WALTER SPRINGER ROCKWELL. Among the worthy citizens of Lock No. 4 whose efforts have not only brought them individual success but have also in various ways contributed to the welfare of the city of their residence stands Walter S. Rockwell, the well known and successful contractor and builder. His life history has not hinged on any lucky stroke or particularly fortuitous circumstance but has been characterized by steady, thoughtful and intelligent effort along legitimate lines. By a life of high ideals and consistent conduct he has impressed himself on the community to an unusual degree and occupies an enviable position in the esteem and confidence of all who know him. Mr. Rockwell was born at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of April, 1886, and is the son of Asa M. and Eva M. (Sembower) Rockwell. His father is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, born September 12, 1854, and is a carpenter by trade. He is a republican in his political views and at one time served as a member of the council of North Charleroi borough. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Charleroi. His parents were Caleb A. and Margaret (Baer) Rockwell, the former of whom was born near New Salem, Fayette county, and followed farming pursuits. He was a republican and a Methodist. He was a patriotic man and during the Civil war contributed to its success by hauling provisions to the soldiers. His parents were Joshua and Mary Rockwell, the former of whom also was a native of Fayette county. The subject's mother was born in Fayette county, July 20, 1854, and she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while in politics she casts her vote with the republican party. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Crawford) Sembower. John Sembower, who was a carpenter and contractor by occupation, was born July 20, 1816, and was a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was the son of Adam and Eva (Ruff) Sembower, the former of whom followed the dual occupation of farmer and saddler.
Walter S. Rockwell secured his educational training in the public schools of Uniontown, and at the age of fifteen years he became apprenticed to learn the carp carpenters trade. Later he became a traveling showman, his territory comprising practically every state east of the Mississippi river. He continued to travel until 1917, when he resigned that position and again turned his attention to carpenter work, at which he is still engaged. In 1923 he extended his operations to include contracting and in this line he has met with most excellent success, having erected a number of buildings in this locality. He is painstaking and thorough in all he undertakes and is considered reliable and trustworthy in all his dealings with the public. Politically he has been a lifelong supporter of the republican party and he has served a four-year term as a member of the council of North Charleroi. As president of the volunteer fire department he has taken a commendable interest in the welfare of the organization, and at two firemen's bazaars in the fall of 1924 and spring of 1925, enough money was cleared to buy a fine', up-to-date fire truck, a very much appreciated addition to the fire fighting apparatus of the town.
Mr. Rockwell is a friendly and generous man in his attitude toward all with whom he comes in contact, and by his fine public spirit, business ability and estimable character he has won and retains the unbounded confidence and good will of the entire community.