Rockford Township Sedgwick County Kansas Genealogy Trails

Rockford

Rockford was organized May 2, 1871, by George N. Litzenberg and George Huffbauer. The first settler was Henry Stein, in June, 1869, shortly followed by Mr. Frielinger and William Yanks. During the fall of 1869, and early in 1880, settlements were made by the following gentlemen: Messrs. Osborn, Eaton, Alexander, McWilliams, Snyder Bros., Garret, McGuire, Woodward (the first justice), Ohlson, Gerties, Putnam, the Tuckers, Cramers, Morrison, Kennedy, Barns, Huftbauer, Hough, Whaley, Burr, the Geoedners, Minichs, Vance, the Marks, Fortner, Fridays, Armstrong, Goodacre, Dr. Fabrique and David Aley. The first postoffice was named Sanford, established in 1870. A saw-mill at that period made cottonwood lumber for $30 per 1,000 feet. Mr. Haubauer built the first frame house, hauling his lumber from Salina, 118 miles. The first birth in the township was Anna May Garret, who was born in 1870. A Methodist Church was organized in 1871, which has been in active operation ever since. The flourishing town of Derby, and likewise five schoolhouses, are in this township. Population, 700; valuation of property, $222,258. (William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, Sedgwick County, Part 2, Township Sketches)