HISTORY

 

The exact date of the establishment of the Roseville postoffice has been lost, but it is believed to have been in 1842. The earliest records now to be found are for 1843. The office was first known as Hat Grove, and Truman Eldridg was postmaster. He kept his office at his residence just south of the grove which gave the name to the postoffiee, and the old building still stands across the street from Mr. Eldridg's fine home.

The change of name to Roseville was made in August, 1852, and was because there was another office in the state named Hart Grove, and the mail for the two offices often got mixed. At Mr. Eldridg's suggestion the name Roseville was given in honor of Major Rose, a friend of his who lived in Henderson County, in the Shokokon neighborhood, and in whose cabin at Swan Creek Mr. Eldridg had spent his first winter in Warren County.

Mr. Eldridg gave up the office at the time the name was changed, and secured the appointment of Benjamin C. Morford as his successor. Mr. Morford lived a little south of Mr. Eldridg, and kept the office at his residence until 1861, when he was succeeded by E. P. Emans, who was conducting a store where the Syndicate block now stands. Amos Pierce followed him In 1866; W. T. Gossett was appointed in 1871, serving until November, 1855; W. H. Buckley took charge in 1855, C. A. Hub-bard in 1889, S. W. Taliaferro in 1893, W. T. Gossett again in 1897, and J. W. Prouty, the present postmaster, in 1902. The office is a presidential one.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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