Rodolphus William PADELFORD, Jr.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1850, Living with parents in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois

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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Housewife
• Medical Cond'tn: Complications: paralysis for 6 years
• Census: 1840, Living with husband in Ward 2, Buffalo, Erie Co., New York
• Census: 1850, Living with husband in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
• Census: 1860, Living with husband in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
• Census: 1870, Living with husband in Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
• Census: 1880, Living with husband in Elgin, Kane Co., Illinois

Notes:

Name:
Elgin Daily Courier -

16 August 1888

MRS. R.W. PADELFORD

The Death of a Pioneer resident.

Mary Wilber was born at Brookfield, Madison County, New York, April 22, 1808, and today Mary W. Padelford, died in Elgin, aged 80 years three months and twenty-four days. She was the eldest child in a large family, who were named as follows: Mary P.., Joshua M., Lorenzo D., Olivia M., Sophia, Cordelia, and Harriet. By a second marriage of the father there were born George D., Emily and Julia Wilber. April 2, 1828, the deceased was married to R.W. Padelford at Buffalo, New York. To them was born five children: Levantia (Padelford) McClure, dead; George W. Padelford, in Maywood; Nettie A. Padelford, Mrs. E.S. Joslyn, Mrs. E.C. Kincaid, all of Elgin, and a son, Willie, who died in infancy.

In 1842 the family arrived in Elgin, which has ever since been their home. Through all these years Mrs. Padelford has occupied a position in the home and social circle rarely accorded to a person occupying a private station. Of an unvarying temperament, cool judgment and possessing a heart whose every pulsation was true and noble, she reigned supreme, where love was the kingdom. Her home was one of peace. Behind its portals none disputed her kindly sway. Hundreds, I had almost said thousands, during this homelife of sixty years have tested her hospitality and it was never found wanting. Suffering, sorrow and sin have brought their burden to her and with strong hands and loving acts has she lifted the load from other mortals and given freely of substance and that other and richer draught which flows from a pure heart and heals the pains of life.

Mrs. Padelford was never a demonstrative women; never placing herself in a position to incite criticism except upon the call to duty. Content to work unseen, conscious that One in whom she trusted implicitly would be faithful to the end. In her homelife she was complete, tireless, cheerful, and willing. No fatigue daunted her to do the right, no hindrances overcame her determination to aid. In an unusually large circle of immediate relatives she was the admitted leader, and all willingly owned it.
For sixty years of woman's life she had been a true, loving and helping wife, believing fully in her duties and position and taking upon her as wife and mother all labor and love with joy.

To the one who has walked by her side these three score years, the severance comes with force. A man who loved home with peculiar strength found in his chosen companion a fitting mate. Her gentle, loving nature was a lode-stone that drew from him the richest treasures of love, respect and homage, and the golden chain which joined them never clanked or grew dim. No storm of life to man but found in her repose and the life yet to come will be full of pleasant memories and longings for a re-union which will tide the eternities. As wife, mother and friend she stands pre-eminent. Mrs. Padelford was an earnest unpretentious believer in revealed religion and its Head and in cordial sympathy with it's teachings.

About five years ago she had a stroke of paralysis, and gradually succumbed to its influences. For the last three years, she has been practically helpless, accepting the situation without a murmur, but giving sweet words of thanks for every service. through this illness all that thoughtful hearts or willing hands could do to render life brighter has been freely given. When the hour of separation came, her husband, son and two daughters were present to watch the lamp of life, as it slowly darkened, and without a struggle or pain, the eye which never shone but in love closed, and the heart which throbbed with love to all ceased to beat and she was at rest in the fold of God.

Death should come
Greatly to one of gentle mould like thee,
As light winds, wandering through groves of bloom.
Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree
Close they sweet eyes calmly, and without pain.
And we will trust in God to see thee yet again.

The funeral services will be held at the residence of E.C. Kincaid, 519 Chicago Street, Saturday, August 18th, at 11 o'clock.