Aaron Rose (pioneer) facts for kids
Aaron Rose (1813–1899) was an American pioneer who helped settle new areas in Michigan and Oregon. He is best known for founding the city of Roseburg, Oregon.
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Aaron Rose's Early Life
Aaron Rose was born in New York state in 1813. He had at least one brother named Abram.
Building a New Life in Oregon
After helping to develop new settlements in Michigan, Aaron Rose left in 1851. He traveled the Applegate Trail, a path pioneers used to reach Oregon. On September 23, 1851, he arrived at a spot where Oregon's South Umpqua River and Deer Creek meet.
He brought his family and belongings in a wagon pulled by oxen. He settled on a piece of land given by the government, which was about 320 acres (130 ha). This land is where the city of Roseburg stands today.
Aaron Rose built a simple wooden house and started selling supplies to travelers and traders. He also began farming and raising animals. People often called him "Uncle Aaron." He did well in his businesses, even though money was sometimes scarce. In those early days, he said that food was harder to find than money. For example, eggs and apples could sell for US$1 each, and flour cost US$1 a pound! Gold dust was the main way people paid for things.
Founding and Growing Roseburg
Aaron Rose really wanted people to move to Roseburg and help build a thriving city. He offered great deals to encourage new businesses. Many factories and important stores in Roseburg at the end of the 1800s received free land from him.
When the Southern Pacific Railroad was building its tracks through Oregon, Aaron Rose gave the company land worth US$30,000. This helped make sure the railroad would pass through Roseburg. He also gave five acres of land for train facilities to the Roseburg & Coos Bay Railroad.
Aaron Rose was also very generous to the community. He gave a free piece of land and extra money to all eight churches in Roseburg during his time, helping them build their places of worship. Besides being the main supporter of Roseburg, he also did a lot for charity.
Before 1860, Aaron Rose spent most of his time farming. But as Roseburg grew, he became very involved in city projects. He supported things like city water systems and electric lights by giving large amounts of money. He also owned the New Era flour mill, which could produce 75 barrels of flour each day and store 25,000 bushels of grain.
Aaron Rose's Family
Aaron Rose was married three or four times and had several children.
With his first wife, Minerva, he had three daughters, including Lucy A. Mallory. With his third wife, Frances, he had five children.
Aaron Rose passed away in 1899.
