John Star Rockwell (March 25, 1810 - February 3, 1863) is known as the "father of Oconomowoc.
"[1] He is responsible for building many of the city's original foundations: a grist mill, the first store, hotel, fire department, elementary school,[2] and library.
[citation needed] Rockwell married his first wife Lavinia Hard in 1839 but passed away in 1852.
In many of these enterprises, he worked with his youngest brother, D. Henry Rockwell (who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly); John was the eldest.
In 1859, their parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin; at that time, John was described as the eldest child, and D. Henry as the youngest (and unmarried).