-Rose Hill has not been active or maintained for many years.

-After researching the cemetery through The Spirit Lake Beacon it is quite probable it was the first cemetery in the Spirit Lake area. For certain, it was later closed down and many graves moved to other cemeteries. Examples are stated in individual memorials.

-There are Spirit Lake Beacon references (in addition to the below article) to Orr, Blackert, Smith and Arthur surnames as being the landowners where the cemetery is located.

-From The Spirit Lake Beacon, October 27, 1881.

"An Old Graveyard.

To the Editor of the Beacon:

Many in this community have never known and many, doubtless,have forgotten the location of the oldest cemetery in the county. Perhaps "cemetery" is a misnomer for this place of interment as the use of the word implies a formal setting apart and dedication of ground for burial purposes - a formality that evidently was not observed in this instance. Those who have not known Spirit Lake for more than a dozen years have only seen "Rose Hill" used for this melancholy purpose and are, perhaps, unaware that a lovely knoll on East Okoboji lake within less than half a mile of our business center is the last resting place of nearly as many persons as are sleeping silently in "Rose Hill."

The spot which was "God's acre" so many years ago is on what is known as the Blackert farm, and which has recently been laid out into lots as an addition to the town. Time has vieed with Death in destroying the outward vestiges of mortality. Three or four graves are enclosed with rough fences, but many of the mounds are almost if not entirely obliterated. But one tiny tombstone, and that stained and mosscovered, stands on this hallowed ground. The inscription is "Willy, infant son of Wm. Bergman; died July 9th 1860." A tame rose bush and a handful of withered flowers on the little mound is an outward and visible sign that the living remember this little sleeper.

There are said to be some thirty persons buried here - two or three of the soldiers who were stationed at this point from 1862 to 1864 among the number.

The removal of these remains has now become a necessity, and the writer, having charge of the property, is desirous of getting all possible information concerning the matter and of communicating with those who have friends buried there.

J.A. Smith"