Julian Rockhold (1855-1936)

Past and Present of Livingston County

Vol 2, Biographies

By Major A.J. Roof, 1913

JULIAN ROCKHOLD.

Page 220-222

Julian Rockhold is a prominent representative of agricultural interests in Mooresville township, Livingston county, Missouri, owning a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on sections 26 and 27. He is a native of Green township, this county, being born January 23, 1855, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Cave) Rockhold. The father was one of the earliest settlers in Livingston county, where he followed farming during all his life, buying his first land at a dollar and a quarter per acre. It was timber land, which he cleared and brought under the plow by incessant labor and under untold hardships, but be gradually succeeded in transforming this wild tract into a valuable form. The father was very well known and well liked in this section, enjoying the esteem of all who were acquainted with him. He passed away in 1877, his wife following him in death in 1886, and both are buried in the Utica cemetery. John Rockhold was an indulgent and kind father and husband and his demise not only occasioned deep mourning to his own family but was widely regretted by all those who had learned to esteem and honor him. The family is of German origin, having come to this country at an early date in its history. Mr. and Mrs. John Rockhold were the parents of nine children.

Julian Rockhold received his education in the Brush College, which derived its name from the fact that it was standing on a stretch of brush land. At the age of eighteen years he discontinued his lessons and assisted his father in the farm work,gradually acquiring under the latter's able guidance through methods of farm culture. Subsequently, in 1883, he bought one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he owns today, and as his resources increased he extended his holdings to the present acreage. Our subject has instituted many improvements on his farm and has placed thereon such equipment as is considered necessary on an up-to-date and modern agricultural establishment. His property stands today as a credit to his energy and industry and presents a pleasing appearance, bespeaking the prosperity of its owner. He engages in mixed fanning, largely specializing in the raising of horses, cattle and hogs.

On February 22, 1883, Mr. Rockhold was united in marriage, in Mooresville township, to Miss Leora Kirtley, a daughter of Marcus and Mary C. (Stuckey) Kirtley, the former of whom was a prominent pioneer farmer of this district. He passed away in 1882, at the age of forty-nine years, and is buried in the Mooresville cemetery, leaving a widow and five children, namely: Homer; Melvin; Leora, the wife of our subject; Neill; and Gertrude, who died February 14, 1885, and is also buried in the Mooresville cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Rockhold are the parents of three sons and two daughters: Herbert, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Chillicothe, Missouri; Buford, who follows agricultural pursuits in this district; May, the wife of Hobart Bryan, a farmer in Mooresville township; Eugene, who is still attending school and assists his father in the work upon the farm; and Genevieve, also attending school. Among the many and important improvements which Mr. Rockhold made upon his property is the family residence, which is very comfortable, handsome and modernly equipped.

Mr. Rockhold is a stockholder in the Mooresville Savings Bank and his political affiliation is with the democratic party, which finds in him a stanch supporter. He has always championed the cause of education and for a number of years has served in the capacity of school director of this district. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. The success of Mr. Rockhold must be largely attributed to his energy and industry and the intelligent management of his affairs, but he himself gives largely credit for his attainments to his wife, who has been his true and faithful helpmate for many years. He has made a creditable record in agricultural circles and his work has not only resulted in financial independence to himself but has been largely constructive in the development of agricultural methods in this locality and the prosperity which he has attained is the natural outcome of incessant and intelligently applied efforts. He is a man of strong character and highly esteemed and honored wherever known, his sterling qualities having won him the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.

More on Julian:

Julian Buford Rockhold, b. 23 Jan 1855, d. 11 Nov  1936.  Married Leora Kirtley 22 Feb 1883, Livingston, Mo.  She b. 3 Feb 1864, d. 25 Feb 1946, was daughter of Neil Kirtley, d. 29 Dec 1921.

His holdings, sections 26 and 27 of Mooresville is just below the holdings of his father and uncles, as well as below the farm of Leora’s father.

Continuing:  In January 1920, Julian, Leora and daughter, Genevieve L. Rockhold, are in a Ft. Morgan City, Colorado boarding house.  In the 1930 Census they are still together in a residence of Ft Morgan.  Julian dies in 1936, Leora dies in 1946, both are buried in Mooresville, Missouri.