David Rockwell (1748 - 1809)

Born 22 May 1748 in Somers, Tolland, Connecticut

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 23 Nov 1809 at age 61 in Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States

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Biography

Corporal David Rockwell served with 6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia during the American Revolution.

Corporal David Rockwell performed Patriotic Service in Connecticut in the American Revolution.

Proven Parents. David was born in 1748 and was the son of Jonathan Rockwell and Margaret Bush. ^[1]. When his parents moved their family to Nova Scotia in about 1763, David and a brother stayed in Connecticut, living initially with his Aunt Jerusha. What often creates confusion is that after his parents relocated to Canada they might have had another child named "David[1]" who was born about 1767, but this is probably the son of one of his brothers. The name of the brother who stayed in Connecticut with David cannot be easily identified. On pages 123-129 of the 1873 Rockwell^[2], it states that “two of the family remained in this [USA] country” and “Jonathan Rockwell had among the children who went to Nova Scotia Daniel, Asahel and Benjamin.” Further, that Jonathan brought “most” of his family of four sons and two daughters,” which could mean that the total size of his family was six, and that four (two sons and two daughters) went to Canada. The 2005 Rockwell book^[3], starting page 66, shows the traditional family configuration as well. Based on the lack of a hard-named persona for who remained with David in Connecticut, it could be assumed that “maybe” this son of Jonathan arrived later in Canada, as all the known children are accounted for. Because there are often two "Benjamin" personas, it may be that he was the brother who stayed in Connecticut, as it appears that another new child named Benjamin appears to have replaced him as well (like David).

David Rockwell's arrival at Colebrook, Litchfield County, CT. According to The history of Colebrook, Connecticut^[4] document, David was included on a list of the heads of 39 families who were pioneer settlers or original proprietors of the Town of Colebrook in the decade before the start of the Revolutionary War. His family was the 13th by count on the list and settled in 1769; two other Rockwell families preceded to Colebrook: Joseph Rockwell in 1766 and Samuel Rockwell in 1767.

David Rockwell is probably interred at South Cemetery in Colebrook. A review of all the known cemeteries in Colebrook shows that his two uncles who served in the Revolutionary War and who were also original settlers of the town are buried at South Cemetery; of the 55 memorials for "Rockwell" in Colebrook, 51 are interred at South Cemetery. His gravesite is obviously not marked or was marked with a wooden slab that has long since disappeared. A review of the burial of his four children does not reveal anything to help. Often there is a burial location source (like Find A Grave or Hale Cemetery records) to help guide the discovery of the spouse of an ancestor, but that is NOT the case for David Rockwell. A search of likely sources that would help define his marriage do not show this David persona, and as such, his wife's burial information is also unknown (and she might be buried at an unknown location in Lewis County, New York). According to the Rockwells in North America book, "Elder Rufus Babcock of North Colebrook Baptist Church performed the rites at David's funeral 24 Nov 1809."^[5] Thus, there is hope that he is buried somewhere in or near Colebrook CT, and perhaps at a burial ground or cemetery that was related to the Baptist church shown (although preliminary investigation reveals that South Cemetery is most likely.[2]. A search of the book on The history of Colebrook[3], page 100 shows a write-up on the North Colebrook Baptist Church, but is no help with cemetery history.

The Mystery of David Rockwell’s Wife. According to the Rockwells of North America book ^[6], “Jacobus calls the parents of Candace Rockwell b. 8 Mar 1781 “David and Candace Rockwell", while descendants of David hold that her name was Esther…” Later on the same page, “He [David] married Esther ______, d AFT 10 Mar 1855, b. BTWN 1750-1760… Esther is probably the female age 70-80 living with Elam [son of David] and his family in the 1830 Colebrook census.” Esther’s Norfolk, Litchfield County, CT probate information is also shown. Because their is a confirmed daughter of David named "Candace," and there is the remembrances of "Esther" as his wife's name as well, a possibility is the Candace is his wife's real first name, and she adopted the name "Esther" after the birth of her child that she named Candace (1778-1840; she married a Mr. Covert), to avoid confusion with others. Of course, Esther could be David's wife's middle name that was promoted to a first name for the same reason.

According to The Rockwells of North America 2005^[7] book and other sources, the family of David Rockwell (still, wife unclear) are the children: Hannah (Rockwell) Seymour (1772–1861); David Rockwell (1779–Unknown); Esther Rockwell (Unknown); Jerusha Rockwell (Bapt 1779–Unknown); Candace (Rockwell) Covert (1781–1840); and Elam Rockwell (1784–1864).

Further in the probate discussion on this page 154 from the Rockwells in North America book, it states “…Norfolk, Litchfield County, CT, February 2, 1879 and March 10, 1879: “Estate of Esther Rockwell, late of Norfolk deceased. Administration on said estate is granted to Alva S. Cowles of said Norfolk who appeared in Court and gave bond jointly with Joseph B. Eldridge of said Norfolk in the sum of one hundred dollars for the faithful discharge of his duties.” Then, the author states “Alva S. Cowles, son of Louisa Rockwell 486 [book ancestor identifier number] and her husband Thomas T. Cowles was a first cousin, twice removed of David Rockwell, the husband of Esther.” Conclusion: While there are hints that the persona Esther Rockwell mentioned here is the wife of this David Rockwell (1748-1809), documents The Rockwell family in America 1873 book ^[8] and Hale Cemetery Collection records ^[9] show that this Esther is the wife of Joseph Rockwell (1758–1843) and she was born Esther Cone (1767-1857), both of Norfolk.

By modeling Esther's potential birth parameters of "d AFT 10 Mar 1855, b. BTWN 1750-1760" against the demographics provided by the Esther Cone (1767-1857) persona, it appears to be a match. However, we soon discover that "if" Esther Cone is the wife of David, then her age at marriage to David would have been about five years of age based on the birth year of David's first child Hannah (Rockwell) Seymour (1772–1860). Thus, the mystery continues. But what this analysis does is to open up the possibilities of what may help define the wife of David: Did David marry twice? Was the possible first name of "Candace" actually the name of a second wife and the other wife's first name was "Esther"? Was "Candace" actually a last name, hence, we're really looking for an "Esther Candace"? Based on the 1830 US Census of a "Free White Persons - Females - 70 thru 79", in son Elam's residence, AND the assumption that this female "is" David's Wife and Elam's mother, then the life range for "Esther" is that she was born about 1753 (midpoint between 70 and 79 at time of death, and to make her just 18 years at her marriage and to account for her child Hannah who was born 1772) and she died after 1830. Although there is a slim possibility that this ~75 year old woman could be the mother of Nancy (Fairchild) Rockwell, Elam's wife, who is named either Julia or Jemima, depending on the source (another mystery to be solved), the short biography by Lorenzo Rockwell (Elam's son) states that (after outliving her three husbands) "...[Jemima] then came and lived with my Father's [Elam] until she died I think in 1831 or near that time." ^[10]

The Revolutionary War service of this persona of David Rockwell is conclusively proven, and based on the fog he may have served a few ways, first probably with two of his uncles, who were Captains in the local militia (18th and/or 26th Connecticut Foot Militia Regiments, whose regions include the Town of Colebrook), who also lived in Colebrook, Connecticut; David and his two uncles were original settlers of Colebrook. First, The Rockwells of North America book states "David served as a Corporal of the Militia during the Revolution under his Uncle Samuel and Uncle Joseph." The participation of these uncles is also mirrored in the The history of Colebrook^[11] document which states "On October 14, 1774, the veteran Joseph Rockwell, the second settler in the town, was commissioned captain of the Colebrook Militia and continued in command until his death, July 12, 1776, when he was succeeded by his younger brother, Samuel." However, David is not specifically mentioned in that book regarding war service (only as an early settler). Earlier on the same page it states that "In 1774 the troops of Colebrook, Barkhamsted, New Hartford and Simsbury constituted the 18th Regiment of Connecticut Militia." As David, Samuel and Joseph are all shown as original/early settlers of Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut, and the town consisted of "48 families and a population of 273", it would be perfectly factual to assume that David served under his uncles in the militia (maybe inactively or records were lost) during the Revolutionary War. While it may seem as though it is geographically unfeasible [4] for THIS David Rockwell persona, however, a son of Capt. Joseph Rockwell, Pvt. Gurdon Rockwell, is shown on the payroll of Capt. Zaccheus Case's company of Col. Thomas Belden's 6th Connecticut Militia Regiment in 1777, along with a "Corporal David Rockwell,[5]"; thus, because of the unique name of "Gurdon" and the History of Colebrook document that mentions "Gordon" and "Gurdon" as the son of Capt. Joseph Rockwell, Gurdon and David served together in this militia unit that was outside of the militia region of their town. Via an Ancestry.com Revolutionary War record (a card...) [6], Corporal David Rockwell served in Capt. Zacheus Case's Company Col. Thomas Belding’s (sometimes mis-transcribed as Bartlett) [6th CT Militia] Regiment [from Wethersfield and Glastonbury]; this same Ancestry.com image [just click up and down the pages] shows the same regiments and company for Pvt. Gurdon Rockwell, David Rockwell's cousin.

In addition to his contributions during the Revolutionary War as a combatant in the Connecticut Militia, David Rockwell is shown as taking the Oath of Fidelity^[12] on 13 Dec 1779, at Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut. This classifies him as performing "Patriotic Service."

Acknowledgements

Special Thanks to Wikitree Contributor Mark S. Rockwell, worldwide expert on William Rockwell (1591-1640) descendants; Kenneth W. Rockwell, worldwide expert on Stamford CT-based John Rockwell (1588-1662) descendants; and Kent Rockwell, who is the keeper of "Aunt Dorothy Rockwell" genealogy records from 1973. If not for their selfless patience and analysis, vital information on David Rockwell and his family might be lost forever. Via Wikitree Contributor Kurt Potter, a 5th great-grandson of David Rockwell.

Sources

1. ↑ Entered by Toby Rockwell, Wednesday, September 11, 2013.
2. ↑ The Rockwell family in America. A genealogical record, from 1630 to 1873
3. ↑ The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640)
4. ↑ The history of Colebrook
5. ↑ The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640)
6. ↑ The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640)
7. ↑ The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640)
8. ↑ The Rockwell family in America. A genealogical record, from 1630 to 1873
9. ↑ Connecticut, U.S., Hale Collection of Cemetery Inscriptions
10. ↑ The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640)
11. ↑ The history of Colebrook
12. ↑ Connecticut town meeting records : during the American Revolution

• The Rockwells of North America: Descendants of William Rockwell (1591-1640), by Mark S. Rockwell, published 2005, with contributions by Rosalind Salbenbaltt, available on Amazon.com [7] Page 156 also. Page154 shows the birth and parents of David Rockwell, a notable statement is: "David and a brother stayed in Connecticut with his "Aunt Jerusha" when his father and the rest of his family moved to Nova Scotia." It also states "David served as a Corporal of the Militia during the Revolution under his Uncle Samuel and Uncle Joseph [Note: Revolutionary War records are not comprehensive, but the records that show their service together and in the same "unit" has yet to be found; however, there are enough records that show that both his uncles did indeed serve in the war. The issue to be resolved is the meaning of "serving under" his uncle(s); while there are plenty of Revolutionary War records, it's hard to say that they are comprehensive enough to so the micro-movement of soldiers on a day-to-day basis].
• The Rockwell family in America. A genealogical record, from 1630 to 1873 by Rockwell, Henry Ensign. Publication date 1873 [8] Page 126: "Jonathan Rockwell had among the children who went to Nova Scotia: Daniel, Asahel, and Benjamin." This statement is believed to be based on the information that follows in the subsequent paragraphs and pages; it does "not" mean that this persona David Rockwell went to Canada, as other records show that David and a Brother stayed in Connecticut. Also, there is evidence that David's parents Jonathan and Margaret had another child that they named "David" (perhaps missing their son who stayed in CT) after arriving in Canada.
• The Rockwell family in America. A genealogical record, from 1630 to 1873 by Rockwell, Henry Ensign. Publication date 1873 [9] Page 149 shows the marriage of Joseph Rockwell to Esther Cone.
• Connecticut, U.S., Hale Collection of Cemetery Inscriptions and Newspaper Notices, 1629-1934 [10] via Ancestry.com shows the interment of Joseph and Esther Rockwell at Norfolk CT.
• Record of service of Connecticut men in the I. War of the Revolution, II. War of 1812, III. Mexican War by Connecticut. Adjutant-General's Office; Johnston, Henry Phelps. Publication date 1889 [11] Page 499 shows Revolutionary War service. [Note: Revolutionary War records are not comprehensive, but the records that David and his uncles "listed" together and in the same "unit" has yet to be found; however, there are enough records that show that both his uncles did indeed serve in the war. The issue to be resolved is the meaning of "serving under" his uncle(s); while there are plenty of Revolutionary War records, it's hard to say that they are comprehensive enough to show the micro-movement of soldiers on a day-to-day basis].
• U.S., Compiled Revolutionary War Military Service Records, 1775-1783 [12] via Ancestry.com shows Revolutionary War service.
• Connecticut town meeting records : during the American Revolution, by Jolene Roberts Mullen. Publication: Westminster, Maryland : Heritage Books, Inc., c2011 [13]. Volume 1 page 103. David took an Oath of Fidelity on 13 Dec 1779, at Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut. This classifies him as performing "Patriotic Service."
• Source: S-675458336 Repository: #R-1144667840 Title: Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members. Page: Ancestry Family Tree Data: Text: http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=68894671&pid=390
• Repository: R-1144667840 Name: Ancestry.com
• The history of Colebrook by Manchester [14], Irving Edward, b. 1870. Publication date 1935. Page 30 for listing of Daniel. Page 44 which shows uncle's Revolutionary War service.
• Find A Grave Index Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/260772423/david-rockwell: accessed 04 January 2024), memorial page for Corporal David Rockwell (22 May 1748–23 Nov 1809), Find A Grave: Memorial #260772423, citing South Cemetery, Colebrook, Litchfield County, Connecticut, USA; Maintained by K. Potter (contributor 50023205).