My Genealogy Hound

Edward J. Rockwell was born August 15, 1844, in the township of Bloomfield, Oakland County, Michigan, and died in the township of West Bloomfield, November 15, 1898.

He was of Puritan stock, his first American ancestor, William Rockwell, coming to this country from England on the ship “Mary and John,” May 30, 1630, “Deacon William Rockwell,” as he was called, was one of the founders of Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he resided until 1636, when he removed to Windsor, Connecticut, living there until his death in 1640. Subsequently his widow married Matthew Grant, and one of the descendants of this union was Ulysses S. Grant.

John Rockwell, grandfather of Edward J. Rockwell, was one of the earliest settlers of Oakland County, Michigan, coming here in 1831 and settling on the farm where Edward J. was born.

Edward J. Rockwell’s education was obtained in the public schools, supplemented by a course in Bryant & Strattons Commercial College, at Detroit. He was married July 4, 1867, to Abbey Pearsall, daughter of Samuel Pearsall, one of the early settlers of Oakland County. To them were born three sons, Kleber P. and Samuel P., of Pontiac, and Desiax, of Detroit. Mr. Rockwell’s home was always in Oakland County, except about three years spent in Nebraska.

Although his education and ability would have fitted him for a business or professional life, his chosen occupation was farming. His disposition was genial, he was fond of good company and always took pleasure in entertaining his friends, and young men especially were always his welcome guests, and for a number of years prior to his death his house was a home for many young men who credit him with much of their success in life.

Mr. Rockwell held many local positions of trust tendered him without solicitation, which were filled by him with care and honor. He was one of the trustees of the Methodist Protestant Church, at Franklin, of which he was a member. He was a man of honesty and integrity and was honored and respected by all who knew him.