J. G. ROLWING, merchant, Thebes. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a native of Prussia. The family name is the one borne by his mother, who was of a family standing high in that country. The father, Kutine, was compelled to change his name, according to the existing laws of that country'. The parents came with subject to this country, when the latter was about ten years of age. The father first settled at Evansville, Ind., but only remained about three years, when he moved to Texas Bend, Mo., where he commenced farming. The education of our subject was principally German, having opportunity only to attend an English school one month. He has since, however, obtained a fair knowledge of the English language. Mr. Rolwing made his start in life in 1850, at Hunt's Landing, Mo., where he clerked at the leading store there. In two years he left that place, and come to Charleston, Mo., where he only remained a short time, and then came to Thebes. At this point he first clerked for McClure & Overby, who were then (1854) doing business at that point. After a two years' stand at this point, he again sought a new place to make a fortune. In the next four years he clerked at different points, with varying success, but by 1860 he had accumulated enough to return to Thebes and purchase an interest in the store of T. J. McClure at that point. The firm became known as McClure & Rolwing. This partnership existed until 1863, when the head of the firm retired, and our subject has since carried on the business alone. He now carries a stock of about $3,000. Mr. Rolwing was married, May 25, 1864, to Mary I. Marchildon.- She is a native of Canada East, and is the mother of seven children, five of whom are living — Emma M., born April 20, 1865; Henry S., born January 27, 1867; Eddie G., born March 10, 1874; Jennie E., born July 31, 1876; Myrta J., born June 2, 1880. The departed ones are C. A., born July 30, 1871, died August 17, 1872; Zelia E., born August 15, 1869, died December, 1876. In politics, Mr. Rolwing is a Democrat. In church affiliations he holds to the Roman Catholic Church.
Extracted 29 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, pages 233-234.
| Cape Girardeau MO |
Union | |
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Pulaski | |
| Scott MO | Mississippi MO | Ballard KY |
