Big Rock Township

Big Rock Township

This township derives its name from Big Rock creek. The first settler was a man named "Shanty" Cook, who came with his family in 1835. Justice Anient came in the fall of 1835: John Pierce in 1836; J. L. Lamson in 1837. He came from Chicago by stage, his ticket being to Big Rock creek, where he was dropped about dark and not a house or civilized being within sight. He finally found the Cook cabin, but also found the floor all occupied by "guests" who had stopped over for the night. Every cabin was a hotel in those days.

W. H. Perry and William Perry came in 1835. In the fall of 1835 Justice Anient, the Perrys and Cooks were the only settlers. Joseph Summers and Robert Nash arrived in 1836 from Oneida county. New York. J. W. Swan came from \"ermont in January. 1836, and with him was Percy Taylor. Nash, Pierce and Edward \Mnddon had located at that time. Alexis Hall came in from Greenfield. ^Massachusetts, in 1836. In the same year came Robert Fisher; S. Samson in 1839 from New York; Robert Norton and Silas Long from Ohio the same year. L. D. and Jesse Brady and Maurice Price were settlers in 1837. Isaac Hatch came from New York in 1837 and became prominent; James Hatch arrived in 1837; Shepard Johnson in 1839 from New York; Daniel and David Evans and Thomas Jones came about that time, and Thomas W. Glaspool in 1838. George Peck and Paul Colburn settled, in 1836 or 1837. Z. Squires was here from Cortland, New York, in 1847; William Dugan in 1846; Jas. A. Davis in 1847; Richard Davis in 1842.

Joseph Summers opened the first tavern, and his house was made a postoffice in 1839, named "Acasto," but changed to Big Rock in 1849. Orson Brooks was the first postmaster, in 1839.

William Coon was the first blacksmith, and a man named Walby opened the first store in the township. A sawmill was built by Coon & Massey on Big Rock creek in 1837. a short distance below Rockville. then Catsville. The first railroad, the Chicago & Iowa Railroad, ran through the township in 1871.

A schoolhouse was opened in 1847 '-*" E. Whiddon's lanil. Colin Anient had taught in a log cabin as early as 1841. The early school trustees were: Alexis Hall, Joseph Summers. J. E. Smith. S. W. Lamson and J. W. Swan.

In 1842 Rev. George Lewis preached to the Congregationalists. and a society was formed at Pierce's house in 1853. The Welsh Congregational church was dedicated in 1854, with Rev. John Daniel as pastor. Another society was formed in 1858. and the Big Rock Congregational church erected. The Baptists built in 1874.

Big Rock continues to be one of the most fertile and productive townships in the county. Its people are progressive and up-to-date, and few sights are fairer than a drive through her fields of ripening grain and verdant prairies. Scenery as fine as can be found anywhere may be seen along the banks of the Big Rock.