Shanes Crossing Historical Society Article –     The Rockford link to Sears and Roebuck

In 1820, Ruel Roebuck (1778-1841) brought his family from Fayette County, Ohio to the unbridled land of Mercer County, Ohio, settling near what is now known as Rockford.  A Virginian by birth, Mr. Roebuck was a cooper (barrel maker) by trade but sought the grandeur of establishing a homestead where soil was rich and wildlife was abundant.  Purchasing 80 acres of ground not far from the Rockford village founder, Anthony Shane, Ruel settled with his wife, Sarah (Jones).  Raising eight children, the Roebucks became vital to the growth in an area where the land was untamed and friendly Native Americans still flourished. 

Of the eight children, George (1807-1846) became a well-known farmer in the region. While here, he had 5 children with his wife, Catherine (Stophlet).  Among these children, Samuel (1833-1876) had a quest like his grandfather:  to travel west and build a homestead.  It was in Lafayette, Indiana that Samuel chose to make a home with his wife Mary Jane (Wolf) and establish himself as a carpenter.   The Roebucks had four children, one of which was Alvah Curtis Roebuck.

Alvah Curtis Roebuck (1864-1948) was very mechanically inclined and at the age of 12, was interested in watchmaking.  At the age of 22, he began to work for Benjamin Warren Sears as a watch repair man and as a watch maker.  In 1893, they decided to form a mail order company called Sears & Roebuck, first selling watches, then jewelry, appliances, clothing, sporting goods and eventually houses.  The company became a true empire until fierce competition forced them to declare bankruptcy in 2018.  It was the premier store in the country for years, but like many retail stores today, it has struggled.

The Shanes Crossing Historical Society has a photo of Alvah Curtis Roebuck attending a family reunion on the Roebuck farm outside of Rockford in the early 1900’s.  It is a testament to his yearning for family roots, history and relationships.

As a side note, it must be mentioned that Benjamin Warren Sears grew up in Spring Valley, Minnesota where his best friend was Almanzo Wilder – husband of Laura Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie).