History of Rockville

This village situated three and a half miles from Potosi, nine miles from Lancaster, and ten miles from Platteville was located about 1850 when the post office was removed hither from Pin Hook.

The early settlers in this vicinity include the Honorable A.W. Emery, who came to the vicinity in 1832; Jacob Dawson, in about 1840; Samuel Druen in about 1830; D. C. Phillips, the discoverer and operator of "Phillip's Range," in 1844; Joel Stephens, and Birch and Chester in 1845; Thomas Carthew, Edward Ivy, Andrew Jackson, James Jackson, Hudd Smith, and Bradley in 1847, and some others. The village was, in those days, the center of a mining region of vast resources --and today is made up of one store, a tavern, a school, and two churches. There are about one dozen residences.

The School was erected in 1872 at a cost of $2,600. It is of frame 261 x 361 and contains a primary and grammar department, giving employment to two teachers, and has an average attendance of 80 pupils.

It is under the control of a Board of Directors, consisting of John Carthew, Joseph Walker; and Samuel Stephens, and requires an annual expenditure of $600.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in 1854. it is attached to the Georgetown Circuit and enjoys a liberal attendance upon days when were held by the Reverend T. J. Lewis.

The German Presbyterian Church was organized by the Germans and Americans about 1850. The organization as thus constituted continued for a number of years, when a separation occurred, the Germans affecting a separate organization. The church is of brick, of limited dimensions, and handsomely situated on the brow of a hill. The congregation at present numbers 43 members, the church property is valued at $1,000, and the following pastors have served since its foundation: Reverend John Beully, Reverend J. Liesfeld, Reverend J. Burk, and Reverend A. C. Stark.

Rockwell Lodge No. 356, I. O. G. T, was organized February 22, 1881 with 20 members and the following officers: J.C. Emery, W.C.T.; Miss Ellen Carthew, W.V.T.; Miss Mary A. Kitto, W.C.; T. H. Carthew, W.S.; Miss Julia Curnow, W.A.S.; Miss Maggie L. Phillips, W.F,S.; Miss Abbie Dawson, W.T.; John Druen, W.M. The present membership is stated at 37; meetings are convened weekly on Saturday evenings and the present officers are B. F. Likens, W.C.T.; Miss Ellen Carthew, W.V.T.; T.H. Carthew, W.R.S.; Miss Maggie L. Phillips, W.F.S.; Miss Mary A Kitto, W.C.; Miss Abbie Dawson, W.T.; John Druen, W.M.

St. Andrew's Catholic Benevolent Society was organized February 28, 1875, by the Reverend N. A. Thill. The first officers were: William Mechler, President; Anton Zeller, Vice President; Theo. Mikesch, Secretary; John P. Friesen, Treasurer; W. Schmitz, Marshal; C. Simon, Assistant Marshal.. Present officers are: H. B. Uppena, President; B. Marino, Vice President; Reverend J. A. Dries, Secretary; B. H. Uppena, Treasurer; William Schmitz, Marshal; William Mechler, Banner-bearer. The society is in a prosperous condition.