Roscoe Historical Society receives major restoration donation for Cross Homestead

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Herald
Restoration of the Robert J. Cross Homestead at 4562 Hononegah Road will officially began on Nov. 20.

After just two months of fundraising by the Roscoe Township Historical Society, restoration of the Robert J. Cross Homestead at 4562 Hononegah Road will officially began on Nov. 20, 2019 with the removal and replacement of just more than 2,000 square feet of roofing material.
This important phase of the overall project to provide public-use facilities and open-space grounds on a 17-acre parcel acquired by Roscoe Township in 2018 was made possible by a joint contribution of labor and materials provided through the generosity of Apex General Contracting, South Beloit -and Roscoe ABC Supply Company.
According to Brandon Rhymer, Director of Operations at Apex, “We at Apex and ABC Supply in Roscoe are proud to be part of such an important project and hope that our gift will not only help secure the homestead for future generations, but also inspire others to pitch in with their talents and donations.”
Reacting to the gift, Historical Society president Bern Sundstedt said, “With winter approaching we were really up against it. The Society had just raised enough to fully pay for this work, when Brandon stepped up to help put this all together so quickly.
“The generosity of Apex and Roscoe ABC Supply will allow us to use the funds we have raised for other elements of the project and kick start our fundraising efforts in the coming year. We are grateful.”
A more complete overview of the project will soon be forthcoming.
Robert J. Cross came to this region in 1835, becoming the first non-native, permanent settler of what is now Roscoe Township. He helped establish Roscoe’s schools, and Methodist Church. He was a member of Winnebago County’s first governing body, serving as its treasurer.
He represented Winnebago County at the State’s first constitutional convention, helping craft the bill of rights. He served several years in the Illinois General Assembly, and helped write the State’s current constitution. More information on Mr. Cross can be found at the Roscoe Township website.
The Roscoe Township Historical Society roscoetownshiphistoricalsociety.org is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is the study, preservation and dissemination of Roscoe Township history.