Roseville Township

Roseville Township

'HE legal voters of the township of Roseville metal the Union Church, agreeable to notice, and proceeded to form the township organization. They chose Richard Ray chairman, and voted to elect all officers by yeas and nays, except those the law required to elect by ballot. Truman Eldridg was chosen Moderator and John C. Franklin, Clerk. When the votes were counted it was found that Wm. Johnson was elected Supervisor; Samuel Cole, Clerk; W. B. Smith, Assessor; Elijah Hannon, Collector ; Stephen Dilly, Overseer of the Poor ; James W. Ray, S. T. Hadly, and Reuben Holeman, Commissioners of Highways; John Riggs, Isaac L. Pratt, Justices of the Peace ; Thomas H. Riggs, G. W. Kerby, Constables.

Roseville Township is numbered 9 north, of range 2 west, of the 4th principal meridian, and is bounded on the north by Lenox, on the east by Berwick, the south by Swan, and the West by Ellison Township. It is watered by the north and south branches of Nigger Creek, which meanders easterly through the township. Bordering these water courses, there is a liberal growth of timber, with broad, rolling prairies predominating in the township. Along the eastern line, however, and particularly about the streams, the land is broken. Tne St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad enters the township on sections 5 and 6, passes south between these sections and sections 7 and 8, and deflecting a little westward, goes out about the middle of section 31. This road was completed through the township in the summer of 1870.

John and James Armstrong have the credit of being the first settlers in Roseville Township. They came in 1829, from the south part of the State, and located on section i. They did not remain long, but sold out to Thomas Pearce, who came in 1831. Mr. Pearce came from Ohio, with his wife and children - Andrew G., Thomas, Theodore, Melissa, Minerva, Mary E. and Sarah D. Andrew G. (see biography) still lives on the old homestead ; Theodore and Thomas died in their youth ; Minerva died when a woman; Melissa, who married R. E. Hill, died in Iowa; Mary E. was married to Judge Ivory Quinby, Feb. 17, 1848, and is still living in Monmouth ; Sarah T. was married to William Whitenack, and is living in Monmouth. Thomas Pearce died at his homestead Aug 22, 1853, aged 75 years. He was one of those sturdy pioneers so essential to the development of a new country. His widow died Feb. 29, 1869, at the advanced age of 78 years and five months.

tucky, with their families, were the next additions to this settlement, which was in the winter of 1831-32, locating on sections i and n. They camped in the timber, patting up a rude shanty to protect them from the cold blasts of winter, until the log cabin could be built. While Lockwood was at work on the cabin, Smith, with an ox team, went to the town now known as Springfield for some provisions. Smith was gone over a month, and before he returned the little band of pioneers that he had left behind him became pretty hungry, and no man, probably, was evermore cordially welcomed home than Smith.

Lockwood died some years ago, at the old farm, and his widow died June, 1884, at the advanced age of 88 years. Mr. Smith died in 1837, and his widow married William Gunter. She has been dead some years.

John Murphy and W. Carr were the next to settle in the township. The former was from Kentucky, and located on section i, where he lived and died; the latter was from Indiana, and settled on section 13. These pioneers did not .remain long in their solitude, but were soon followed by many more families seeking homes in the West. Among these was Truman Eldridg, who located southwest, near the town of Roseville. (See biography.) . Mr. Carr's house was struck by lightning in 1838, killing two of his children. He died in 1879, at the age of 84 years, and his widow followed him in 1880.

The first religious services in the township were held in the winter of 1832, by Elder Covdier, a Methodist circuit rider. Thomas Pearce then opened his hospitable doors for Divine worship. This was a great event for these dwellers in the wilderness, and the religioi.s enthusiasm became very great. Subsequently, in the spring of 1833, a Methodist Class was formed by Rev. Barton Randall, at Mr. Pearce's house, which was the first in the township. This was the beginning of the Berwick Methodist Episcopal Church.

Miss Jane A. Allen taught the first school in the township, in a log cabin in Pearce's Grove, in the summer of 1834. She subsequently was married to Judge Ivory Quinby, March 10, 1839, and died Feb. 7, 1847.

A new settlement could not be happy without having a marriage feast to enliven it, and William Haines and Lucinda Pearce made the sacrifice to please the good people of the township. The warm rays of the summer sun rested upon two loving hearts that were joined as one amid the congratulations of their friends, on July 3, 1832. They are now living at Ottumwa, Iowa.

Roseville Township gradually increased with its settlement, its rich soil and fair fields stimulating production and inviting emigration, until now it is third in rank of population and one of the best producing townships in the county.

Its beautiful farms, enclosed with well trimmed hedges, and decorated with fine dwelling houses and farm buildings, present an ever-pleasing aspect to the traveler. Within its borders there is a good, thriving town for the people to do their trading and marketing, which obviates the necessity of making long journeys to other places for this purpose.

The County School Superintendent, in her report for the year ending June 30, r885, has the following items regarding the public schools of this township. There were 1 1 school districts, with one graded and ten ungraded schools, and one brick and ten frame school buildings, with a valuation of school property at $15,900. Of the persons under 21 years of age there were 672, of whom 496 were of scholastic age, 494 being enrolled. The highest wages paid to teachers was $75 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for the township was $6,950.

From the Assessor's report for the year 1885, the following information is obtained: Number of acres of improved land, 22,788; value of improved lands, $344,559; total value of lots, $68,937; number of horses, 970; cattle, 1,696; mules and asses, 59; sheep, 372; hogs, 3,297; steam engines, r; carriages and wagons, 357; watches and clocks, 347 ; sewing and knitting machines 2ri; pianos, 10; melodeons and organs, 69. Total cash value of personal property, $91,226.

HIS thriving village, now so favorably known throughout this section of the State, made its first start in the world under a different banner. The name by which it first appeared to the public was Hat Grove, and it covered a piece of ground but a little way from its present site. Its commencement may be dated from the esta'olisment of the postoffice, with Truman Eldridg as Postmaster. Not until after the completion of the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad, however, was there much progress made toward a business town. Lancaster and Ellison, in what is now Ellison Township, were having a fine local trade, which continued to increase until the railroad came through the county, making the station at Roseville.

A small store was first opened at this place by John Adams (a very historical name) where Pierce's brick building now stands. Adams did not remain long in business, but was succeeded by E. P. Emans, who opened a general merchandise establishment with a very liberal stock of goods, and who is at present one of the leading merchants of the place. After the completion of the railroad, the business of Lancaster was moved over to Roseville. Ellison had been ruined years before by the great tornado and the trade which this place at one time had also come here.

The first train came into Roseville July 4, 1870, and was made quite an event by the people of the village, who celebrated the day of our independence with the advent of the railroad. From this time on Roseville has had a steady growth. There is no richer fanning country in the county than that which surrounds this village. Like al! the towns in the county, it labors under the disadvantage of not having a water power for manufacturing purposes; yet, the site is a very pleasing one and reasonably healthy. But we have anticipated a little and we return to an earlier period.

The town was platted in 1868, by Solomon Sovereign, and the surveys were made by that energetic citizen, John A. Gordon, who has stood by this town all these long years. The plat was laid out on the northeast quarter of section 31, and contained 40 acres. The next addition to the town was by Truman Eldridg, embracing 60 acres, and laid out on the southeast quarter of section 30. This was in 1870, and also surveyed by Mr. Gordon. The town continued to grow, and dreams of a future large c ty were had by many of Roseville's speculative citizens, and even by the conservative-minded. Reeve's addition came next and was platted the same year, so also was that of Pratt & Dilly, containing 60 acres on section 31. Munford's addition was the next and last. It was platted December, 1875, and embraced the south half of the southwest quarter of section 30. With all these blocks and streets laid out, the town had ample room to grow. But as there is a Divinity that shapes the ends of individuals, it may be stated with the same degree of logic, that there is a Divinity that also shapes the ends of towns; and it remains for the future to disclose whether Roseville will ever occupy as a town all the ground laid out for her.

Business houses and dwellings increased, and it looked to the more sanguine citizens that in the no distant future all the blocks would soon be covered with fine buildings of one kind or the other. Some of the most progressive people were in favor of an incorporation. The movement, however, failed for want of sufficient support. Subsequently another attempt was made with like results. The movers for incorporation were persistent in agitating their project and finally an election was ordered for the purpose of voting on this subject. This election was held May 30, 1873, and resulted in the defeat of the movement of incorporation, Two years later another election was held, May 4, 1875 At this election, the movers for incorporation were successful, winning by 75 votes against 42, which made them very jubilant. An election for Village Trustees was then called for June 8, 1876, which resulted in the choice of J. C. Turnbull, Sr., Ezra P. Emans, John A. Gordon, James S. Reed, and J. T. Loihrop. On the i4th of June following, the Trustees met at the office of John A. Gordon, and completed their village- organization by the election of Ezra P. Emans, President of the Board; Benjamin R. Ostrander, Clerk; R. L. Mc- Reynolds, Treasurer. On motion, J. S. Reed, John A. Gordon and E. P. Emans were appointed a committee to prepare an ordinance lor the city govern.

merit. Under the incorporation the village has gone along very smoothly, and there has been no occasion to regret the action of the majority.

There are some good business houses here, and fine dwellings ; and taking the town altogether, it is a pleasing and attractive one. The population is estimated now to be between 900 and 1,000.

The principal manufacturing industry of this village is that of Daniel Bird & Sons' Tile Factory, which was started in 1879. They employ on an average 12 men, and three kilns. They also manufacture brick which is of a good quality. Mr. Bird found a two foot vein of coal near his clay beds and also an excellent quality of fire-clay. This firm through their manufactory are contributing no little to the business and prosperity of Roseville.

Messrs. Blazer & Steninger, proprietors of the Roseville Creamery, are doing a good business in their line. They gather their cream from an extended area of territory, and make during the season about 500 pounds of butter per day.

As above stated, Truman Eldridg was the first Postmaster of the town, then known as Hat Grove. > He resigned in favor of Benjamin Morford who held the place until 1861. E. P. Emans then took charge and held the office until 1866, and was followed by Amos Pierce, who served until 1871, when W. T. Gossett was appointed, and is the present incumbent.

Press

The first paper started at Roseville, was the Roseville Gazette, by that enterprising and successful newspaper man. G. G. McCosh, now proprietor of the Monmouth Gazette, May 24, 1876, who was at that time foreman of the Monmouth Review: It was a six-column folio, published every Wednesday, and was independent in politics. The printing was done at The Review office. In June, 1877, Mr. McCosh moved his paper to Monmouth and changed the name to the Monmouth Gazette.

The Roseville Gazette was a lively, spicy sheet and attracted no little attention in the newspaper field, the result of which was the starting of an opposition paper at Roseville, by Wilson Bros., called Wilsons Weekly. The editor of the Gazette having accomplished what he desired, modestly withdrew from the field to Monmouth, where he could have a more extensive scope for his abilities.

Wilsons Weekly was too weak to stand after the Gazette had departed, or withdrew its aid, and was soon changed to the Roseville Times, under a new management. This paper was subsequently purchased by C. Elliott, who continued its publication until the spring of 1885, when he sold out to C. H. Hebbard, present proprietor and editor. Mr. Hebbard has enlarged the Times to an eight-column folio, and also extended the job office. The Times is independent in politics, and has a liberal circulation, and is a well conducted paper. OFFICERS.

Present officers of the Village Government ; Trustees, J. W. Connelly, J. W. Malcomb, George Meclram, N. G. Taft, S. H. Tuttle and W. B. Ditch. President of the Board, J. W. Connolly ; Clerk, J. B. Lozier; Treasurer, E. P. Emans.

Roseville has the credit of having the best school building in the county, and one of the best graded schools. The building is a large two-story brick structure, solid and handsome in its architecture, and containing six apartments. It was erected in 1880. C. A. Hebbard is the Principal of the I school, who is an experienced teacher and a gentleman of education. He has Mrs. M. E. Higgins for First Assistant ; Miss Bertha Taft, Second Assistant, and Miss S. A. Ragon in the Primary Department. Enrollment, 188 pupils. This school is thoroughly graded, and all of the English branches are taught here.

I. O. O. F., Roseville Lodge, No. 537, was instituted Jan. 21, 1874, with five charter members. J. W. Kennor was the first N. G. ; H. G. Simmons, V. G. ; J. S. Greer, Secretary; R. B. Tredmore, Treasurer. This Society was first organized at Youngstown, and was known as the Youngstown Lodge, and was so chartered. In June, 1874, it was moved to Roseville. The Society occupies the Masonic Hall, has money in the Treasury, is well equipped and in good working order. They intend to erect for >= themselves, in the near future, a hall for lodge purposes. Present membership about 50, with the following officers : A. C. McPeak, N. G. ; J. H. Morningstar, V. G.; J. E. Hartley, Secretary; A. C. Stem, Treasurer.

A. O. U. W., No. 112, was organized May 15, 1878, with C. S. McDonough, P. M. W. ; J. W. Coates, M. W. ; W. T. Gossett, Recorder. Present membership of the Lodge, 61. Present officers : J. S. Roseberry, M. W. ; L. D. Patch, M. W. . John Powell. Treasurer; S. N. Edwards, Overseer; T. B. Bohn, Recorder; G. R. Davenport, Financier; W. H.Buckley, Recorder; R. B. Davenport, G.; M. N. Anderson, I. W. ; D. F. Morningstar, O. W. They meet in the Masonic Hall, and are in a prosperous condition.

Religious

with 12 members, at Hat Grove, in the old school house, November, 1851. Rev. J. Blanchard, Moderator, and L. E. Sykes, Clerk. This school house is now used as a dwelling. In 1855, they erected their new church building, costing $3,000. It is a very neat frame structure, with a seating capacity of about 300. It was dedicated March 5, 1856. Supplies were furnished by other congregations for awhile. In the latter part of 1856, they secured their first pastor, Rev. J. R. Rodgers, who was ordained at fhe time the church was dedicated. Revs. A. Moore, T. H. Johnson, A. R. Mitchell, L. S. Morgan, Aldred Morse, Cyrus H. Eaton, A. E. Arnold, A. J. Drake, followed in succession, serving from one to two years. In 1868, Rev. James D. Wyckoff accepted a call, and served the Church for nine years, or until 1877. He was followed by Rev. R. A. Woods, who served one year. Rev. S. Goodenow then took charge, and remained until 1880, when Rev. R. B. Guild became pastor, remaining until 1883. In August, 1883, Rev. F. C. Cochran was called, who served until August, 1885. The pastorate is at present vacant, but the Church is negotiating for a minister. Present membership 79. A Sab- = bath-school with about 60 members is connected with this Society.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in the year 1841. It had its beginning with a membership of seven. The first preaching place was in the house of Solomon Sovereign. Subsequently they secured the school house, in which they held their meetings, and next they worshipped in the Congregational Church. In 1864, the Methodists built their present church edifice, which was during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Windsor. The church building was dedicated by the Rev. O. S. Munsel, President of Bloomington University. The structure cost $4,000, and is a substantial building, with a seating capacity of 350. In 1881, the building was thoroughly repaired, at a cost of about $750, and is now in good order. This appointment once belonged to Oquawka Circuit, and most of the records of this Church are still with that circuit.

The Christian Church was organized in 1860, with about 20 members. In 1871 the society erected a house of worship, which cost them $1,500. At a later period they secured a parsonage at a cost of about $600. This congregation was organized from the Downing School-house Society, in Swan Township, and afterward the Ellison Township Church united with them. Rev. M. Jones is the present pastor of this Church, which has now about 100 members. During the past season Mr. Jones, by his zeal and earnest preaching, got up quite a revival in the Church, which resulted in adding many members to their faith. On account of the early records being lost, the full history of this organization cannot be given.

The Baptist Church was first organized in February, 1852, with 25 members, and was called the Hat Grove Baptist Church. Rev. G. S. Minor presided over the organization. Rev. Joseph Elliot was the first pastor installed, which was in 1853, and served the Church 18 months. During the early history of the society Rev. William T. Bly got up a very extensive revival, and added largely to its membership. A church building was erected in 1863, at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated in the fall of the same year. They have also a good parsonage, which cost $[,200, including lots. After Mr. Bly they had 'alternates for a while. In May, 1855, Rev. Winthrop Morse took charge, remaining one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Elliot. In June, 1858, David L'eland became pastor for a few months. Succeeding him for short terms were Revs. Henry B. Johnson, Daniel B. Gunn, William Storrs, A. Jones, Jr., Elijah Russ. Mr. Russ was succeeded in 1872, by Rev. George D. Kent, who remained with the

Church until 1876, when he was followed by E. C. Cady, who served until 1881. Rev. J. E. Ladd then served one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Fallis, the present pastor. They have about 150 members, and a thriving Sabbath School of about 80 members.

The Evangelical Swedish Lutheran Church was organized in 1876, by Rev Charles Anderson, of Ansgari College, Knoxville. Rev. George Wieburg was installed as the first pastor, in the fall of this year. He remained two years with the Church and was succeeded by Rev. Charles J. Lundell, who remained until 1880, when Rev. Charles Bargstrum took charge, serving one year. Rev. J. W. Carlson followed, serving one year. After Mr. Carlson came Rev. N. A. Blomstrand, the present pastor. The church building was erected in 1876, at a cost of $[,ooo. Present membership about 30, and a Sabbath School, numbering about 20. Preaching every third Sui day.

The Union Baptist Church is located on section 2, and was organized in 1841, by Rev. John Logan and Robert Wilbur, with the following members : Thomas, Elizabeth and Asmeth Brooks, John and Rosina Murphy, Hasula, Jane and Elizabeth Smith, Julian Shirley, Wilson M. and Malvina Gunter, William M. and Ann Brooks, David and J. A. J. Smith, Nancy Fields, Harriet R iy, Elizabeth Robb and William Hiet. First regular pastor was Rev. John Murphy, who served from 1841 to 1845. He was followed by Rev. John C. Ward, who rrmained with his flock until February, [85 1, when he was succeeded by John James. Mr. James served the Church until [854, and was succeeded respectively by Revs. William Whitehead, Mr. R. Newton, Tronier, H. H. Parks, R. W. Welsh and S. Peckard. The latter is the present pastor, and has been with the society since June, 1876. In 1860 they erected their house of worship, costing about $1,900.