Rodolphus William PADELFORD

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Baptist
• Census: 1840, Head of household in Buffalo, Erie Co., New York
• Residence: 1842, Removed to Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
• Residence: 19 Oct 1842, Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois
• Census: 1850, Living in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill
• Occupation: 1850; Daguerrer
• Residence: Between 1859 and 1860, Elgin, Kane, Illinois, USA
• Census: 1860, Living in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill
• Occupation: 1860; Artist
• Census: 1870, living in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
• Occupation: 1870; Clerk in Court of Common Pleas,
• Census: 1880, LIving in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois
• Occupation: 1880; Clerk of City Court

Notes:

Rodolphus removed from the City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York, and first arrived in Elgin, Illinois, on October 19, 1842. He first resided in City of Elgin on lots 11 and 12, Block #1 James T. Gifford's Addition.

Occupations:

Clerk of the Baptist Church of Elgin 35 years
Treasurer Town of Elgin 34 years
Town Clerk 28 years
Clerk of the Baptist Assn. 31 years
Deacon Baptist Church of Elgin 30 years
Clerk of the City of Elgin 20 years
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of City of Elgin & City Court of Elgin 21 years
Sec. of the Board of Trustees of Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane 8 1/2 years

Upon settling in Elgin in 1842, Rodolphus was the first one to locate a daguerreotype gallery. His place of business was located just west of where the railroad tracks now cross Chicago St.
People used to say that no one did a more careful job of bookkeeping than Rodolphous. One calamity that befell him was that his office caught fire at one time and among the things that were burned were all the records he had so carefully kept of the meetings of the Baptist Church.
He was always a friend of the downtrodden. At one time, he conducted a station on the "underground railroad". Many a colored person owed liberty to him. It was said that he held an open hand and an open heart to all men.

Upon the death of his wife, Rodolphus went to live with his youngest daughter, Isadore. He died quietly in his daughter's home.

Rodolphous often made the following statement to his friends and family: "I am truly proud of my family tree, because of the brave and upright people who are on it. How much superior is the lineage which contains such men as Roger Williams and the martyrs who have died for freedom than an ancestry containing Kings who did nothing to make a better world."

Named in a executor's bond in the last will and testament of Manly Padelford, dated October 5, 1848

Named administrator of estate of Thankful Padelford.

Elgin Daily News (Kane County, Ill.)
April 2, 1875, p. 4

Reads: "47 years ago, today, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Padelford were married at Buffalo, New York. They have resided in Elgin for 41 years."

Elgin Evening Advocate (Kane County, Ill.)
April 3, 1883, p. 4

Reads: After Many Days
"Yesterday was the 53rd anniversary of the wedding of R.W. Padelford, Esq., and Mary Wilber, who were married in Buffalo, New York. Saturday it occurred to a few nieces that the occasion would be a proper one on which to visit "Uncle Rudolphus" and "Aunt Mary", and so the relatives who were convenient of access were warned to be on hand Monday evening, as six o'clock for a picnic. At that hour about 35 relatives marched in, little and big, armed with baskets and packages, and took possession of the house. The number at seven o'clock had increased to over sixty, including sixteen children, holding the relation of grand-children,great-grandchildren, grand nephews and nieces under twelve years of age. A table was soon loaded by the nieces and all were abundantly satisfied, and then music, recitations by the little ones, and general sociability followed fro a couple of hours. The nieces present were Mesdames C.D. Church, E.H. Hill, C.V. McClure, J. O. Wedell, and Misses Julia Padelford, MInnie Wilber and Emma Davidson.
The occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, and at a seasonable hour the guests departed, leaving loving words wit the venerable couple whose house for so many years has been a rallying point for legions who from childhood have regarded "Aunt Mary" as a mutual and loving friend."

Elgin Daily Wuner (Kane Co., Ill.)
March 31, 1888
p. 4

Reads: A Long Time
"Monday, April 2d, will be the 60th anniversary of the wedding of R.W. Padelford an Mary Wilber. It is a long time to look back over, but to them full of the pleasant memories of a life wel lived, there is not a shadow of regret of the union. Mr. Padelford at 82 years of age is as active as most men of 60, and gives daily attention to business and receives the confidence of the community. Mrs. Padelford, though partially helpless, still commands the love and respect of a large circle. None of our citizens but will wish them continued peace and happiness."

Elgin Daily News (Kane Co., Ill.)
December 6, 1894
p. 3

R.W. Padelford
Another Pioneer of Elgin Has Gone
Came to This City 52 yearsaAgo- useful life.

"Rudolphus Williams Padelford died Wednesday evening at 6:30 o'clock and with his departure has passed one of the most familiar personages of Elgin's history. Everybody knew him, as he was for many years prominent in various ways. He was born in Savoy, Mass., July 21, 1806, making him over 88 years of age. He came to Elgin in 1842, and this had since been his home. First he engaged here in merchandising, afterwards was in the daguerreotype business. For many years he was an insurance agent. He was city clerk of Elgin from the organization of the city until 1875, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent. He was also the town clerk for years, and when the city court ws established was chosen clerk. That position he filled until a few years ago, when J.R. Tuttle succeeded him. He was secretary of the asylum board, township treasurer, and for many years was clerk of the state Baptist association. Always prominent in the Baptist church, his counsels since infirmaties overcame him have been much missed. A few years ago his health so failed that retirement from active duties was imperative. Since then, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.C. Kincaid, he had been peacefully awiting the end. His wife died a few years ago. His other children are Jane (Mrs. E.S. Joslyn), Jeannette, and George W. Mr. Padelford was of English descent. Previous to coming to Elgin he kept a hotel in Buffalo, N.Y. and also was a merchant there. At this writing arrangements have not been completed for the funeral."

Elgin Evening Dial
December 7, 1894
p. 5

"R.W. Padelford died Wednesday evening, aged 88 years. He came to Elgin over 50 years ago, and has been a prominent citizen ever since, until two years ago, when his failing health compelled him to retire. He leave 3 daughters, Mrs. E.C. Kincaid, with whom he resided, Mrs. E.C. Joslyn, Jeannette, and one son, George W. The funeral will be held Saturday from the home of E.C. Kincaid"

Elgin Every Saturday (Kane Co., Ill.)
December 8, 1894
p. 8

"The death of Deacon Padelford removes from Elgin one of its old landmarks, a man as widely known and respected and as closely identified with the history of this city as any of the pioneers who witnessed the city's growth from the early forties until the present time. On Wednesday evening Rudolphus Williams Padelford breathed his last and an active and honorable career came to an end. He was born July 21, 1806 at Savoy, Mass. He came to Elgin in 1842, engaged in mercantile business, then conducted a daguerreotype gallery and later turned his attention to the insurance business. He was Elgin's first city clerk, which office he held until 1875. He was also town clerk, clerk of the city court, secretary of the insane hospital board, and township treasurer, all offices of trust, showing the esteem in which he was held. Deacon Padelford was very prominent in Baptist circles and held the office of clerk of the State Baptist association. Four children survie, Mrs. E.S. Joslyn, Mrs. E.C. Kincaid, Miss Jeannett and George W. Temperate and frugal in all his habits, Mr. Padelford accumulated a comfortable property which has been entirely dissipated in late years, a fact which has added especial pathos to his declining days."

The Quincy Daily Whig: 1869 Mar 29

Elgin, Ill March 17 - The family of R.W. Padelford, consisting of six persons, was nearly suffocated by gas from a coal stove last night. A daughter on awaking past midnight and feeling ill arose, but immediately fell to the floor. The noise awoke another of the family, who was unable to rise and well nigh suffocated. Mrs. Padelford on awaking attempted to get out of bed, but was too near suffocated to do so; she suceeded in arousing Mr. Padelford, however, who finally succeeded by the utmost exertion in reaching the window and raising it. A physician was immediately called who administered restoratives. All are improving at present.

Name:
"Autobiographies of Fox Valley Pioneers" - Rodolphus Padelford removed from the city of Buffalo, Erie County, New York, and first arrived in Elgin, Illinois, on 19 October 1842. He first resided in the City of Elgin on lots 11 and 12, block #1 James T. Gifford's addition.

Clerk of the Baptist Church of Elgin - 35 years.
Treasurer town of Elgin 34 years - Town Clerk 28 years
Clerk of the Baptist Assn. - 31 years.
Deacon Baptist Church of Elgin - 30 years
Clerk of the City of Elgin - 20 years
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of City of Elgin & City Court of Elgin - 21 years
Sec. of the Board of Trustees of Illinois Northern Hospital for the Insane 8 1/2 years.

Elgin Every Saturday - 8 December 1894

DIED

The death of Deacon Padelford removes from Elgin one of its old landmarks, a man as widely known and respected and as closely identified with the history of this city as any of the pioneers who witnessed the city as any of the pioneers who witnessed the city's growth from the early forties until the present time. On Wednesday evening Rudolphus Williams Padelford breathed his last and an active and honorable career came to an end. He was born July 21, 1806 at Savoy, Mass. He came to Elgin in 1842, engaged in mercantile business, then conducted a daguerreotype gallery and later turned his attention to the insurance business. He was Elgin's first city clerk, which office he held until 1875. He was also town clerk, clerk of the city court, secretary of the insane hospital board and township treasurer, all offices of trust, showing the esteem in which he was held. Deacon Padelford as very prominent in Baptist circles and held the office of clerk of the State Baptist association. Four children survive, Mrs. E.S. Joslyn, Mrs. E.C. Kincald, Miss Jeannette and George W. Temperate and frugal in all his habits, Mr. Padelford accumulated a comfortable property which has bee entirely dissipated in late years, a fact which has added special pathos to his declining days.

Rodolphus married Mary P. WILBER on 02 Apr 1828 in Village of Buffalo, Erie Co., New York. Mary (daughter of John WILBUR and Mary MORGAN) was born on 22 Apr 1808 in Brookfield, Madison Co., New York; died on 16 Aug 1888 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA; was buried on 18 Aug 1888 in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Levantia PADELFORD was born on 02 Mar 1829 in Buffalo, New York; died on 25 Aug 1859 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois.
2. William PADELFORD was born in Jun 1830; died on 05 Sep 1830 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois.
3. Jane PADELFORD was born on 19 Aug 1833 in Buffalo, New York.
4. Janette PADELFORD was born on 09 Jul 1835 in New York, USA; died on 01 Jan 1927 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois; was buried on 03 Jan 1927 in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Illinois.
5. George W. PADELFORD was born on 25 Jun 1838 in Buffalo, New York; died on 08 May 1917 in Oak Park, Cook Co., Illinois; was buried in Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Cook Co., Illinois.
6. Harriet Isadore PADELFORD was born on 19 Nov 1844 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois; died after 1900.
7. Rodolphus William PADELFORD, Jr. was born on 12 Jul 1849 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois; died on 05 Sep 1850 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1810, Savoy, Mass.
• Census: 1820, Head of household in Schoharie, Schoharie Co., New York
• Residence: 1825, Removed to Aylmer, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

In 1825, Manly moved his family to Aylmer, Canada.

He removed from the town of Malahide, Canada West (Middlesex County) and first arrived in Elgin, Illinois, in the Spring of 1843. He first resided upon what is now known as the Heath Place, Lot 8, Block 5 in original town plat of James T. Gifford.

He was Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1817 at which time he moved from Savoy, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to Sloans Ville, Schoharie County, New York.

Manly had been totally blind for 25 years previous to his death. After he became blind (1823) he moved his family to Malahide, Middlesex Co., Canada West, where he lived until 1842 when he moved to Rockford, Ill. In 1843 he moved to Elgin where he lived until his death.

Last Will and Testament:

"In the name of God, Amen. I, Manly Padelford of Kane County in the State of Illinois considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and Testament, in manor and form following (that is to say)
First: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Thankful Paelford during her natural life all tht my messuage or tenement situated lying and being in Kane County aforesaid.
I do also give and bequeath to my sons Rodolphus W. Padelford, John M. Padelford, & James F. Padelford and my daughters Abigail Adams, Harriet Brown, Mary Peake, Julia Ann Treadwell & Phebe Ann Bird each the sume of one dollar, which said legacies of sums of maney I will and order to be paid to the respective legatees, within one year after my dicease. I further give and devise to my son George F. Padelford all the before mentioned messuage or tenement after the dicease of my wife, provided that he furnish her with the necessaries and comforts of life during her life time. And if my son George F. Padelford shall neglect or refuse to furnish my wife Thankful Padelford with the aforesaid necessaries and comforts of life, then and in that case I give and bequeath the aforesaid Messuage and tenements to my wife Thankful Padelford and her assigns forever -
And lastly after paying my debts and funeral expenses I give and bequeath to my said beloved wife Thankful Padelford all my personal estate goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever; And I hereby appoint Rodulphus W. Padelford Executor and Thankful Padelford Executrix of this my last will and testament; hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the nineteenth day of August in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hunderd & forth-eight.
Manly X Padelford
(his mark)

Signed sealed published and declared by the within named Manly Padelford to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator.

Hiram J. Brown
James Brown
Isaac Hawkins

Manly is listed under "non-resident" in the Windsor Town Tax list for 1814 and 1815.

Name:
"Autobiographies of Fox Valley Pioneers" - Manly Padelford removed from the town of Malahide, Canada West (Middlesex County) and first arrived in Elgin, Illinois, in the Spring of 1843. He first resided upon what is now known as the Heath Place, Lot 8, Block 5 in original town plat of James T. Gifford.

Military History - He was Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1817 at which time he moved from Savoy, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to Sloans Ville, Schoharie County, New York.

Manly Padelfor died in 1848. He had been totally blind for 25 years previous to his death. After he became blind (1823) he moved his family to Malahide, Middlesex Co., Canada West, where he lived until 1842 when he moved to Rockford, Illinois. In 1843 he moved to Elgin where he lived until his death.

Manly married Thankful CRAPO on 28 Mar 1802 in Savoy, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA. Thankful (daughter of Consider CRAPO and Mercy WASTE) was born on 23 Nov 1780 in Freetown, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA; died on 02 Mar 1862 in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois; was buried in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

An Appraisement Bill of Goods, Chattels and Personal Estate dated September, 1862: $26.15
Real Estate valued: $600-$700
Cash on hand at time of appraisement: $76.45
Total amount in Administrator's hands on March 4, 1864: $532.14

Total sale of the Goods, Chattels and personal Estate dated October 28, 1862: $65.63