George Edward ROCKEY

GEORGE E. ROCKEY.

For over a quarter of

a century this gentleman has made his home

in Joliet, and perhaps no resident of the

place takes greater interest in its growth and up-

building than he. He is a quiet, unassuming citi-

zen, who has taken little part in politics, except to

generally vote the Democratic ticket and who has

borne his part in public life, content to perform his

duties as an individual and sufficiently occupied

with his personal affairs.

The parents of the gentleman of whom we write

were William and Elizabeth (Maize) Rockey, whose

family comprised three children, of whom George

E. is the only survivor. The father was a harness-

maker, and their home was in the Keystone State.

George E. Rockey was born in Mifflinburg, Pa.,

October 4, 1819, and learned the trade of a carpen-

ter, althougli he never followed it except to do the

woodwork on threshing machines for a brother-in-

law, David Herr. He went to Center County. where

he opened a foundry in 1844. and where he resided

ten years. He then came to Illinois and, locating

in Plainfield, this county, worked for Dillman & Co.

until 1862, when be removed to Joliet. In 1866

he bought a planing-mill, which he operated until

1886. when he transferred it to his son Franklin.

In Miss Susan Wolf. Mr. Rockey discerned

the qualities of mind and character which won his

regard, and after a successful wooing she became

his wife December 15, 1842. Throughout their

long and happy married life they have found no

cause to regret the union. They have had five

children, of whom four are now living in Joliet,

the other having died in infancy. The survivors

are: Mrs. Margaret Dice, Franklin, Mrs. Jennie

Pomeroy and Edward.

(Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County,

Illinois. 1890)

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