Featured During the 2023 Cemetery Walk!
John Stolp (1799-1877) was a significant figure in the history of Aurora, Illinois. Born in 1799 in Montgomery County, New York, he was the eldest son of George Stolp and Catherine Stall. Stolp’s life is notable for his contributions to the early development of Aurora and the surrounding area.
At the age of 22, Stolp married Lydia Baron, beginning a family that would eventually include 12 children. In 1835, seeking new opportunities, Stolp and his family relocated to the Big Woods area near Eola, Illinois, traveling by covered wagon. There, he established himself as both a farmer and a carpenter, playing an active role in local politics.
In 1836, Stolp was among the founding members of the Big Woods Claim Protecting Society, which aimed to settle disputes over land claims resulting from a resurvey of the area. Additionally, he facilitated his brother Joseph’s success by securing land for him on what is now known as Stolp Island in Aurora, where Joseph built a mill and woolen factory.
Despite his successes, Stolp faced personal tragedies. In 1840, he lost two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, who were laid to rest in the Big Woods Cemetery. Later, in 1865, Stolp’s wife Lydia passed away at the age of 62. Two years after Lydia’s death, tragedy struck again when the couple’s 19-year-old son Norman drowned in the Fox River while working on the Evans Hotel in Aurora. Both Norman and Lydia were buried alongside Elizabeth and Sarah in the Big Woods Cemetery.
In 1877, John Stolp passed away at the age of 78, joining his family in the cemetery where they were laid to rest. Stolp’s life story serves as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the enduring bonds of family amidst the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life in Illinois. Today, his legacy lives on in the rich history of Aurora and the contributions of the Stolp family to the community.