Settlers are finding there way to Roscoe & making it their home. Minnesota is the edge of the frontier at this time.
Among the first sttlers to make their home in Roscoe wer D.F. Stevens, H.G. Devoe as well as Fletcher Hagler, J.R. Good, Joseph Rutherford, David Coleman and others.
It was said that Fletcher Hagler erected the first frame dwelling in town.
It was also siad that the first store was opened by Fletcher Hagler & Mr. Good.
The first religous service was conducted by Rev. John Salmon and held in the home of
Mrs. Stevens.
Once again, it was said that Fletcher Hagler was the first postmaster of Roscoe. The post office was most likely conducted out of the store. The mail at that time serviced by the stage that ran through Rosco from Red Wing.
A hotel was built and then the post office. A stage route ran through and srvice the mail.
The first church organization took place in the spring at the school.
The recetion of 1857 was so bad that the store closed and was even abandoned.
It was said that Mrs. Stevens eat bread that was made with corn that had been given to her by the indians while her sons were out of town for supplies. It was siad that she grownd the corn in a coffee mill.
Mrs. Haskell Burchhad the first two births, twins while living in a wagon as their dwelling was not yet complete.
H.C. Emery & Mrs. Mahala Sacket were the first couple married in July.
Roscoe had their first death with William Fry.
The first school was erected and was conducted by Annette Leek.
The town was organized on May 11th, 1858
The names Roscoe, Sunape & Scopic were voted on. Roscoe, 34, Sunape, 27, Scopic, 7.
Sunday school was organized and the suprentendent was Loren Webb. Said to be Oliver Webbs son.
Another post office was established and called Sunape, later changed to Roscoe Center.
Minnesota becomes the 32nd State in May of 1858
In 1860, there was said to have been a sad accident when two babies died in a residence owned by James Ray. The home was struck by lightning and burned to the ground taking the lives of the babies. despite the efforts that were made.
The population in 1860 was 378 citizens.
The Civil War Years
A Call To Arms is sent through out Goodhue County to raise a company of men.
The Roscue Union Gaurds were said to have answered this first call. It has not been found as to exactly when the militia had been fromed or how long it had been in service at the time.
The Boys From Roscoe men answered the call. They make there way to Red Wing and joined in with the 1st company being formed as well as other future companies. The Goodhue Volunteers soon to become Co. F of the First Minnesota Regiment Volunteer Infantry. Once at Fort Snelling, the call is changed from 90 days to 3 years. Some men come back home not being able to leave their homes for so long a time, but joined in other future regiments that are called to be made.
During the Dakota Conflict, after the Indian attack on New Ulm in August, Companies of Civilian Soldiers were formed to protect the towns across the lands of Minnesota. On August 28th of 1862, the Roscoe Mounted Militia was formed. On August 24,1862 a company of this type was organized in Goodhue County. The Goodhue County Rangers There were 36 men in this company. It was to act as a Home Guard for the area and served until September 22, 1862. It served as the southern defense of the frontier. Some of these companies saw action in the Indain War of 1862 and did have casualties. One other company in Red Wing was The Red Wing Cavalry and in Hasting was The Hasting Rangers.
What could you get for your money in Rosco in those days?
One Dozen Eggs- 7 Cents, One Dozen Candles- 15 cents, Edds Shirt- 75 cents, Towels- 10 cents, Drawers- 75 cents, Slippers- 50 cents, Dressing Gowns- $1.47, Pillow Cases 12 1/2 cents, Shoes $2.50, Socks- 20 cents and Postage was 10 cents a letter.
I am looking for a copy of a photograph of a street scene, or building, cabin, house of sorts for this page of the Civil War Era 1861 -1865.
I am not sure how close to this time period can be found. 2nd choices 1865-1880 that may reflect Roscoe in the 1800'
Email me If you would be willing to share a copy of your photograph of Roscoe in this era. Link below
