My Genealogy Hound

JONATHAN H. ROWELL, was born at Haverhill, N. H., on the 10th day of February, 1835. He came to Illinois, and settled at Stout’s Grove, McLean Co., in July, 1849. He went to the schools of that day. and gathered such knowledge as their limited facilities afforded. He worked on a farm and taught school alternately from the time he was old enough to take a school until 1855. Rowell was then 20 years old, and at this date we find him beginning a regular course of study at Eureka College; a companion at this school says that Jonathan was one of the most untiring, steadfast and persevering students in the institution, and that his early mastery of mathematics was wonderful; he could make a mental calculation in less time and with more accuracy than most scholars could with slate and pencil; he was absorbed in study, and read everything within reach; it was in mathematics, however, that he especially distinguished himself at College, and his persevering study and final triumph was rewarded by the appointment to the chair of mathematics, a position which he filled creditably for a year. In May, 1861, the first faint mutterings of civil war reached him at Eureka; and when they were followed by a call for troops, Prof. Rowell quitted the halls of learning for the tented field; he enlisted in the spring of 1861, in the 17th Ill. Inf.; he was elected 1st Lieut., of Co. G, which was raised in Woodford Co.; he was promoted to the Captaincy in 1862; after a brilliant service of three years, he returned home to the pursuits of a peaceful life. He attended the law department of the Chicago University; here Capt. Rowell applied himself with diligence, and in 1865 he graduated with an especially fine record, being the valedictorian of his class. His mind being thus stored with legal lore, the next movement in order was the realization of something from the investment; he immediately began practice in Bloomington; a partnership was formed with Tipton & Benjamin, which continued through the years of 1866, 1867 and 1868. His energy and ability soon demanded recognition, and, in 1868, he was elected State’s Attorney for McLean, Logan and DeWitt Counties, and prosecuted with distinguished ability for four years. The partnership now with the Hon. J. M. Hamilton was formed in 1871. Capt. Rowell is one of the most successful criminal lawyers in Illinois, and this result has been reached by his own efforts. When he began his education, and upon entering Eureka College, he had $40 and a suit of clothes; and these constituted his worldly possessions. It was a struggle for success which sometimes looked dark and uncertain, but indomitable will triumphed over adverse circumstances.