary 34. Obituary 35. Obituary of Addie Rockwell Oviatt, Smethport, PA. 36. ObituaryCensusDeath certificate 37. DAR application of Minnie Herron 38. obituary 39. Peter Rockwell Bible 40. Tombstone