STOCKTON

Surveyed in the year 1852 and christened Davidsburg, a name it held until 1854 when it was changed to Stockton to correspond with the post office name. It was situated in section 12 and consisted of sixteen lots which were laid out by David Bush and John Ridge. The first store was kept by James Cole. The next merchant was J. J. Hochstetler for about two years. Other merchants there were: Stephen Howland, Isaac Walters, Nathan Hunt, Mr. Bryant, Henry Y. Miller, Miller & Kennedy, Miller & Gard, Gard & Fitro, Joseph and Moses Pearson, the Marley Brothers, Thomas J. Winters, Phillip Faris and Jacob Dodd. Messrs. Stants and Bowen engaged in harness and shoemaking in 1862 and were successful until 1877 at then moved to Coal City. The post office was established in 1854 with J. J. Hochstetler as Postmaster. The office was discontinued in 1879 and a new one established at Coal City.