BIO: William F. ROCKEY, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ W. F. ROCKEY, who is successfully engaged in buying and shipping produce in Potter township, Centre county, has from an early age made his own way in the world, unaided by capital or influential friends, but by industry, perseverance and good management he has steadily worked his way upward until to-day he is doing a large and prosperous business and has secured a comfortable home. In Nittany Valley, Mr. Rockey was born, September 10, 1854, a son of Jacob Rockey, who was also a native of Centre county, born May 15, 1825, in Penn Hall, and his grandfather, John Rockey, was an early settler of Penn's Valley. At Penn Hall, Centre county, in 1853, was celebrated the marriage of Jacob Rockey and Miss Elizabeth Rossman, who was born in Potter township, January 1835, and is the eldest daughter and third child in a family of twelve children - five sons and seven daughters - whose parents were Jonathan and Margaret (Fye) Rossman. Her mother was born June 26, 1811, and died October 23, 1875, while her father was born March 22, 1808, and died March 26, 1863. As they were quite poor she was forced to earn her own living during her girlhood, and therefore lived much among strangers. After his marriage, Jacob Rockey made his home 266 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in Nittany Valley, where he worked as a farm laborer, and in that way secured enough capital with which to purchase a small home near Tusseyville, where his death occurred March 8, 1873, and his remains were interred in the cemetery of that village. He was a Union soldier in the Civil war, a member of the 210th P. V. I., and his arduous service left him in poor health for the remainder of his life. Politically, he was a supporter of the Republican party, and in religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church. Seven children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: W. F., of this review; Sarah C., wife of John Nugard, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mary R., wife of Wilson Kline, of the same city; Margaret E., wife of John Davis, of Altoona, Penn.; Flora A., wife of C. H. Perkins, of Cleveland; Elizabeth S., wife of Samuel Jordan, of Lewistown, Penn.; and, Jacob J. R., an employee of our subject in the produce business. As the father left little property at his death, the family soon became scattered, as the children were obliged to earn their own livelihood. Later the mother married William From, now deceased, and she finds a pleasant home with her son, W. F. Like the father, she is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, and she is a most estimable lady. Mr. Rockey, the subject proper of this review, was but a mere child when brought by his parents to Potter township, and in its district schools he obtained his education; but at the early age of twelve years he had to lay aside his books and assist his parents in the support of the family. The first wages that he received was $50 for eight months' work, which was used toward paying for their little home. For some time he was employed by different farmers in Potter township, and with the money thus earned paid off the few outstanding debts left at his father's death. In 1872, Mr. Rockey embarked in his present business on a small scale, in connection with George Meese, and at first was obliged to borrow a horse with which to gather up the produce purchased. This he sold in Bellefonte at a good advantage, and was soon able to buy a horse. As his business prospered he needed two, one for use in buying the butter, eggs and other produce from the farmers, and the other in selling the goods in the cities. He is one of the oldest dealers along this line in Potter township, and his straightforward, honorable business policy has gained him a liberal share of the public patronage. After making his home for several years with his uncle, Michael Rossman, of Potter township, he in the spring of 1888 purchased fifteen acres of land from Abraham Horst, of which be has since sold two and one-half acres, paying for the tract $1,000. The old clovermill standing thereon he converted into a dwelling, but this has since been replaced by an elegant home; and he also erected a cold storage warehouse and other substantial outbuildings. After securing a home, Mr. Rockey naturally wished some one to preside over it, and in December, 1889, in Harris township, Centre county, he married Miss Jennie Mayer, a daughter of Henry and Almira (Bryman) Mayer. Four children were born to them: Myra E.; Verna M., who died at the age of two years; Margaret C., at home; and William Henry. The parents are both active members of the Reformed Church, in which he is serving as elder. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. He deserves great credit for the success that he has achieved in life, and certainly is entitled to a place among the honored and valued citizens of Potter township. 1860 Potter Township, Centre County census - Jacob Rockey, 31 Elizabeth Rockey, 27 William F. Rockey, 5 Catharine Rockey, 4 Mary E. Rockey, 3