ROME TOWNSHIP
This township was named in 1834, by Lyman Baker, presumably after the famous capital of the ancient Roman empire. Prior to 1834 it was a part of Logan. The earliest settlers who came to this Township with their families were Sturgis L. Bradley, J. B. Schureman, Allen Hubbard, and Joseph M. Baker, who came in 1833, from New York State. William Luther also settled in 1833, and T. Luther in 1834. The first town-meeting was held in 18345; John Schureman was elected the first Supervisor, and T. Luther, James Allen, and John Bates, Assessors. The first grocery was opened by Messrs. Knowles and Halstead. Rome is one of the best agricultural districts in the country, and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats, etc. The farmers are mostly well-to-do, and possess fine residences and comfortable homes. Its 16,000 cultivated acres, worth $1,250,000, yield annually from 40,000 to 45,000 bushels of wheat alone. Although possessing no railroad facilities, nor having any large commercial mart within its borders, yet it has a rich soil, an enterprising population, and all the elements of a thrifty farming district. There are five churches within this town, located on Sections 6, 12, 14, 17, and 25, and ten school-houses.
The little village of Rome is situated in the center of the Township, and hence is often called “Rome Centre”
Copyright Ed Van Horn, 2006, Port St Lucie, Florida