My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE C. ROCKEY. Among the successful and substantial agriculturists of Royalton Township, Berrien County, is the subject of this sketch, whose desire to keep out of the old ruts, as well as his adoption of new and improved methods, has brought him in a fair share of this world’s goods. He ranks among the energetic farmers of the county, and his success is mainly due to his industry and the attention he has ever paid to each minor detail. He is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Franklin County February 25, 1836, and is the son of Caleb and Martha L. (Robinson) Rockey.

Caleb Rockey was born in Lancaster County, Pa., September 12, 1803, and there remained until 1830, when he removed to Franklin County, Ohio. For many years he was a resident of that State, but in September, 1867, he removed to Berrien County, Mich., and here passed the closing scenes of his life. Previous to settling in Michigan, Mr. Rockey had bought land in Berrien County, and upon locating there he entered actively upon his duties as a farmer, devoting all his time and attention to that calling. His wife, who was a true helper, not only to her husband but to all who came within her influence, was born May 24, 1803, and died November 17, 1872. They were the parents of four children, as follows; Sarah M., born February 13, 1831; Leah O., February 13, 1834; George C., our subject; and Lemuel R., born November 8, 1838. The mother of these children was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later she was associated with the Latter-Day Saints. Grandfather Rockey was born in Germany and was a farmer in that country. Grandfather Robinson was a soldier in the War of 1812.

George C. Rockey, the third in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, was reared in Franklin County, Ohio, and supplemented a good practical education, received in the common schools, by attending Central College, where he remained four terms. Thus equipped with a good education, he started out to fight life’s battles for himself. Having been reared as a farmer by his father, Mr. Rockey, like the majority of boys, has since followed in his ancestors’ footsteps. He is now one of the representative men of the county, as well as one of its most thorough-going agriculturists. All his farming operations are conducted in a manner showing him to be a man of excellent judgment.

Mr. Rockey was married in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 5, 1865, to Miss Barbara Koebel, who was also born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 9, 1844. Four children were the fruits of this union: Samuel C., Edwin L. (deceased), Leah May (deceased), and Clyde W. In September, 1867, Mr. Rockey removed to Berrien County, Mich., from Franklin County, Ohio, and here, he has since resided. His home farm is located seven miles south of St. Joseph, and consists of one hundred and sixty acres. He also has two other farms of ninety and eighty-eight acres each. He is a member of the Berrien County Anti-Horse Thief Association, and in politics has always associated with the Democratic party. His first Presidential vote was cast for Douglas.