The Republic Iron Company was the first successful mining company in Republic and was located on Swede Hill. Anna Mae Gibson was the first girl and Charles W. Munson was the first boy born in Republic to the early settlers in 1872 and 1873, respectively. Charles and Jessie Polkinghorne Munson had two sons, Neal and Cecil. Cecil was born in the family home on this site and enjoyed the South Shore Train, whose tracks ran along the front of this site. The founders of Republic Township are honored here.