Pike Atlases

JAMES D. RUPERT


Was born in Pennsylvania in 1825, and in 1832 his parents moved to Ohio, remaining there eight years, when they left that state and moved to Illinois and settled in Pike county, where he remained until 1850, when, becoming somewhat excited by the flattering reports from California, he equipped himself with a good outfit for self and wife and started across the plains, landing in Pleasureville just six months from the day they left home. There he remained three years, engaged in keeping ranche and trading. Becoming satisfied with his success, he returned home in the fall of 1853 and bought a good farm in Pike county, Illinois, where he lived for a few months, when he again returned to California, remaining one year, when he returned to Pike county again and engaged in the mercantile business in Rockport, in which he continued for two years, and then sold out his store and bought into the Rockport Mills, and has made milling his business ever since. He is now sole proprietor of the celebrated Rockport Mills. This flouring mill is said to be one of the best mills on the military tract, being capable of turning out three hundred and fifty barrels of good flour every twenty-four hours. Mr. Rupert is highly esteemed by his neighbors for his good qualities both as a citizen and business man.