Uncle of Rupert Rosser.
•See Fred E. Low.
•See Heber Lynden Hartley.
•See Nicholas Heller.
•See Jacob Paine and Helen McArthur.
•See James M. White.
•See Jacob Pederson.
•See Edward Robert French.
•See Frederick Koenig.
•See Dr. John Robert Howes.
•See Charles Douglas Johnson.
Father: John Rosser, b. 1793, Campbell County, Virginia; married Martha Melvina Johnson on May 28, 1834 in Campbell County, Virginia
Mother: Martha Melvina Johnson, b. 1803, Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1859, Panola County, Texas
Paternal Grandfather: Thomas Oglesby Rosser, b. circa 1868, Campbell County, Virginia; married Nancy R. Tweedy on March 5, 1792 in Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1847
Paternal Grandmother: Nancy R. Tweedy, b. circa 1768-1774
Maternal Grandfather: Thomas Johnson
Maternal Grandmother: Millicent Hargrave
Brother of William Edward Rosser, Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Florence Sarah Rosser Henderson.
1860 Federal Census, Panola County, Beat No. 8, Texas:
Rosser, John, age 58, b. 1802, Virginia (Page 137)
Rosser, John, age 20, b. 1840, Virginia (Page 123)
National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers Index:
NAME: ROSSER, JOHN C.
REGIMENT NAME: 28th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Randal's) (1st Texas Lancers)
SIDE: Confederate
COMPANY: CFS
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private
SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Acting Surgeon
We are glad to learn that Mrs. Adie Goulet, wife of our esteemed townsman, F. X. Goulet, Esq., who has been dangerously ill for some time, has so far recovered as to be able to sit up. Too much praise can not be given Dr. Rosser, (who has been her medical attendant) for his skillfulness and assiduous care. F. X. Goulet wishes through the columns of our paper to thank him and all those who so kindly rendered him their services in his late troubles. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)
ABOUT HEALTH.—There is not so much sickness in town as there used to be; still, Dr. Rosser is kept busy, as he is the only physician, we believe, in the city, since the departure east of Dr. Thayer, and there is a large community dependent upon Dr. Rosser in a medical sense. Since his return to this place he has been sought for from far and near. The Doctor is both popular as a physician, and citizen, and numbers warm and appreciative friends here by the hundred. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)
OUR readers will notice the professional card of Dr. J. C. Rosser, elsewhere. Dr. Rosser is a thorough scholar in his profession, and will wait upon the sick at any hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)
RETURNED.—Our friend, Dr. Rosser, who has been spending a month out at Fort Seward, D. T., is again with us. 'Tis well, for the Doctor is good company, and is always missed when away. (Brainerd Tribune,10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)
Some Curiosities.
Dropping into the office of our friend, Dr.J. C. Rosser, the other day, we enjoyed a most pleasant hour. The Doctor, wherever known is esteemed a man of culture and refinement, a master in his profession, a social lord, and a gentleman in the finest construction of the term. Dr. Rosser has charge of the Northern Pacific Medical Department, and during his occupancy of their fine medical office he has added many rare specimens to the museum thereto attached. Among the latest additions, we notice a fully developed skull of a white man, found close to Crystal Springs, which are located on the Northern Pacific in Dakota, about midway between Fargo and Bismarck. The skull gives every evidence of having been at one time, many decades ago, the “cap-sheaf” to an intelligent anatomy, and is certainly the finest specimen in the collection of skulls. Tradition among the Indians in that region leads to the almost positive fact that it is the skull of an English Lord, who many years ago made a tour to the Selkirk Settlement, and who with his party, undertook the exploration of the country across from the Red River to the Missouri River, but who, about midway in that unexplored country, fell into the hands of the hostile natives; the Chief (the Lord) of the party was taken into captivity and was massacred at the verge of the wonderful springs mentioned, and his body left to decay and his bones to bleach on the bosom of the plains, until the onward progress of civilization came along and found this relic of a once highly intelligent and adventurous man; while the remainder of the party shared a similar fate in other directions; but the superstition of the natives taught them that the most important of the party of strange white beings should, of right to the Great Spirit, be slaughtered at the most sacred spot in their domain, which was at what is now known as the celebrated Crystal Springs, on the Northern Pacific. A hole through the right side of the crown of the head, seems to show that he was killed by the stroke of a pointed war club, made of flint stone, occasionally seen among the Sioux even at this late day.
Another skull is of a young native, which belonged undoubtedly to the pre-history race of this vast country, or in other words, the Mound Builder’s period. The reasons for this conclusion are these:
The skull itself differs in several respects from those of the natives of the present day, and exhibits a much higher degree of intellect and cultivation; a stronger reason is, that this one seems to have been regularly interred—a mode of burial generally accorded to the famous Mound Builders, while the natives of more modern times ”bury their dead in a tree-top or up on a scaffold.”
Many other fossiliferous specimens are to be seen, which excite the wonder of the intelligent mind; some human bones that have been buried so long that they have turned into solid stone, but are perfect as may be in their form. One bone in particular, was well worthy of the study of those who understand the human anatomy. It is a bone, the Doctor informed us, that belonged to the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. Its peculiarity was in the raised ridges extending along its length, which never appear to any degree whatever on that bone unless the man be a Hercules of strength and physical power; this being the case, the possessor of this petrified bone must have been a terror, and had a muscle upon which could have cracked anything from a hazelnut to a quartz rock without breaking the skin.
Several most wonderful geological specimens ornament Dr. Rosser’s cabinet, which for real merit in the kingdom geology, surpass anything we have ever had the pleasure of examining, all selected from along the Northern Pacific.
Speaking of the practice of the natives of the present day, in “burying their dead in the tree tops,” calls to mind an item we had forgotten to mention. Dr. Rosser has some billets of wood cut from a tree recently, that contain bones thoroughly imbedded in the sound wood, having been placed in the fork of the tree many years ago, the tree as it grew enclosed and preserved them as perfectly as though petrified, until the tree was cut down and split open, disclosed them in their wonderful tomb. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)
1875 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Line Number 33, Family Number 143:
Rosser, J. C., age 32, b. circa 1843, Virginia; mother born Virginia; father born Virginia
Dr. Rosser has changed his theory regarding matrimony. He no longer holds that it is only a physiological necessity, but argues that it is a telegraphic necessity also, and produces, as proof of this theory, the fact that, out of the numerous single young gentlemen operators on the line of the Northern Pacific, but two remain unmarried, and with those two it is but a question of a little time. How about medical necessity Doc.? Won't the question of a little time settle that, too? (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has been "out hunting," and shot a bear, but the bear swam the river and took to the brush on the other side, and the Dr. is unable so far to find his game, and we are yet unable to give its dimensions, weight, etc., which will all come in good time. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. J. C. Rosser was the recipient this week of a fine present from his brother General Rosser, of Washington, D. C., in the shape of a breech loading Springfield rifle and a large supply of ammunition. The rifle is the latest improved Nadle [sic] [? needle] gun, handsomely finished, and truly a valuable gift, and we would advise the deer in this section, if they have any regard for longevity, to make themselves scarce, when the doctor goes out hunting now or he will do it for them. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
WE WERE shown this week by Dr. Rosser a tape worm, taken from the stomach of one of his patients, that will measure nearly four feet in length, and is certainly a curiosity to one who has never witnessed the like. We do not covet such an occupant for our tenement, and should procure one of the Doctor's writs of ejectment at once as this patient has done if we were so inhabited. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
Messrs. D. O. Preston, G. W. Holland, J. C. Rosser, S. V. R. Sherwood and others have been treating themselves to new suits of clothes and silk hats, making quite a change in the appearance of the town. This is the Centennial year, you know. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
DR. ROSSER received a handsome present this week from an unknown friend, in the shape of a beautiful microscope. It affords truly wonderful sights from very small and ordinary objects; even the editor of the Detroit Record would attain quite fair proportions under its lens. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
GEN. T. L. ROSSER, brother of Dr. J. C. Rosser of this city, has been elected city engineer of the city of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)
John C. Rosser married Belle Lowe on November 5, 1876 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
After their wedding they moved in with Belle's parents who lived at the southeast corner of Fifth and Norwood Streets in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Editor Brainerd Tribune:
Though the wickedness of Brainerd Citizens is most intense, according to the theory of your correspondent, our old pastor, Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, we are destined to live good long lives—which to repent of our enormous sins and seek salvation provided J. C. Rosser remains with us as our physician, judging from the efficient manner in which he is treating his patients—particularly in typhoid fever—he won't let them die. The cases of typhoid that have come to my attention deserving especial notice are those of Mrs. Henry Leland, C. J. Downs, and Kate Snyder, in which their cure was most wonderful. The Doc. is earning for himself a reputation of which any physician should feel proud, and that he may long remain with us healing our sick is the earnest wish of your
SUBSCRIBER.
BRAINERD, Sept. 27, 1877.
(Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 1, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of this place has accepted the offer from Major Ruffee, U. S. Indian Agent at White Earth, of the position of resident physician and surgeon on the reservation at a good salary. The Doctor will remove with his family to the agency and relieve Dr. Bodle, the present incumbent, on the first of April. This decision of Dr. Rosser's will be deeply regretted by our citizens, for by it we lose what we have never before been without—a good physician. What our fortune will be in procuring a successor is exceedingly uncertain and a matter of grave importance, though we can but hope for the best. We can heartily recommend the Doctor to his new position, however, and wish him and his, health and prosperity, and we congratulate the people of White Earth upon their fortunate acquisition in so excellent a professional and citizen, though their gain is our sad loss. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Dr. Rosser takes his departure on Monday for White Earth. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Unfortunate for Dr. Rosser.
The Indian appropriation bill which passed the house yesterday appeared to be satisfactory to all except that an item or two were left out of particular importance to certain bands of Chippewas. The bill did not contain the usual item of $1,500 for a physician at the White Earth agency. The reason this item was left out this time, was because it was not in the estimates sent to the committee by the commissioner of Indian affairs for the reason that the treaty under which a physician has heretofore been provided for will expire at the present fiscal year. Dr. Stewart made a strong and earnest appeal to the house to amend the bill by adding this item. This he found it utterly impossible to do. Even such a prominent Democrat as Gov. Throckmorton, who wanted a little item of $500 added had no sort of chance to get it. The house seemed determined not to increase the sum reported by the committee. Mr. Pound of Wisconsin, at the instance of Dr. Mahan, the agent of the La Pointe Indians, tried to get in an amendment granting $2,000 for the purpose of erecting buildings for the poor and needy Indians within Mahan's jurisdiction; but Mr. Pound was pounded out so flat that he was not afterwards heard from. His amendment was not received. An effort will be made in the appropriation committee of the senate, of which Senator Morton is chairman, to add these amendments there, and it is very probable that in the case of the physician at White Earth, at least, the item will be added.—[Wash. Cor. Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 5)
Major Ruffee, of the White Earth Indian Agency, was in town on Thursday. He thinks Dr. Rosser's salary will be arranged all right—a fact the doctor's friends will be pleased to learn. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. Rosser and family arrived in the city today from White Earth, for a few weeks' visit with friends here, and the Doctor for a brush now and then with his old enemies—the deer. Welcome. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this week from Dr. J. C. Rosser, of White Earth. He thinks of returning to Brainerd to reside. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this morning, from Dr. J. C. Rosser, who, with his family has arrived from White Earth, and proposes to settle with us once more, and open an office as physician and surgeon. The doctor has many friends here who will welcome him back with pleasure. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 6, c. 1)
1880 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, 18 June 1880, Page 85:
Rosser, John C., head, age 39, physician; b. 1841, Virginia; father born Virginia; mother born Virginia
Rosser, Bella [sic], age, 22, wife; b. 1858, New Hampshire [sic]; father born New Hampshire; mother born New Hampshire
Rosser, Pearl [sic] [Harriet], daughter, age 2, born Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 7/12, born Minnesota
The finishing touches have been put upon Dr. Rosser's new office this week and the Doctor moved yesterday—next door north of the post office. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
BRAINERD, MINN., Oct. 15, 1880.—My wife will settle all claims and make all collections against me during my absence. J. C. ROSSER.
(Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
JOHN C. ROSSER, M. D., was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 2d of December, 1840. After taking the usual preparatory course he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1867. Prior to his graduation he had served four years in the army during the Civil War, in the Twenty-eighth Texas Volunteers, two years as hospital steward, and two years as assistant surgeon. Returning from college he settled in his native town, where he practiced his profession until coming to Brainerd in 1871, and still continues in active practice. He has held the office of Coroner since 1873, and is highly respected in the neighborhood. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, edited by Charles S. Bryant, Minneapolis: Minnesota Historical Company, 1881, p. 652)
Dr. J. C. Rosser, who has been in New York for some time past, attending a course of lectures, has returned to his home and practice in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)
Last Sunday an erring son of his mother, having imbibed too often and much at a time, commenced amusing himself by testing his lungs on a prominent street corner, and at length indulged in other still more uncivil proceedings. The sheriff and deputy both being absent, Coroner Rosser, calling an assistant, clutched on to him and started for the cooler. This enraged the inebriated individual very much, whereupon a desperate resistance was offered, and soon quite a crowd had gathered. At length Newt. McFadden coming to the rescue, and seizing him by the nape of the neck and the seat of his indescribables, he was hustled along at a speed that would put St. Julien to blush, but becoming so unbecomingly stubborn, he was deliberately gathered up head and heels by some six or eight and carried bodily along to his new boarding place, where he was jugged long enough to allow fermentation to take place. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)
Rupert Rosser, a nephew of Dr. Rosser is spending the holidays with his uncle's family. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)
Dr. J. C. Rosser will start for the city of Mexico on Monday of next week to be be absent until about March 1st. Mr. Rosser spent 16 years of his life in Texas and it is for the purpose of looking over the country that he takes this trip. Drs. Courtney and Camp will have charge of his practice during his absence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. Rosser is back from Mexico and to stay. The pure air and the morality of the residents of Northern Minnesota is, in his estimation, ahead of anything he can find in the Greaser country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of Brainerd, who has been for the past six months in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, passed Wednesday at Aitkin shaking hands with his old friends. The doctor does not take away any very exalted idea of the country he has visited and thinks Sheridan had it about right when he said if he owned Texas and hell he would rent the former and live in the latter. He describes the country as a dry, arid tract, a splendid place for physicians and undertakers, but a poor place for anybody else. He intends to remain at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)
1885 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Household Number 572, Page 19:
Rosser, J. C., age 44 years, b. 1841, Vermont [sic]
Rosser, Belle, age 27, b. 1858, Wisconsin
Rosser, Pearl, age 7, b. 1878, Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, age 5, b. 1880, Minnesota
Rosser, Jane [sic] [Jean], age 1, b. 1884, Minnesota
Dr. Rosser, Geo. Keene and Joe Westfall returned Wednesday morning from a duck hunt near Jamestown. They report an excellent time and brought back over 200 ducks and ten wild geese. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has decided to remove with his family from this city to St. Paul and is getting his matters in shape preparatory to the move. Dr. Rosser has been in Brainerd for over 20 years and the many friends of himself and family will be sorry to learn of their contemplated departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)
The Grand Rapids Magnet says that Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Rosser have leased the Howes Hospital building in that place, and will at once fit it up. The doctor will give his attention to the direct management, while Mrs. Rosser will give attention to the outside details and business. The Rosser hospital representatives will canvass the woods for business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)
A Lively Runaway.
Last Wednesday afternoon Messrs. C. L. Pratt, H. D. Powers, and A. A. Kremer, accompanied by L. E. Lum, of Brainerd, went over to Pokegama lake to have a sail and to give Mr. Lum an opportunity of seeing what a lovely lake we have at our very doors. They had a fine sail and a jolly afternoon of it, but on the return trip when almost home misfortune overtook them and it is a wonder that they escaped with as little injury as they did. Shortly after they commenced the descent of the hill on the south side of the river, by some ill luck the pole of the buggy fell from the neck yoke, and the team, which was a lively one, started to run away, and Arthur Kremer, who was driving, was powerless to control them, as the buggy ran onto their heels. The other occupants of the rig jumped to the ground and escaped without injury, but when Mr. Kremer jumped, after he found it was useless to attempt to control the team, he was not so fortunate and was quite badly injured. He struck on his left side and shoulder, dislocating the latter and bruising him quite badly. He was taken to his home where Dr. Rosser replaced the injured shoulder. It will be some little time before he will have recovered entirely from the effects of the fall.—Grand Rapids Review. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)
1895 Minnesota Census, Itasca County, Grand Rapids:
Rosser, John C., age 54
Rosser, Belle, age 38
Rosser, Pearle, age 17
Rosser, Ruth, age 15
Rosser, Jean, age 10
Rosser Martha, age 8
Rosser, John C., age 5
In 1895 daughters Pearl, age 18, and Ruth, age 16, are living in the house of Sarah J. Agard, teacher, who is apparently running a private school in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Dr. J. C. Rosser, formerly a resident of this city, but now located at Fosston where he conducts a hospital, arrived in the city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 8, c. 5)
1900 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Polk County, Crookston; Page 16; Family Number 311:
Rosser, John C, head, age 60, b. Virginia; father b. Virginia; mother b. Virginia
Rosser, Bell, wife, age 43, b. Wisconsin, 5 children born, 5 children living; father b. New Hampshire; mother b. New Hampshire
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 23 , b. Minnesota
Rosser, Gean [sic], daughter, age 15, b. Minnesota
Rosser, Martha, daughter, age 13, b. Minnesota
Rosser, John C., son, age 10, b. Minnesota
1905 Minnesota State Census, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Ward 2:
Rosser, John, age 64
Rosser, Belle, age 48
Rosser, Martha, age 18
Rosser, John C., age 15
Dr. J. C. ROSSER
DEAD AT DULUTH
_____
Former Brainerd Citizen Dies After
Surgical Operation at Advanced
Age of 73
_____
CAME TO BRAINERD EARLY 70's
_____
Was Connected With Northern Paci-
fic for Time and Engaged in
General Practice Here
From Monday's Daily:—
The Duluth-News Tribune brings the news of the death in that city of Dr. J. C. Rosser, a former resident of Brainerd and who will be remembered by all the early residents of this city. The News-Tribune says:
Dr. John C. Rosser died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. E. Peyton, 1605 East Second street, where he had been confined for the last six months. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services will be held from Lakewood chapel, Minneapolis, Tuesday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The body will be sent from Duluth tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock.
Dr. Rosser was born in Campbell county, Virginia, Dec. 2, 1840. During the Civil war, he was a steward in a Confederate army hospital and later finished a medical course at Jefferson college, having been graduated in 1867.
He came to Minneapolis with his brother, Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, at the time of the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, Brainerd being the road's headquarters at that time.
Dr. Rosser was appointed chief surgeon of the road and remained in Brainerd 20 years, afterward removing to Anoka, where he lived until about six months ago, when he came to Duluth. A surgical operation left him weakened and he gradually sank.
He was known to a host of friends as a true type of southern gentleman.
He is survived by a widow, four daughters and a son. They are: Mrs. J. C. Geggie [Pearl Harriet], Minneapolis; Mrs. L. [sic] [George] C. [sic] [L.] Chesebrough [Ruth] and Mrs. W. R. Peyton [Jean], both of Duluth; Mrs. Frank Morrison [Martha] and John C. Rosser, Jr., both of Gilman, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1914, p. 7, c. 4) [Courtesy of Brian Marsh, CWCHS]
FamilySearch Death Records:
Name: John Carper Rosser
Death Date: 25 Apr 1914
Death Place: Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota
Age: 73
Birth Date: 1841
Father's Name: John C. Rosser
Mother's Name: Mina [sic] Johnstone [sic]
ROSSER, JOHN CARPER
Date of Death: 25 APR 1914
County of Death: ST. LOUIS
CERTID# 1914-MN-024392
•See Fred E. Low.
•See Heber Lynden Hartley.
•See Nicholas Heller.
•See Jacob Paine and Helen McArthur.
•See James M. White.
•See Jacob Pederson.
•See Edward Robert French.
•See Frederick Koenig.
•See Dr. John Robert Howes.
•See Charles Douglas Johnson.
Father: John Rosser, b. 1793, Campbell County, Virginia; married Martha Melvina Johnson on May 28, 1834 in Campbell County, Virginia
Mother: Martha Melvina Johnson, b. 1803, Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1859, Panola County, Texas
Paternal Grandfather: Thomas Oglesby Rosser, b. circa 1868, Campbell County, Virginia; married Nancy R. Tweedy on March 5, 1792 in Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1847
Paternal Grandmother: Nancy R. Tweedy, b. circa 1768-1774
Maternal Grandfather: Thomas Johnson
Maternal Grandmother: Millicent Hargrave
Brother of William Edward Rosser, Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Florence Sarah Rosser Henderson.
1860 Federal Census, Panola County, Beat No. 8, Texas:
Rosser, John, age 58, b. 1802, Virginia (Page 137)
Rosser, John, age 20, b. 1840, Virginia (Page 123)
National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers Index:
NAME: ROSSER, JOHN C.
REGIMENT NAME: 28th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Randal's) (1st Texas Lancers)
SIDE: Confederate
COMPANY: CFS
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private
SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Acting Surgeon
We are glad to learn that Mrs. Adie Goulet, wife of our esteemed townsman, F. X. Goulet, Esq., who has been dangerously ill for some time, has so far recovered as to be able to sit up. Too much praise can not be given Dr. Rosser, (who has been her medical attendant) for his skillfulness and assiduous care. F. X. Goulet wishes through the columns of our paper to thank him and all those who so kindly rendered him their services in his late troubles. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)
ABOUT HEALTH.—There is not so much sickness in town as there used to be; still, Dr. Rosser is kept busy, as he is the only physician, we believe, in the city, since the departure east of Dr. Thayer, and there is a large community dependent upon Dr. Rosser in a medical sense. Since his return to this place he has been sought for from far and near. The Doctor is both popular as a physician, and citizen, and numbers warm and appreciative friends here by the hundred. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)
OUR readers will notice the professional card of Dr. J. C. Rosser, elsewhere. Dr. Rosser is a thorough scholar in his profession, and will wait upon the sick at any hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)
RETURNED.—Our friend, Dr. Rosser, who has been spending a month out at Fort Seward, D. T., is again with us. 'Tis well, for the Doctor is good company, and is always missed when away. (Brainerd Tribune,10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)
Some Curiosities.
Dropping into the office of our friend, Dr.J. C. Rosser, the other day, we enjoyed a most pleasant hour. The Doctor, wherever known is esteemed a man of culture and refinement, a master in his profession, a social lord, and a gentleman in the finest construction of the term. Dr. Rosser has charge of the Northern Pacific Medical Department, and during his occupancy of their fine medical office he has added many rare specimens to the museum thereto attached. Among the latest additions, we notice a fully developed skull of a white man, found close to Crystal Springs, which are located on the Northern Pacific in Dakota, about midway between Fargo and Bismarck. The skull gives every evidence of having been at one time, many decades ago, the “cap-sheaf” to an intelligent anatomy, and is certainly the finest specimen in the collection of skulls. Tradition among the Indians in that region leads to the almost positive fact that it is the skull of an English Lord, who many years ago made a tour to the Selkirk Settlement, and who with his party, undertook the exploration of the country across from the Red River to the Missouri River, but who, about midway in that unexplored country, fell into the hands of the hostile natives; the Chief (the Lord) of the party was taken into captivity and was massacred at the verge of the wonderful springs mentioned, and his body left to decay and his bones to bleach on the bosom of the plains, until the onward progress of civilization came along and found this relic of a once highly intelligent and adventurous man; while the remainder of the party shared a similar fate in other directions; but the superstition of the natives taught them that the most important of the party of strange white beings should, of right to the Great Spirit, be slaughtered at the most sacred spot in their domain, which was at what is now known as the celebrated Crystal Springs, on the Northern Pacific. A hole through the right side of the crown of the head, seems to show that he was killed by the stroke of a pointed war club, made of flint stone, occasionally seen among the Sioux even at this late day.
Another skull is of a young native, which belonged undoubtedly to the pre-history race of this vast country, or in other words, the Mound Builder’s period. The reasons for this conclusion are these:
The skull itself differs in several respects from those of the natives of the present day, and exhibits a much higher degree of intellect and cultivation; a stronger reason is, that this one seems to have been regularly interred—a mode of burial generally accorded to the famous Mound Builders, while the natives of more modern times ”bury their dead in a tree-top or up on a scaffold.”
Many other fossiliferous specimens are to be seen, which excite the wonder of the intelligent mind; some human bones that have been buried so long that they have turned into solid stone, but are perfect as may be in their form. One bone in particular, was well worthy of the study of those who understand the human anatomy. It is a bone, the Doctor informed us, that belonged to the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. Its peculiarity was in the raised ridges extending along its length, which never appear to any degree whatever on that bone unless the man be a Hercules of strength and physical power; this being the case, the possessor of this petrified bone must have been a terror, and had a muscle upon which could have cracked anything from a hazelnut to a quartz rock without breaking the skin.
Several most wonderful geological specimens ornament Dr. Rosser’s cabinet, which for real merit in the kingdom geology, surpass anything we have ever had the pleasure of examining, all selected from along the Northern Pacific.
Speaking of the practice of the natives of the present day, in “burying their dead in the tree tops,” calls to mind an item we had forgotten to mention. Dr. Rosser has some billets of wood cut from a tree recently, that contain bones thoroughly imbedded in the sound wood, having been placed in the fork of the tree many years ago, the tree as it grew enclosed and preserved them as perfectly as though petrified, until the tree was cut down and split open, disclosed them in their wonderful tomb. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)
1875 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Line Number 33, Family Number 143:
Rosser, J. C., age 32, b. circa 1843, Virginia; mother born Virginia; father born Virginia
Dr. Rosser has changed his theory regarding matrimony. He no longer holds that it is only a physiological necessity, but argues that it is a telegraphic necessity also, and produces, as proof of this theory, the fact that, out of the numerous single young gentlemen operators on the line of the Northern Pacific, but two remain unmarried, and with those two it is but a question of a little time. How about medical necessity Doc.? Won't the question of a little time settle that, too? (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has been "out hunting," and shot a bear, but the bear swam the river and took to the brush on the other side, and the Dr. is unable so far to find his game, and we are yet unable to give its dimensions, weight, etc., which will all come in good time. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. J. C. Rosser was the recipient this week of a fine present from his brother General Rosser, of Washington, D. C., in the shape of a breech loading Springfield rifle and a large supply of ammunition. The rifle is the latest improved Nadle [sic] [? needle] gun, handsomely finished, and truly a valuable gift, and we would advise the deer in this section, if they have any regard for longevity, to make themselves scarce, when the doctor goes out hunting now or he will do it for them. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
WE WERE shown this week by Dr. Rosser a tape worm, taken from the stomach of one of his patients, that will measure nearly four feet in length, and is certainly a curiosity to one who has never witnessed the like. We do not covet such an occupant for our tenement, and should procure one of the Doctor's writs of ejectment at once as this patient has done if we were so inhabited. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
Messrs. D. O. Preston, G. W. Holland, J. C. Rosser, S. V. R. Sherwood and others have been treating themselves to new suits of clothes and silk hats, making quite a change in the appearance of the town. This is the Centennial year, you know. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
DR. ROSSER received a handsome present this week from an unknown friend, in the shape of a beautiful microscope. It affords truly wonderful sights from very small and ordinary objects; even the editor of the Detroit Record would attain quite fair proportions under its lens. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
GEN. T. L. ROSSER, brother of Dr. J. C. Rosser of this city, has been elected city engineer of the city of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)
John C. Rosser married Belle Lowe on November 5, 1876 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
After their wedding they moved in with Belle's parents who lived at the southeast corner of Fifth and Norwood Streets in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Editor Brainerd Tribune:
Though the wickedness of Brainerd Citizens is most intense, according to the theory of your correspondent, our old pastor, Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, we are destined to live good long lives—which to repent of our enormous sins and seek salvation provided J. C. Rosser remains with us as our physician, judging from the efficient manner in which he is treating his patients—particularly in typhoid fever—he won't let them die. The cases of typhoid that have come to my attention deserving especial notice are those of Mrs. Henry Leland, C. J. Downs, and Kate Snyder, in which their cure was most wonderful. The Doc. is earning for himself a reputation of which any physician should feel proud, and that he may long remain with us healing our sick is the earnest wish of your
SUBSCRIBER.
BRAINERD, Sept. 27, 1877.
(Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 1, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of this place has accepted the offer from Major Ruffee, U. S. Indian Agent at White Earth, of the position of resident physician and surgeon on the reservation at a good salary. The Doctor will remove with his family to the agency and relieve Dr. Bodle, the present incumbent, on the first of April. This decision of Dr. Rosser's will be deeply regretted by our citizens, for by it we lose what we have never before been without—a good physician. What our fortune will be in procuring a successor is exceedingly uncertain and a matter of grave importance, though we can but hope for the best. We can heartily recommend the Doctor to his new position, however, and wish him and his, health and prosperity, and we congratulate the people of White Earth upon their fortunate acquisition in so excellent a professional and citizen, though their gain is our sad loss. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Dr. Rosser takes his departure on Monday for White Earth. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Unfortunate for Dr. Rosser.
The Indian appropriation bill which passed the house yesterday appeared to be satisfactory to all except that an item or two were left out of particular importance to certain bands of Chippewas. The bill did not contain the usual item of $1,500 for a physician at the White Earth agency. The reason this item was left out this time, was because it was not in the estimates sent to the committee by the commissioner of Indian affairs for the reason that the treaty under which a physician has heretofore been provided for will expire at the present fiscal year. Dr. Stewart made a strong and earnest appeal to the house to amend the bill by adding this item. This he found it utterly impossible to do. Even such a prominent Democrat as Gov. Throckmorton, who wanted a little item of $500 added had no sort of chance to get it. The house seemed determined not to increase the sum reported by the committee. Mr. Pound of Wisconsin, at the instance of Dr. Mahan, the agent of the La Pointe Indians, tried to get in an amendment granting $2,000 for the purpose of erecting buildings for the poor and needy Indians within Mahan's jurisdiction; but Mr. Pound was pounded out so flat that he was not afterwards heard from. His amendment was not received. An effort will be made in the appropriation committee of the senate, of which Senator Morton is chairman, to add these amendments there, and it is very probable that in the case of the physician at White Earth, at least, the item will be added.—[Wash. Cor. Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 5)
Major Ruffee, of the White Earth Indian Agency, was in town on Thursday. He thinks Dr. Rosser's salary will be arranged all right—a fact the doctor's friends will be pleased to learn. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. Rosser and family arrived in the city today from White Earth, for a few weeks' visit with friends here, and the Doctor for a brush now and then with his old enemies—the deer. Welcome. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this week from Dr. J. C. Rosser, of White Earth. He thinks of returning to Brainerd to reside. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this morning, from Dr. J. C. Rosser, who, with his family has arrived from White Earth, and proposes to settle with us once more, and open an office as physician and surgeon. The doctor has many friends here who will welcome him back with pleasure. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 6, c. 1)
1880 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, 18 June 1880, Page 85:
Rosser, John C., head, age 39, physician; b. 1841, Virginia; father born Virginia; mother born Virginia
Rosser, Bella [sic], age, 22, wife; b. 1858, New Hampshire [sic]; father born New Hampshire; mother born New Hampshire
Rosser, Pearl [sic] [Harriet], daughter, age 2, born Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 7/12, born Minnesota
The finishing touches have been put upon Dr. Rosser's new office this week and the Doctor moved yesterday—next door north of the post office. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
BRAINERD, MINN., Oct. 15, 1880.—My wife will settle all claims and make all collections against me during my absence. J. C. ROSSER.
(Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
JOHN C. ROSSER, M. D., was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 2d of December, 1840. After taking the usual preparatory course he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1867. Prior to his graduation he had served four years in the army during the Civil War, in the Twenty-eighth Texas Volunteers, two years as hospital steward, and two years as assistant surgeon. Returning from college he settled in his native town, where he practiced his profession until coming to Brainerd in 1871, and still continues in active practice. He has held the office of Coroner since 1873, and is highly respected in the neighborhood. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, edited by Charles S. Bryant, Minneapolis: Minnesota Historical Company, 1881, p. 652)
Dr. J. C. Rosser, who has been in New York for some time past, attending a course of lectures, has returned to his home and practice in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)
Last Sunday an erring son of his mother, having imbibed too often and much at a time, commenced amusing himself by testing his lungs on a prominent street corner, and at length indulged in other still more uncivil proceedings. The sheriff and deputy both being absent, Coroner Rosser, calling an assistant, clutched on to him and started for the cooler. This enraged the inebriated individual very much, whereupon a desperate resistance was offered, and soon quite a crowd had gathered. At length Newt. McFadden coming to the rescue, and seizing him by the nape of the neck and the seat of his indescribables, he was hustled along at a speed that would put St. Julien to blush, but becoming so unbecomingly stubborn, he was deliberately gathered up head and heels by some six or eight and carried bodily along to his new boarding place, where he was jugged long enough to allow fermentation to take place. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)
Rupert Rosser, a nephew of Dr. Rosser is spending the holidays with his uncle's family. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)
Dr. J. C. Rosser will start for the city of Mexico on Monday of next week to be be absent until about March 1st. Mr. Rosser spent 16 years of his life in Texas and it is for the purpose of looking over the country that he takes this trip. Drs. Courtney and Camp will have charge of his practice during his absence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. Rosser is back from Mexico and to stay. The pure air and the morality of the residents of Northern Minnesota is, in his estimation, ahead of anything he can find in the Greaser country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of Brainerd, who has been for the past six months in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, passed Wednesday at Aitkin shaking hands with his old friends. The doctor does not take away any very exalted idea of the country he has visited and thinks Sheridan had it about right when he said if he owned Texas and hell he would rent the former and live in the latter. He describes the country as a dry, arid tract, a splendid place for physicians and undertakers, but a poor place for anybody else. He intends to remain at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)
1885 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Household Number 572, Page 19:
Rosser, J. C., age 44 years, b. 1841, Vermont [sic]
Rosser, Belle, age 27, b. 1858, Wisconsin
Rosser, Pearl, age 7, b. 1878, Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, age 5, b. 1880, Minnesota
Rosser, Jane [sic] [Jean], age 1, b. 1884, Minnesota
Dr. Rosser, Geo. Keene and Joe Westfall returned Wednesday morning from a duck hunt near Jamestown. They report an excellent time and brought back over 200 ducks and ten wild geese. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has decided to remove with his family from this city to St. Paul and is getting his matters in shape preparatory to the move. Dr. Rosser has been in Brainerd for over 20 years and the many friends of himself and family will be sorry to learn of their contemplated departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)
The Grand Rapids Magnet says that Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Rosser have leased the Howes Hospital building in that place, and will at once fit it up. The doctor will give his attention to the direct management, while Mrs. Rosser will give attention to the outside details and business. The Rosser hospital representatives will canvass the woods for business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)
A Lively Runaway.
Last Wednesday afternoon Messrs. C. L. Pratt, H. D. Powers, and A. A. Kremer, accompanied by L. E. Lum, of Brainerd, went over to Pokegama lake to have a sail and to give Mr. Lum an opportunity of seeing what a lovely lake we have at our very doors. They had a fine sail and a jolly afternoon of it, but on the return trip when almost home misfortune overtook them and it is a wonder that they escaped with as little injury as they did. Shortly after they commenced the descent of the hill on the south side of the river, by some ill luck the pole of the buggy fell from the neck yoke, and the team, which was a lively one, started to run away, and Arthur Kremer, who was driving, was powerless to control them, as the buggy ran onto their heels. The other occupants of the rig jumped to the ground and escaped without injury, but when Mr. Kremer jumped, after he found it was useless to attempt to control the team, he was not so fortunate and was quite badly injured. He struck on his left side and shoulder, dislocating the latter and bruising him quite badly. He was taken to his home where Dr. Rosser replaced the injured shoulder. It will be some little time before he will have recovered entirely from the effects of the fall.—Grand Rapids Review. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)
1895 Minnesota Census, Itasca County, Grand Rapids:
Rosser, John C., age 54
Rosser, Belle, age 38
Rosser, Pearle, age 17
Rosser, Ruth, age 15
Rosser, Jean, age 10
Rosser Martha, age 8
Rosser, John C., age 5
In 1895 daughters Pearl, age 18, and Ruth, age 16, are living in the house of Sarah J. Agard, teacher, who is apparently running a private school in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Dr. J. C. Rosser, formerly a resident of this city, but now located at Fosston where he conducts a hospital, arrived in the city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 8, c. 5)
1900 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Polk County, Crookston; Page 16; Family Number 311:
Rosser, John C, head, age 60, b. Virginia; father b. Virginia; mother b. Virginia
Rosser, Bell, wife, age 43, b. Wisconsin, 5 children born, 5 children living; father b. New Hampshire; mother b. New Hampshire
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 23 , b. Minnesota
Rosser, Gean [sic], daughter, age 15, b. Minnesota
Rosser, Martha, daughter, age 13, b. Minnesota
Rosser, John C., son, age 10, b. Minnesota
1905 Minnesota State Census, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Ward 2:
Rosser, John, age 64
Rosser, Belle, age 48
Rosser, Martha, age 18
Rosser, John C., age 15
Dr. J. C. ROSSER
DEAD AT DULUTH
_____
Former Brainerd Citizen Dies After
Surgical Operation at Advanced
Age of 73
_____
CAME TO BRAINERD EARLY 70's
_____
Was Connected With Northern Paci-
fic for Time and Engaged in
General Practice Here
From Monday's Daily:—
The Duluth-News Tribune brings the news of the death in that city of Dr. J. C. Rosser, a former resident of Brainerd and who will be remembered by all the early residents of this city. The News-Tribune says:
Dr. John C. Rosser died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. E. Peyton, 1605 East Second street, where he had been confined for the last six months. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services will be held from Lakewood chapel, Minneapolis, Tuesday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The body will be sent from Duluth tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock.
Dr. Rosser was born in Campbell county, Virginia, Dec. 2, 1840. During the Civil war, he was a steward in a Confederate army hospital and later finished a medical course at Jefferson college, having been graduated in 1867.
He came to Minneapolis with his brother, Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, at the time of the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, Brainerd being the road's headquarters at that time.
Dr. Rosser was appointed chief surgeon of the road and remained in Brainerd 20 years, afterward removing to Anoka, where he lived until about six months ago, when he came to Duluth. A surgical operation left him weakened and he gradually sank.
He was known to a host of friends as a true type of southern gentleman.
He is survived by a widow, four daughters and a son. They are: Mrs. J. C. Geggie [Pearl Harriet], Minneapolis; Mrs. L. [sic] [George] C. [sic] [L.] Chesebrough [Ruth] and Mrs. W. R. Peyton [Jean], both of Duluth; Mrs. Frank Morrison [Martha] and John C. Rosser, Jr., both of Gilman, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1914, p. 7, c. 4) [Courtesy of Brian Marsh, CWCHS]
FamilySearch Death Records:
Name: John Carper Rosser
Death Date: 25 Apr 1914
Death Place: Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota
Age: 73
Birth Date: 1841
Father's Name: John C. Rosser
Mother's Name: Mina [sic] Johnstone [sic]
ROSSER, JOHN CARPER
Date of Death: 25 APR 1914
County of Death: ST. LOUIS
CERTID# 1914-MN-024392
Uncle of Rupert Rosser.
•See Fred E. Low.
•See Heber Lynden Hartley.
•See Nicholas Heller.
•See Jacob Paine and Helen McArthur.
•See James M. White.
•See Jacob Pederson.
•See Edward Robert French.
•See Frederick Koenig.
•See Dr. John Robert Howes.
•See Charles Douglas Johnson.
Father: John Rosser, b. 1793, Campbell County, Virginia; married Martha Melvina Johnson on May 28, 1834 in Campbell County, Virginia
Mother: Martha Melvina Johnson, b. 1803, Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1859, Panola County, Texas
Paternal Grandfather: Thomas Oglesby Rosser, b. circa 1868, Campbell County, Virginia; married Nancy R. Tweedy on March 5, 1792 in Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1847
Paternal Grandmother: Nancy R. Tweedy, b. circa 1768-1774
Maternal Grandfather: Thomas Johnson
Maternal Grandmother: Millicent Hargrave
Brother of William Edward Rosser, Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Florence Sarah Rosser Henderson.
1860 Federal Census, Panola County, Beat No. 8, Texas:
Rosser, John, age 58, b. 1802, Virginia (Page 137)
Rosser, John, age 20, b. 1840, Virginia (Page 123)
National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers Index:
NAME: ROSSER, JOHN C.
REGIMENT NAME: 28th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Randal's) (1st Texas Lancers)
SIDE: Confederate
COMPANY: CFS
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private
SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Acting Surgeon
We are glad to learn that Mrs. Adie Goulet, wife of our esteemed townsman, F. X. Goulet, Esq., who has been dangerously ill for some time, has so far recovered as to be able to sit up. Too much praise can not be given Dr. Rosser, (who has been her medical attendant) for his skillfulness and assiduous care. F. X. Goulet wishes through the columns of our paper to thank him and all those who so kindly rendered him their services in his late troubles. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)
ABOUT HEALTH.—There is not so much sickness in town as there used to be; still, Dr. Rosser is kept busy, as he is the only physician, we believe, in the city, since the departure east of Dr. Thayer, and there is a large community dependent upon Dr. Rosser in a medical sense. Since his return to this place he has been sought for from far and near. The Doctor is both popular as a physician, and citizen, and numbers warm and appreciative friends here by the hundred. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)
OUR readers will notice the professional card of Dr. J. C. Rosser, elsewhere. Dr. Rosser is a thorough scholar in his profession, and will wait upon the sick at any hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)
RETURNED.—Our friend, Dr. Rosser, who has been spending a month out at Fort Seward, D. T., is again with us. 'Tis well, for the Doctor is good company, and is always missed when away. (Brainerd Tribune,10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)
Some Curiosities.
Dropping into the office of our friend, Dr.J. C. Rosser, the other day, we enjoyed a most pleasant hour. The Doctor, wherever known is esteemed a man of culture and refinement, a master in his profession, a social lord, and a gentleman in the finest construction of the term. Dr. Rosser has charge of the Northern Pacific Medical Department, and during his occupancy of their fine medical office he has added many rare specimens to the museum thereto attached. Among the latest additions, we notice a fully developed skull of a white man, found close to Crystal Springs, which are located on the Northern Pacific in Dakota, about midway between Fargo and Bismarck. The skull gives every evidence of having been at one time, many decades ago, the “cap-sheaf” to an intelligent anatomy, and is certainly the finest specimen in the collection of skulls. Tradition among the Indians in that region leads to the almost positive fact that it is the skull of an English Lord, who many years ago made a tour to the Selkirk Settlement, and who with his party, undertook the exploration of the country across from the Red River to the Missouri River, but who, about midway in that unexplored country, fell into the hands of the hostile natives; the Chief (the Lord) of the party was taken into captivity and was massacred at the verge of the wonderful springs mentioned, and his body left to decay and his bones to bleach on the bosom of the plains, until the onward progress of civilization came along and found this relic of a once highly intelligent and adventurous man; while the remainder of the party shared a similar fate in other directions; but the superstition of the natives taught them that the most important of the party of strange white beings should, of right to the Great Spirit, be slaughtered at the most sacred spot in their domain, which was at what is now known as the celebrated Crystal Springs, on the Northern Pacific. A hole through the right side of the crown of the head, seems to show that he was killed by the stroke of a pointed war club, made of flint stone, occasionally seen among the Sioux even at this late day.
Another skull is of a young native, which belonged undoubtedly to the pre-history race of this vast country, or in other words, the Mound Builder’s period. The reasons for this conclusion are these:
The skull itself differs in several respects from those of the natives of the present day, and exhibits a much higher degree of intellect and cultivation; a stronger reason is, that this one seems to have been regularly interred—a mode of burial generally accorded to the famous Mound Builders, while the natives of more modern times ”bury their dead in a tree-top or up on a scaffold.”
Many other fossiliferous specimens are to be seen, which excite the wonder of the intelligent mind; some human bones that have been buried so long that they have turned into solid stone, but are perfect as may be in their form. One bone in particular, was well worthy of the study of those who understand the human anatomy. It is a bone, the Doctor informed us, that belonged to the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. Its peculiarity was in the raised ridges extending along its length, which never appear to any degree whatever on that bone unless the man be a Hercules of strength and physical power; this being the case, the possessor of this petrified bone must have been a terror, and had a muscle upon which could have cracked anything from a hazelnut to a quartz rock without breaking the skin.
Several most wonderful geological specimens ornament Dr. Rosser’s cabinet, which for real merit in the kingdom geology, surpass anything we have ever had the pleasure of examining, all selected from along the Northern Pacific.
Speaking of the practice of the natives of the present day, in “burying their dead in the tree tops,” calls to mind an item we had forgotten to mention. Dr. Rosser has some billets of wood cut from a tree recently, that contain bones thoroughly imbedded in the sound wood, having been placed in the fork of the tree many years ago, the tree as it grew enclosed and preserved them as perfectly as though petrified, until the tree was cut down and split open, disclosed them in their wonderful tomb. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)
1875 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Line Number 33, Family Number 143:
Rosser, J. C., age 32, b. circa 1843, Virginia; mother born Virginia; father born Virginia
Dr. Rosser has changed his theory regarding matrimony. He no longer holds that it is only a physiological necessity, but argues that it is a telegraphic necessity also, and produces, as proof of this theory, the fact that, out of the numerous single young gentlemen operators on the line of the Northern Pacific, but two remain unmarried, and with those two it is but a question of a little time. How about medical necessity Doc.? Won't the question of a little time settle that, too? (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has been "out hunting," and shot a bear, but the bear swam the river and took to the brush on the other side, and the Dr. is unable so far to find his game, and we are yet unable to give its dimensions, weight, etc., which will all come in good time. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. J. C. Rosser was the recipient this week of a fine present from his brother General Rosser, of Washington, D. C., in the shape of a breech loading Springfield rifle and a large supply of ammunition. The rifle is the latest improved Nadle [sic] [? needle] gun, handsomely finished, and truly a valuable gift, and we would advise the deer in this section, if they have any regard for longevity, to make themselves scarce, when the doctor goes out hunting now or he will do it for them. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
WE WERE shown this week by Dr. Rosser a tape worm, taken from the stomach of one of his patients, that will measure nearly four feet in length, and is certainly a curiosity to one who has never witnessed the like. We do not covet such an occupant for our tenement, and should procure one of the Doctor's writs of ejectment at once as this patient has done if we were so inhabited. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
Messrs. D. O. Preston, G. W. Holland, J. C. Rosser, S. V. R. Sherwood and others have been treating themselves to new suits of clothes and silk hats, making quite a change in the appearance of the town. This is the Centennial year, you know. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
DR. ROSSER received a handsome present this week from an unknown friend, in the shape of a beautiful microscope. It affords truly wonderful sights from very small and ordinary objects; even the editor of the Detroit Record would attain quite fair proportions under its lens. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
GEN. T. L. ROSSER, brother of Dr. J. C. Rosser of this city, has been elected city engineer of the city of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)
John C. Rosser married Belle Lowe on November 5, 1876 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
After their wedding they moved in with Belle's parents who lived at the southeast corner of Fifth and Norwood Streets in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Editor Brainerd Tribune:
Though the wickedness of Brainerd Citizens is most intense, according to the theory of your correspondent, our old pastor, Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, we are destined to live good long lives—which to repent of our enormous sins and seek salvation provided J. C. Rosser remains with us as our physician, judging from the efficient manner in which he is treating his patients—particularly in typhoid fever—he won't let them die. The cases of typhoid that have come to my attention deserving especial notice are those of Mrs. Henry Leland, C. J. Downs, and Kate Snyder, in which their cure was most wonderful. The Doc. is earning for himself a reputation of which any physician should feel proud, and that he may long remain with us healing our sick is the earnest wish of your
SUBSCRIBER.
BRAINERD, Sept. 27, 1877.
(Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 1, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of this place has accepted the offer from Major Ruffee, U. S. Indian Agent at White Earth, of the position of resident physician and surgeon on the reservation at a good salary. The Doctor will remove with his family to the agency and relieve Dr. Bodle, the present incumbent, on the first of April. This decision of Dr. Rosser's will be deeply regretted by our citizens, for by it we lose what we have never before been without—a good physician. What our fortune will be in procuring a successor is exceedingly uncertain and a matter of grave importance, though we can but hope for the best. We can heartily recommend the Doctor to his new position, however, and wish him and his, health and prosperity, and we congratulate the people of White Earth upon their fortunate acquisition in so excellent a professional and citizen, though their gain is our sad loss. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Dr. Rosser takes his departure on Monday for White Earth. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Unfortunate for Dr. Rosser.
The Indian appropriation bill which passed the house yesterday appeared to be satisfactory to all except that an item or two were left out of particular importance to certain bands of Chippewas. The bill did not contain the usual item of $1,500 for a physician at the White Earth agency. The reason this item was left out this time, was because it was not in the estimates sent to the committee by the commissioner of Indian affairs for the reason that the treaty under which a physician has heretofore been provided for will expire at the present fiscal year. Dr. Stewart made a strong and earnest appeal to the house to amend the bill by adding this item. This he found it utterly impossible to do. Even such a prominent Democrat as Gov. Throckmorton, who wanted a little item of $500 added had no sort of chance to get it. The house seemed determined not to increase the sum reported by the committee. Mr. Pound of Wisconsin, at the instance of Dr. Mahan, the agent of the La Pointe Indians, tried to get in an amendment granting $2,000 for the purpose of erecting buildings for the poor and needy Indians within Mahan's jurisdiction; but Mr. Pound was pounded out so flat that he was not afterwards heard from. His amendment was not received. An effort will be made in the appropriation committee of the senate, of which Senator Morton is chairman, to add these amendments there, and it is very probable that in the case of the physician at White Earth, at least, the item will be added.—[Wash. Cor. Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 5)
Major Ruffee, of the White Earth Indian Agency, was in town on Thursday. He thinks Dr. Rosser's salary will be arranged all right—a fact the doctor's friends will be pleased to learn. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. Rosser and family arrived in the city today from White Earth, for a few weeks' visit with friends here, and the Doctor for a brush now and then with his old enemies—the deer. Welcome. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this week from Dr. J. C. Rosser, of White Earth. He thinks of returning to Brainerd to reside. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this morning, from Dr. J. C. Rosser, who, with his family has arrived from White Earth, and proposes to settle with us once more, and open an office as physician and surgeon. The doctor has many friends here who will welcome him back with pleasure. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 6, c. 1)
1880 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, 18 June 1880, Page 85:
Rosser, John C., head, age 39, physician; b. 1841, Virginia; father born Virginia; mother born Virginia
Rosser, Bella [sic], age, 22, wife; b. 1858, New Hampshire [sic]; father born New Hampshire; mother born New Hampshire
Rosser, Pearl [sic] [Harriet], daughter, age 2, born Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 7/12, born Minnesota
The finishing touches have been put upon Dr. Rosser's new office this week and the Doctor moved yesterday—next door north of the post office. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
BRAINERD, MINN., Oct. 15, 1880.—My wife will settle all claims and make all collections against me during my absence. J. C. ROSSER.
(Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
JOHN C. ROSSER, M. D., was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 2d of December, 1840. After taking the usual preparatory course he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1867. Prior to his graduation he had served four years in the army during the Civil War, in the Twenty-eighth Texas Volunteers, two years as hospital steward, and two years as assistant surgeon. Returning from college he settled in his native town, where he practiced his profession until coming to Brainerd in 1871, and still continues in active practice. He has held the office of Coroner since 1873, and is highly respected in the neighborhood. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, edited by Charles S. Bryant, Minneapolis: Minnesota Historical Company, 1881, p. 652)
Dr. J. C. Rosser, who has been in New York for some time past, attending a course of lectures, has returned to his home and practice in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)
Last Sunday an erring son of his mother, having imbibed too often and much at a time, commenced amusing himself by testing his lungs on a prominent street corner, and at length indulged in other still more uncivil proceedings. The sheriff and deputy both being absent, Coroner Rosser, calling an assistant, clutched on to him and started for the cooler. This enraged the inebriated individual very much, whereupon a desperate resistance was offered, and soon quite a crowd had gathered. At length Newt. McFadden coming to the rescue, and seizing him by the nape of the neck and the seat of his indescribables, he was hustled along at a speed that would put St. Julien to blush, but becoming so unbecomingly stubborn, he was deliberately gathered up head and heels by some six or eight and carried bodily along to his new boarding place, where he was jugged long enough to allow fermentation to take place. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)
Rupert Rosser, a nephew of Dr. Rosser is spending the holidays with his uncle's family. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)
Dr. J. C. Rosser will start for the city of Mexico on Monday of next week to be be absent until about March 1st. Mr. Rosser spent 16 years of his life in Texas and it is for the purpose of looking over the country that he takes this trip. Drs. Courtney and Camp will have charge of his practice during his absence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. Rosser is back from Mexico and to stay. The pure air and the morality of the residents of Northern Minnesota is, in his estimation, ahead of anything he can find in the Greaser country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of Brainerd, who has been for the past six months in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, passed Wednesday at Aitkin shaking hands with his old friends. The doctor does not take away any very exalted idea of the country he has visited and thinks Sheridan had it about right when he said if he owned Texas and hell he would rent the former and live in the latter. He describes the country as a dry, arid tract, a splendid place for physicians and undertakers, but a poor place for anybody else. He intends to remain at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)
1885 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Household Number 572, Page 19:
Rosser, J. C., age 44 years, b. 1841, Vermont [sic]
Rosser, Belle, age 27, b. 1858, Wisconsin
Rosser, Pearl, age 7, b. 1878, Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, age 5, b. 1880, Minnesota
Rosser, Jane [sic] [Jean], age 1, b. 1884, Minnesota
Dr. Rosser, Geo. Keene and Joe Westfall returned Wednesday morning from a duck hunt near Jamestown. They report an excellent time and brought back over 200 ducks and ten wild geese. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has decided to remove with his family from this city to St. Paul and is getting his matters in shape preparatory to the move. Dr. Rosser has been in Brainerd for over 20 years and the many friends of himself and family will be sorry to learn of their contemplated departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)
The Grand Rapids Magnet says that Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Rosser have leased the Howes Hospital building in that place, and will at once fit it up. The doctor will give his attention to the direct management, while Mrs. Rosser will give attention to the outside details and business. The Rosser hospital representatives will canvass the woods for business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)
A Lively Runaway.
Last Wednesday afternoon Messrs. C. L. Pratt, H. D. Powers, and A. A. Kremer, accompanied by L. E. Lum, of Brainerd, went over to Pokegama lake to have a sail and to give Mr. Lum an opportunity of seeing what a lovely lake we have at our very doors. They had a fine sail and a jolly afternoon of it, but on the return trip when almost home misfortune overtook them and it is a wonder that they escaped with as little injury as they did. Shortly after they commenced the descent of the hill on the south side of the river, by some ill luck the pole of the buggy fell from the neck yoke, and the team, which was a lively one, started to run away, and Arthur Kremer, who was driving, was powerless to control them, as the buggy ran onto their heels. The other occupants of the rig jumped to the ground and escaped without injury, but when Mr. Kremer jumped, after he found it was useless to attempt to control the team, he was not so fortunate and was quite badly injured. He struck on his left side and shoulder, dislocating the latter and bruising him quite badly. He was taken to his home where Dr. Rosser replaced the injured shoulder. It will be some little time before he will have recovered entirely from the effects of the fall.—Grand Rapids Review. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)
1895 Minnesota Census, Itasca County, Grand Rapids:
Rosser, John C., age 54
Rosser, Belle, age 38
Rosser, Pearle, age 17
Rosser, Ruth, age 15
Rosser, Jean, age 10
Rosser Martha, age 8
Rosser, John C., age 5
In 1895 daughters Pearl, age 18, and Ruth, age 16, are living in the house of Sarah J. Agard, teacher, who is apparently running a private school in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Dr. J. C. Rosser, formerly a resident of this city, but now located at Fosston where he conducts a hospital, arrived in the city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 8, c. 5)
1900 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Polk County, Crookston; Page 16; Family Number 311:
Rosser, John C, head, age 60, b. Virginia; father b. Virginia; mother b. Virginia
Rosser, Bell, wife, age 43, b. Wisconsin, 5 children born, 5 children living; father b. New Hampshire; mother b. New Hampshire
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 23 , b. Minnesota
Rosser, Gean [sic], daughter, age 15, b. Minnesota
Rosser, Martha, daughter, age 13, b. Minnesota
Rosser, John C., son, age 10, b. Minnesota
1905 Minnesota State Census, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Ward 2:
Rosser, John, age 64
Rosser, Belle, age 48
Rosser, Martha, age 18
Rosser, John C., age 15
Dr. J. C. ROSSER
DEAD AT DULUTH
_____
Former Brainerd Citizen Dies After
Surgical Operation at Advanced
Age of 73
_____
CAME TO BRAINERD EARLY 70's
_____
Was Connected With Northern Paci-
fic for Time and Engaged in
General Practice Here
From Monday's Daily:—
The Duluth-News Tribune brings the news of the death in that city of Dr. J. C. Rosser, a former resident of Brainerd and who will be remembered by all the early residents of this city. The News-Tribune says:
Dr. John C. Rosser died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. E. Peyton, 1605 East Second street, where he had been confined for the last six months. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services will be held from Lakewood chapel, Minneapolis, Tuesday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The body will be sent from Duluth tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock.
Dr. Rosser was born in Campbell county, Virginia, Dec. 2, 1840. During the Civil war, he was a steward in a Confederate army hospital and later finished a medical course at Jefferson college, having been graduated in 1867.
He came to Minneapolis with his brother, Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, at the time of the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, Brainerd being the road's headquarters at that time.
Dr. Rosser was appointed chief surgeon of the road and remained in Brainerd 20 years, afterward removing to Anoka, where he lived until about six months ago, when he came to Duluth. A surgical operation left him weakened and he gradually sank.
He was known to a host of friends as a true type of southern gentleman.
He is survived by a widow, four daughters and a son. They are: Mrs. J. C. Geggie [Pearl Harriet], Minneapolis; Mrs. L. [sic] [George] C. [sic] [L.] Chesebrough [Ruth] and Mrs. W. R. Peyton [Jean], both of Duluth; Mrs. Frank Morrison [Martha] and John C. Rosser, Jr., both of Gilman, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1914, p. 7, c. 4) [Courtesy of Brian Marsh, CWCHS]
FamilySearch Death Records:
Name: John Carper Rosser
Death Date: 25 Apr 1914
Death Place: Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota
Age: 73
Birth Date: 1841
Father's Name: John C. Rosser
Mother's Name: Mina [sic] Johnstone [sic]
ROSSER, JOHN CARPER
Date of Death: 25 APR 1914
County of Death: ST. LOUIS
CERTID# 1914-MN-024392
•See Fred E. Low.
•See Heber Lynden Hartley.
•See Nicholas Heller.
•See Jacob Paine and Helen McArthur.
•See James M. White.
•See Jacob Pederson.
•See Edward Robert French.
•See Frederick Koenig.
•See Dr. John Robert Howes.
•See Charles Douglas Johnson.
Father: John Rosser, b. 1793, Campbell County, Virginia; married Martha Melvina Johnson on May 28, 1834 in Campbell County, Virginia
Mother: Martha Melvina Johnson, b. 1803, Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1859, Panola County, Texas
Paternal Grandfather: Thomas Oglesby Rosser, b. circa 1868, Campbell County, Virginia; married Nancy R. Tweedy on March 5, 1792 in Campbell County, Virginia; d. 1847
Paternal Grandmother: Nancy R. Tweedy, b. circa 1768-1774
Maternal Grandfather: Thomas Johnson
Maternal Grandmother: Millicent Hargrave
Brother of William Edward Rosser, Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Florence Sarah Rosser Henderson.
1860 Federal Census, Panola County, Beat No. 8, Texas:
Rosser, John, age 58, b. 1802, Virginia (Page 137)
Rosser, John, age 20, b. 1840, Virginia (Page 123)
National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers Index:
NAME: ROSSER, JOHN C.
REGIMENT NAME: 28th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Randal's) (1st Texas Lancers)
SIDE: Confederate
COMPANY: CFS
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private
SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Acting Surgeon
We are glad to learn that Mrs. Adie Goulet, wife of our esteemed townsman, F. X. Goulet, Esq., who has been dangerously ill for some time, has so far recovered as to be able to sit up. Too much praise can not be given Dr. Rosser, (who has been her medical attendant) for his skillfulness and assiduous care. F. X. Goulet wishes through the columns of our paper to thank him and all those who so kindly rendered him their services in his late troubles. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)
ABOUT HEALTH.—There is not so much sickness in town as there used to be; still, Dr. Rosser is kept busy, as he is the only physician, we believe, in the city, since the departure east of Dr. Thayer, and there is a large community dependent upon Dr. Rosser in a medical sense. Since his return to this place he has been sought for from far and near. The Doctor is both popular as a physician, and citizen, and numbers warm and appreciative friends here by the hundred. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)
OUR readers will notice the professional card of Dr. J. C. Rosser, elsewhere. Dr. Rosser is a thorough scholar in his profession, and will wait upon the sick at any hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)
RETURNED.—Our friend, Dr. Rosser, who has been spending a month out at Fort Seward, D. T., is again with us. 'Tis well, for the Doctor is good company, and is always missed when away. (Brainerd Tribune,10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)
Some Curiosities.
Dropping into the office of our friend, Dr.J. C. Rosser, the other day, we enjoyed a most pleasant hour. The Doctor, wherever known is esteemed a man of culture and refinement, a master in his profession, a social lord, and a gentleman in the finest construction of the term. Dr. Rosser has charge of the Northern Pacific Medical Department, and during his occupancy of their fine medical office he has added many rare specimens to the museum thereto attached. Among the latest additions, we notice a fully developed skull of a white man, found close to Crystal Springs, which are located on the Northern Pacific in Dakota, about midway between Fargo and Bismarck. The skull gives every evidence of having been at one time, many decades ago, the “cap-sheaf” to an intelligent anatomy, and is certainly the finest specimen in the collection of skulls. Tradition among the Indians in that region leads to the almost positive fact that it is the skull of an English Lord, who many years ago made a tour to the Selkirk Settlement, and who with his party, undertook the exploration of the country across from the Red River to the Missouri River, but who, about midway in that unexplored country, fell into the hands of the hostile natives; the Chief (the Lord) of the party was taken into captivity and was massacred at the verge of the wonderful springs mentioned, and his body left to decay and his bones to bleach on the bosom of the plains, until the onward progress of civilization came along and found this relic of a once highly intelligent and adventurous man; while the remainder of the party shared a similar fate in other directions; but the superstition of the natives taught them that the most important of the party of strange white beings should, of right to the Great Spirit, be slaughtered at the most sacred spot in their domain, which was at what is now known as the celebrated Crystal Springs, on the Northern Pacific. A hole through the right side of the crown of the head, seems to show that he was killed by the stroke of a pointed war club, made of flint stone, occasionally seen among the Sioux even at this late day.
Another skull is of a young native, which belonged undoubtedly to the pre-history race of this vast country, or in other words, the Mound Builder’s period. The reasons for this conclusion are these:
The skull itself differs in several respects from those of the natives of the present day, and exhibits a much higher degree of intellect and cultivation; a stronger reason is, that this one seems to have been regularly interred—a mode of burial generally accorded to the famous Mound Builders, while the natives of more modern times ”bury their dead in a tree-top or up on a scaffold.”
Many other fossiliferous specimens are to be seen, which excite the wonder of the intelligent mind; some human bones that have been buried so long that they have turned into solid stone, but are perfect as may be in their form. One bone in particular, was well worthy of the study of those who understand the human anatomy. It is a bone, the Doctor informed us, that belonged to the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. Its peculiarity was in the raised ridges extending along its length, which never appear to any degree whatever on that bone unless the man be a Hercules of strength and physical power; this being the case, the possessor of this petrified bone must have been a terror, and had a muscle upon which could have cracked anything from a hazelnut to a quartz rock without breaking the skin.
Several most wonderful geological specimens ornament Dr. Rosser’s cabinet, which for real merit in the kingdom geology, surpass anything we have ever had the pleasure of examining, all selected from along the Northern Pacific.
Speaking of the practice of the natives of the present day, in “burying their dead in the tree tops,” calls to mind an item we had forgotten to mention. Dr. Rosser has some billets of wood cut from a tree recently, that contain bones thoroughly imbedded in the sound wood, having been placed in the fork of the tree many years ago, the tree as it grew enclosed and preserved them as perfectly as though petrified, until the tree was cut down and split open, disclosed them in their wonderful tomb. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)
1875 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Line Number 33, Family Number 143:
Rosser, J. C., age 32, b. circa 1843, Virginia; mother born Virginia; father born Virginia
Dr. Rosser has changed his theory regarding matrimony. He no longer holds that it is only a physiological necessity, but argues that it is a telegraphic necessity also, and produces, as proof of this theory, the fact that, out of the numerous single young gentlemen operators on the line of the Northern Pacific, but two remain unmarried, and with those two it is but a question of a little time. How about medical necessity Doc.? Won't the question of a little time settle that, too? (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has been "out hunting," and shot a bear, but the bear swam the river and took to the brush on the other side, and the Dr. is unable so far to find his game, and we are yet unable to give its dimensions, weight, etc., which will all come in good time. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. J. C. Rosser was the recipient this week of a fine present from his brother General Rosser, of Washington, D. C., in the shape of a breech loading Springfield rifle and a large supply of ammunition. The rifle is the latest improved Nadle [sic] [? needle] gun, handsomely finished, and truly a valuable gift, and we would advise the deer in this section, if they have any regard for longevity, to make themselves scarce, when the doctor goes out hunting now or he will do it for them. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)
WE WERE shown this week by Dr. Rosser a tape worm, taken from the stomach of one of his patients, that will measure nearly four feet in length, and is certainly a curiosity to one who has never witnessed the like. We do not covet such an occupant for our tenement, and should procure one of the Doctor's writs of ejectment at once as this patient has done if we were so inhabited. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
Messrs. D. O. Preston, G. W. Holland, J. C. Rosser, S. V. R. Sherwood and others have been treating themselves to new suits of clothes and silk hats, making quite a change in the appearance of the town. This is the Centennial year, you know. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
DR. ROSSER received a handsome present this week from an unknown friend, in the shape of a beautiful microscope. It affords truly wonderful sights from very small and ordinary objects; even the editor of the Detroit Record would attain quite fair proportions under its lens. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)
GEN. T. L. ROSSER, brother of Dr. J. C. Rosser of this city, has been elected city engineer of the city of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)
John C. Rosser married Belle Lowe on November 5, 1876 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
After their wedding they moved in with Belle's parents who lived at the southeast corner of Fifth and Norwood Streets in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Editor Brainerd Tribune:
Though the wickedness of Brainerd Citizens is most intense, according to the theory of your correspondent, our old pastor, Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, we are destined to live good long lives—which to repent of our enormous sins and seek salvation provided J. C. Rosser remains with us as our physician, judging from the efficient manner in which he is treating his patients—particularly in typhoid fever—he won't let them die. The cases of typhoid that have come to my attention deserving especial notice are those of Mrs. Henry Leland, C. J. Downs, and Kate Snyder, in which their cure was most wonderful. The Doc. is earning for himself a reputation of which any physician should feel proud, and that he may long remain with us healing our sick is the earnest wish of your
SUBSCRIBER.
BRAINERD, Sept. 27, 1877.
(Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 1, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of this place has accepted the offer from Major Ruffee, U. S. Indian Agent at White Earth, of the position of resident physician and surgeon on the reservation at a good salary. The Doctor will remove with his family to the agency and relieve Dr. Bodle, the present incumbent, on the first of April. This decision of Dr. Rosser's will be deeply regretted by our citizens, for by it we lose what we have never before been without—a good physician. What our fortune will be in procuring a successor is exceedingly uncertain and a matter of grave importance, though we can but hope for the best. We can heartily recommend the Doctor to his new position, however, and wish him and his, health and prosperity, and we congratulate the people of White Earth upon their fortunate acquisition in so excellent a professional and citizen, though their gain is our sad loss. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Dr. Rosser takes his departure on Monday for White Earth. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
Unfortunate for Dr. Rosser.
The Indian appropriation bill which passed the house yesterday appeared to be satisfactory to all except that an item or two were left out of particular importance to certain bands of Chippewas. The bill did not contain the usual item of $1,500 for a physician at the White Earth agency. The reason this item was left out this time, was because it was not in the estimates sent to the committee by the commissioner of Indian affairs for the reason that the treaty under which a physician has heretofore been provided for will expire at the present fiscal year. Dr. Stewart made a strong and earnest appeal to the house to amend the bill by adding this item. This he found it utterly impossible to do. Even such a prominent Democrat as Gov. Throckmorton, who wanted a little item of $500 added had no sort of chance to get it. The house seemed determined not to increase the sum reported by the committee. Mr. Pound of Wisconsin, at the instance of Dr. Mahan, the agent of the La Pointe Indians, tried to get in an amendment granting $2,000 for the purpose of erecting buildings for the poor and needy Indians within Mahan's jurisdiction; but Mr. Pound was pounded out so flat that he was not afterwards heard from. His amendment was not received. An effort will be made in the appropriation committee of the senate, of which Senator Morton is chairman, to add these amendments there, and it is very probable that in the case of the physician at White Earth, at least, the item will be added.—[Wash. Cor. Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 5)
Major Ruffee, of the White Earth Indian Agency, was in town on Thursday. He thinks Dr. Rosser's salary will be arranged all right—a fact the doctor's friends will be pleased to learn. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)
Dr. Rosser and family arrived in the city today from White Earth, for a few weeks' visit with friends here, and the Doctor for a brush now and then with his old enemies—the deer. Welcome. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this week from Dr. J. C. Rosser, of White Earth. He thinks of returning to Brainerd to reside. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)
We received a pleasant call this morning, from Dr. J. C. Rosser, who, with his family has arrived from White Earth, and proposes to settle with us once more, and open an office as physician and surgeon. The doctor has many friends here who will welcome him back with pleasure. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 6, c. 1)
1880 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, 18 June 1880, Page 85:
Rosser, John C., head, age 39, physician; b. 1841, Virginia; father born Virginia; mother born Virginia
Rosser, Bella [sic], age, 22, wife; b. 1858, New Hampshire [sic]; father born New Hampshire; mother born New Hampshire
Rosser, Pearl [sic] [Harriet], daughter, age 2, born Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 7/12, born Minnesota
The finishing touches have been put upon Dr. Rosser's new office this week and the Doctor moved yesterday—next door north of the post office. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
BRAINERD, MINN., Oct. 15, 1880.—My wife will settle all claims and make all collections against me during my absence. J. C. ROSSER.
(Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)
JOHN C. ROSSER, M. D., was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 2d of December, 1840. After taking the usual preparatory course he entered the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1867. Prior to his graduation he had served four years in the army during the Civil War, in the Twenty-eighth Texas Volunteers, two years as hospital steward, and two years as assistant surgeon. Returning from college he settled in his native town, where he practiced his profession until coming to Brainerd in 1871, and still continues in active practice. He has held the office of Coroner since 1873, and is highly respected in the neighborhood. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, edited by Charles S. Bryant, Minneapolis: Minnesota Historical Company, 1881, p. 652)
Dr. J. C. Rosser, who has been in New York for some time past, attending a course of lectures, has returned to his home and practice in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)
Last Sunday an erring son of his mother, having imbibed too often and much at a time, commenced amusing himself by testing his lungs on a prominent street corner, and at length indulged in other still more uncivil proceedings. The sheriff and deputy both being absent, Coroner Rosser, calling an assistant, clutched on to him and started for the cooler. This enraged the inebriated individual very much, whereupon a desperate resistance was offered, and soon quite a crowd had gathered. At length Newt. McFadden coming to the rescue, and seizing him by the nape of the neck and the seat of his indescribables, he was hustled along at a speed that would put St. Julien to blush, but becoming so unbecomingly stubborn, he was deliberately gathered up head and heels by some six or eight and carried bodily along to his new boarding place, where he was jugged long enough to allow fermentation to take place. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)
Rupert Rosser, a nephew of Dr. Rosser is spending the holidays with his uncle's family. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)
Dr. J. C. Rosser will start for the city of Mexico on Monday of next week to be be absent until about March 1st. Mr. Rosser spent 16 years of his life in Texas and it is for the purpose of looking over the country that he takes this trip. Drs. Courtney and Camp will have charge of his practice during his absence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. Rosser is back from Mexico and to stay. The pure air and the morality of the residents of Northern Minnesota is, in his estimation, ahead of anything he can find in the Greaser country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)
Dr. J. C. Rosser of Brainerd, who has been for the past six months in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, passed Wednesday at Aitkin shaking hands with his old friends. The doctor does not take away any very exalted idea of the country he has visited and thinks Sheridan had it about right when he said if he owned Texas and hell he would rent the former and live in the latter. He describes the country as a dry, arid tract, a splendid place for physicians and undertakers, but a poor place for anybody else. He intends to remain at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)
1885 Minnesota State Census, Crow Wing County, Brainerd, Household Number 572, Page 19:
Rosser, J. C., age 44 years, b. 1841, Vermont [sic]
Rosser, Belle, age 27, b. 1858, Wisconsin
Rosser, Pearl, age 7, b. 1878, Minnesota
Rosser, Ruth, age 5, b. 1880, Minnesota
Rosser, Jane [sic] [Jean], age 1, b. 1884, Minnesota
Dr. Rosser, Geo. Keene and Joe Westfall returned Wednesday morning from a duck hunt near Jamestown. They report an excellent time and brought back over 200 ducks and ten wild geese. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)
Dr. J. C. Rosser has decided to remove with his family from this city to St. Paul and is getting his matters in shape preparatory to the move. Dr. Rosser has been in Brainerd for over 20 years and the many friends of himself and family will be sorry to learn of their contemplated departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)
The Grand Rapids Magnet says that Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Rosser have leased the Howes Hospital building in that place, and will at once fit it up. The doctor will give his attention to the direct management, while Mrs. Rosser will give attention to the outside details and business. The Rosser hospital representatives will canvass the woods for business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)
A Lively Runaway.
Last Wednesday afternoon Messrs. C. L. Pratt, H. D. Powers, and A. A. Kremer, accompanied by L. E. Lum, of Brainerd, went over to Pokegama lake to have a sail and to give Mr. Lum an opportunity of seeing what a lovely lake we have at our very doors. They had a fine sail and a jolly afternoon of it, but on the return trip when almost home misfortune overtook them and it is a wonder that they escaped with as little injury as they did. Shortly after they commenced the descent of the hill on the south side of the river, by some ill luck the pole of the buggy fell from the neck yoke, and the team, which was a lively one, started to run away, and Arthur Kremer, who was driving, was powerless to control them, as the buggy ran onto their heels. The other occupants of the rig jumped to the ground and escaped without injury, but when Mr. Kremer jumped, after he found it was useless to attempt to control the team, he was not so fortunate and was quite badly injured. He struck on his left side and shoulder, dislocating the latter and bruising him quite badly. He was taken to his home where Dr. Rosser replaced the injured shoulder. It will be some little time before he will have recovered entirely from the effects of the fall.—Grand Rapids Review. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)
1895 Minnesota Census, Itasca County, Grand Rapids:
Rosser, John C., age 54
Rosser, Belle, age 38
Rosser, Pearle, age 17
Rosser, Ruth, age 15
Rosser, Jean, age 10
Rosser Martha, age 8
Rosser, John C., age 5
In 1895 daughters Pearl, age 18, and Ruth, age 16, are living in the house of Sarah J. Agard, teacher, who is apparently running a private school in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Dr. J. C. Rosser, formerly a resident of this city, but now located at Fosston where he conducts a hospital, arrived in the city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 8, c. 5)
1900 Federal Census, State of Minnesota, Polk County, Crookston; Page 16; Family Number 311:
Rosser, John C, head, age 60, b. Virginia; father b. Virginia; mother b. Virginia
Rosser, Bell, wife, age 43, b. Wisconsin, 5 children born, 5 children living; father b. New Hampshire; mother b. New Hampshire
Rosser, Ruth, daughter, age 23 , b. Minnesota
Rosser, Gean [sic], daughter, age 15, b. Minnesota
Rosser, Martha, daughter, age 13, b. Minnesota
Rosser, John C., son, age 10, b. Minnesota
1905 Minnesota State Census, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Ward 2:
Rosser, John, age 64
Rosser, Belle, age 48
Rosser, Martha, age 18
Rosser, John C., age 15
Dr. J. C. ROSSER
DEAD AT DULUTH
_____
Former Brainerd Citizen Dies After
Surgical Operation at Advanced
Age of 73
_____
CAME TO BRAINERD EARLY 70's
_____
Was Connected With Northern Paci-
fic for Time and Engaged in
General Practice Here
From Monday's Daily:—
The Duluth-News Tribune brings the news of the death in that city of Dr. J. C. Rosser, a former resident of Brainerd and who will be remembered by all the early residents of this city. The News-Tribune says:
Dr. John C. Rosser died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. E. Peyton, 1605 East Second street, where he had been confined for the last six months. He was 73 years old.
Funeral services will be held from Lakewood chapel, Minneapolis, Tuesday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The body will be sent from Duluth tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock.
Dr. Rosser was born in Campbell county, Virginia, Dec. 2, 1840. During the Civil war, he was a steward in a Confederate army hospital and later finished a medical course at Jefferson college, having been graduated in 1867.
He came to Minneapolis with his brother, Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, at the time of the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, Brainerd being the road's headquarters at that time.
Dr. Rosser was appointed chief surgeon of the road and remained in Brainerd 20 years, afterward removing to Anoka, where he lived until about six months ago, when he came to Duluth. A surgical operation left him weakened and he gradually sank.
He was known to a host of friends as a true type of southern gentleman.
He is survived by a widow, four daughters and a son. They are: Mrs. J. C. Geggie [Pearl Harriet], Minneapolis; Mrs. L. [sic] [George] C. [sic] [L.] Chesebrough [Ruth] and Mrs. W. R. Peyton [Jean], both of Duluth; Mrs. Frank Morrison [Martha] and John C. Rosser, Jr., both of Gilman, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1914, p. 7, c. 4) [Courtesy of Brian Marsh, CWCHS]
FamilySearch Death Records:
Name: John Carper Rosser
Death Date: 25 Apr 1914
Death Place: Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota
Age: 73
Birth Date: 1841
Father's Name: John C. Rosser
Mother's Name: Mina [sic] Johnstone [sic]
ROSSER, JOHN CARPER
Date of Death: 25 APR 1914
County of Death: ST. LOUIS
CERTID# 1914-MN-024392
Gravesite Details
Lakewood Cemetery office claims the grave is unmarked.
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