Garland-Pulaski County ArArchives Biographies.....Rockafellow, Charles N. 
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Robert Sanchez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00027.html#0006574 July 15, 2009, 10:25 am

Author: S. J. Clarke (Publisher, 1922)

CHARLES N. ROCKAFELLOW.
    While Hot Springs has within its midst almost every known enterprise and
line of business that is found in every great cosmopolitan center the city
largely stands to the outside world as a place famous for its wonderful
medicinal bathing facilities obtained from the hot springs from which the city
derives its name. It was in this connection that Charles N. Rockafellow had
reached a place of notable prominence in the business world as proprietor of the
Rockafellow Bathhouse and also of the Rockafellow Hotel and Apartments, for with
the steady and growing influx of visitors to the city the question of hotel
accommodation came steadily to the front and there is perhaps no city of equal
size in the country which can offer such advantages and opportunities in the way
of hotel service as Hot Springs. In this connection Charles N. Rockafellow
manifested a most progressive spirit and the extent and importance of his
business affairs and his activities along other lines made him one of the most
distinguished residents of the city. He was one of a famiily of seven children,
two sons and five daughters, whose parents were Mr. and. Mrs. Abraham J.
Rockafellow. The mother's maiden name was Newcomb. The father was a prosperous
farmer of the state of Illinois, devoting many years to agricultural pursuits
but ultimately living retired. He settled in Galva, Henry county, Illinois,
where for many years the family residence was maintained.

    Charles N. Rockafellow was born in Illinois, September 25, 1842, and pursued
his education in the public schools of Galva until he had completed his high
school work. In ycung manhood he turned to mercantile pursuits, accepting a
clerkship but following the outbreak of the Civil war he answered the call of
the Union and followed the stars and stripes into southern battle fields. He
served as a private, was for a time a member of a band and was promoted to the
rank of lieutenant, serving with distinction for four years and eight months,
manifesting the utmost valor and loyalty during the entire period.

    Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Rockafellow went to New Orleans
and later became a resident of Chicago, where he engaged in the drug business.
On removing from that city he took up his abode in Little Rock, Arkansas, where
he became baggage master for the Rock Island Railroad, continuing with that
corporation until he removed to Hot Springs in the year 1888. Here he
established a drug store, which he conducted with marked success for some time
and then turned his attention to the business that occupied his time throughout
his remaining days. He established one of the finest bathhouses of the city,
also the Rockafellow Hotel and Apartments, and, moreover, he built a beautiful
residence, in which his widow now resides at No. 212 Whittington avenue. In the
construction of the bathhouse he maintained the highest scientific and sanitary
principles, with due regard also to the comfort and convenience of the patrons
and the most advanced standards were also employed in the erection and conduct
of the hotel and the apartments which he built. He closely studied the
modern-day conditions and demands and even anticipated modern needs, giving to
the public almost unprecedented service in both lines of his business.

    Mr. Rockafellow was united in marriage to Miss Mahala J. Golding, a daughter
of James Golding, of a well known Virginia family, the wedding being celebrated
on the 10th of December. 1868. They became the parents of two sons: Charles A.,
who was born November 20, 1870, and who succeeded his father in business; and
William B., who was born at Hot Springs, January 1, 1874.

    Mr. Rockafellow gave his political allegiance to the republican party, being
a firm advocate of its principles. On several occasions he served as alderman of
Hot Springs, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progressive
plans and movements for the public good. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity
and was a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of the craft. In every
relation of life he measured up to high standards and in his business career his
position was one of leadership, for he displayed not only the sterling qualities
of enterprize and progressiveness but also a creative genius. By reason of his
splendidly conducted affairs he left to his family a handsome estate. His wife
and sons occupy a very prominent position in the social circles of the city and
the name of Rockafellow continues to figure most notably in connection with
events which are leaving a lasting impression on the business development and
social life of Hot Springs.



Additional Comments:
Citation:
Centennial History of Arkansas
Volume II
Chicago-Little Rock: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1922


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