My Genealogy Hound

HON. HEWLETT C. ROCKWELL was born in Tarrytown, Westchester County, N. Y., July 9, 1843. He is a descendant of English ancestors, and his forefathers were for several generations identified with the growth of Connecticut. In that State his grandfather, Harvey, and his father, George Rockwell, were born and reared to manhood. The latter married Sara L. Tunis and they became the parents of two sons, Hewlett C. and Charles Howard, our subject being the elder in order of birth.

The boyhood of Hewlett C. Rockwell was passed in a quiet manner in his native place, and after acquiring a common-school education he prepared for college at Tarrytown Academy. About that time arose the conflict between the North and South, and the whole nation was convulsed by the horrors of war. With chivalrous valor and patriotism he at once espoused the cause of the Union, and although he was less than nineteen years old he determined to fight for the Old Flag. In May, 1862, he enlisted in the United States army, becoming a member of Company R, Twenty-fifth New York Infantry, and served on detached duty until he was mustered out in October of the same year. Though his active service ended with his honorable discharge from the army, yet he aided the Union afterward in every way possible until the war was closed and peace once more reigned from coast to coast.

In March, 1865, our subject was graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, at Philadelphia. At once after the completion of his studies Dr. Rockwell located at Aurora, Ill., and commenced the practice of his profession in that city, remaining there a short time. Thence he removed to Lansing, Mich., and there conducted active practice for a period of two years, following which he was located in Chicago for one year. While residing in the last-named city his attention was attracted to Berrien County, and he noted the excellent prospects and inducements offered to those locating there. Accordingly, in 1870, he removed to St. Joseph, Mich., opened an office for the practice of his profession, and made his home in that city for nine years. Meanwhile he had gained an enviable reputation in the adjoining city of Benton Harbor, so that when he located in this city in the summer of 1879 he came not as a stranger but as an old friend. He is so delighted with the various attractions offered by Benton Harbor that in all probability he will make this city his permanent home.

In the fall of 1890 Dr. Rockwell was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the First District of Berrien County in the Legislature of Michigan, and he served in that honored place for two years. He was instrumental in obtaining the city charter for Benton Harbor, and feels a commendable pride in the place. Every movement looking to its material advancement meets with his encouragement, and he is progressive and public-spirited. For three years he served as City Recorder of St. Joseph. In his fraternal relations he is identified with Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, F. & A. M., of which he was Worthy Master for eight consecutive years; and Calvin Brittain Chapter, of St. Joseph; he is also a Knight of Pythias, a Knight of Honor and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was one of the charter members of George H. Thomas Post No. 14, G. A. R., and is still actively connected with that organization.

On Colfax Avenue, in Benton Harbor, Dr. Rockwell has a pleasant and elegantly furnished residence. He was married in December, 1866, to Miss Eunice C. Buckley, who at that time was a resident of Clayton, Jefferson County, N. Y. She is the daughter of William and Caroline Buckley, natives of New York State. Dr. and Mrs. Rockwell are the parents of three daughters, Carrie, Florence and Georgia.