The Tafts of Rochester, Illinois

About the Book

With his newest book Justin Taft, Jr. continues to build on his previous success.  As I Saw It was well received by the Rochester community as a colorful and engaging look at Rochester during the 1930s Depression.  Whereas his first book included humorous recollections of town characters, community leaders, escaped convicts, gypsies and chicken thieves The Tafts of Rochester, Illinois focuses on the Taft family itself. 

Through this book Justin Taft continues to share his insight on life in the early days of Rochester.  Unlike his previous work, this newest effort is professionally researched within its historical context.  The westward migration and acquisition of land by Vermont to Rochester families is explored.  Previously unidentified relationships between migrating Vermont families are documented.  Each of the Rochester Tafts is traced through vital records, census listings, land transactions, family letters and bibles.  The author annotates the book with early Rochester photographs and Taft family heirlooms, never forgetting to spin his signature folktales, adding depth to our understanding of the lives of his ancestors and many other early pioneers of Rochester.  

The Tafts, and their associated families, were some of the earliest settlers in Rochester.  They were active in the political and social structure of the fledgling community.  Their impact on Rochester’s development is a must read for anyone interested in the history of Sangamon County.  

About the Author

Justin Taft, Jr. was the great-grandson of William Webb Taft, a pioneer from Vermont who settled in Rochester Township, Sangamon County, Illinois in 1832 and became the progenitor of a long line of Tafts in the area.  Justin Taft was born in Rochester on January 29, 1924.  His education included Rochester Elementary and High Schools, Springfield Junior College, and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.  After completing college Mr. Taft returned to Rochester to operate his family farm.  He was elected Rochester Township Supervisor in 1959 and served in that capacity until his election as Probate Clerk of Sangamon County in 1962.  He was appointed Under Sheriff of Sangamon County in 1966.  In 1968 he was elected Clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court.  He later returned to private life as a farmer in Illinois, Iowa and Texas.  Mr. Taft retired in 1986 and wrote his first book, a series of colorful recollections of life as a young man growing up in Rochester during the Depression.  As I Saw It was published in 2004 by this press.

Mr. Taft was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity; a member of the Masonic Order, Consistory and Shrine; a past Patron of O.E.S.; a 4-H Club Leader for ten years; a member the Isaac Walton League; a Past President of the Rochester School Board; and a Past Chairman of local United Way Fund Drives.  He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Sangamon County in 1959.  He was a member of the Springfield Lions Club; a member of the Springfield Junior Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Rochester Christian Church; a member of the Sangamon County Fair Board; a President of the Rochester Historical Society; a Director of the Sangamon County Historical Society; and a member of the planning Board of Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, serving three years on the founding Board of Trustees.

Justin Taft married the former Virginia Mardell Kieffer of Loami, Illinois nearly 60 years ago.  They had five children, eight grandchildren, and at current count four great-grandchildren.