ROBERT C. SCHOFIELD, retired from active labor, and spending the declining years of his life at the homes of his children, can look back over the history of his past with the consciousness of having wronged no man, but having done what he could to aid others. He was the first white child born in the now thriving city of Rochester, N. Y., the date of his birth being April 1, 1812. It was there he developed into manhood, and in that State captivated the heart, and sought the hand of Miss Mary Stearns, born in Brattleboro, Vt., July 10, 1812. Their marriage took place in Charlotte, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March 14, 1830. They settled in that county after their marriage, and Mr. Schofield followed farming until 1844, meeting with moderate success.

During the year 1844 Robert C. Schofield, with his family, located in this county, and for seven years following he was engaged in the manufacture and sale of agricultural implements in the city of Freeport. During this time he also owned and operated a large tract of land, consisting of about 800 acres in Harlem Township. Disposing of his business at Freeport, he permanently located upon his land, and has since made it his home. He has been closely identified with the agricultural growth and development of Stephenson County since 1844. He retired from active labor about 1873, and since that time has resided at the homes of his children.

Seven children were born to the household of our subject and wife, five of whom are yet living: Eleanor M. is the wife of Michael Brobest, and they are living in Harlem Township; Silas C. married Miss Mary Whitney, and they also live in Harlem Township; Elizabeth C. has a sketch elsewhere in this work; Milton E. married Miss Eva Gransden, and they are living in Freeport; Julia O., the wife of William M. Patton, resides in Nebraska; Orilla A. and Mary A. are deceased.

Mr. Schofield has made farming his life work, with the exception of the few years in which he was engaged in business in Freeport. He and his beloved companion are honored members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Schofield has held several minor offices, including that of Commissioner of Highways, which office he held for nine years, and for twenty-five years was Overseer of Highways. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his good wife have both attained the venerable age of seventy-five years, and the record of their past is sufficiently free from error to be read by their children with pride and satisfaction. Soon the old folks will be called to another home, and then it will be that the few words written here will be treasured as more lasting than the granite stone that may be erected over their graves.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 569