Joseph Rowsell (1836-1910)

Joseph Rowsell was a quarryman in Redan, <1881-1912.

History
In October 1881, Rowsell was one of the quarrymen who met with the council to discuss the danger that the quarry holes presented: "'...A goodly number of quarrymen assembled to meet the councillors. The first quarry inspected was the one situated at the western end of Latrobe street. Mr Hughes explained the position of the quarry, and said it was going to be fenced in. Mr Rowsell pointed out some fencing that had been done, and the feeling seemed to be that a fence should be run across the open space near the street...'"

In August 1886, Rowsell quarried the stone obelisk for the Eureka Memorial: "An immense block of stone, intended for the obelisk to surmount the Eureka Stockade monument, was taken by Messrs. Rowsell and Son from the Redan quarries a few days ago. The stone measure 12ft. 6in. by 4ft. 6in., and weighs about six tons."

In June 1893, Rowsell was declared insolvent: "NOTICE is hereby given that the Estate of JOSEPH ROWSELL (1065), of Ballaarat, quarryman, has been sequestrated, and that a general meeting of creditors in the said estate will be holden at the Insolvency Court Offices at Ballaarat, on Monday, the twelfth day of June, a.d. 1893, at the hour of eleven o’clock in the forenoon, for the election of trustees, and for the other purposes mentioned in the 53rd section of the Insolvency Act, 1890. Dated at Ballaarat this 7th day of June, a b. 1893. W. R. ANDERSON. Chief Clerk."

In August 1906, Rowsell chaired a meeting by a candidate for the council elections, Mr. W. D. Hill, at the Family Hotel in Darling Street: "Mr W. D. Hill addressed a crowded and enthusiastic meeting of the rate payers of the south ward at Kohl’s hotel, Darling street. Mr Joseph Rowsell, senior, occupied the chair, and introduced the candidate as one whom he had known for a quarter of a century...(Hill) pointed out that fully £1000 would be spent this year in filling up the Redan quarries, which would much improve that part of the ward, and continue Sebastopol Street through to Pleasant Street..."