Joseph George Rosengarten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph George Rosengarten
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| Born | July 14, 1835 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Died | January 14, 1921 (aged 85) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Resting place | Laurel Hill Cemetery |
| Occupation | Lawyer, historian, Civil War veteran |
Joseph George Rosengarten (born July 14, 1835 – died January 14, 1921) was an important person from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a lawyer, a historian, and fought in the American Civil War. He also worked for a famous general named John F. Reynolds.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph George Rosengarten was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents, George D. and Elizabeth Rosengarten, came from Germany. His father was a very successful chemist and businessman. He owned a big chemical company and invested in many other businesses, like the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Joseph went to private schools in Philadelphia. A teacher named Rev. Charles West Thomson helped him love reading and literature. He finished high school at an academy connected to the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1849, when he was just 14, Joseph started college at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his first degree in 1852. Three years later, in 1855, he earned his master's degree from the same university.
After college, he studied law with Henry M. Phillips, a well-known lawyer in Philadelphia. Joseph became a lawyer himself in 1856.
Studying Abroad
Joseph's father wanted his sons to learn from other countries. So, Joseph traveled to Europe to study history and law. He went to the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
While in Europe, he met many important people. These included famous professors and British legal experts. In 1857, Joseph returned to the United States. He started his law practice in Philadelphia.
Witnessing History: John Brown's Raid
In 1859, Joseph Rosengarten saw a famous event unfold. He witnessed John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia. John Brown was an abolitionist, meaning he wanted to end slavery.
Joseph was traveling by train with the directors of the Pennsylvania Railroad. His train stopped near Harpers Ferry. He walked into town and saw soldiers attacking the engine house. This was where John Brown and his followers were hiding.
Joseph later saw John Brown after he was wounded. Joseph wrote a detailed story about what he saw. This story was published in a magazine called the Atlantic Monthly in 1865.
Civil War Service
The American Civil War began in 1861. On September 2, 1862, Joseph Rosengarten joined the Union Army. He became a first lieutenant in Company D of the 121st Pennsylvania Infantry. His regiment soon moved to Washington, D.C.
They trained hard and became known for their good discipline. Joseph fought bravely in the Battle of Fredericksburg. He picked up the regiment's flag after four other soldiers were hurt. He carried the flag through the battle.
Serving General Reynolds
Because of his bravery, Joseph caught the attention of Major General John F. Reynolds. General Reynolds offered Joseph a job on his staff. Joseph became an Ordnance Officer, helping manage weapons and supplies.
Joseph stayed on General Reynolds' staff. He fought with him at the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg. General Reynolds was killed at Gettysburg. Joseph was given the special honor of taking General Reynolds' body home.
Years later, in 1889, Joseph gave a speech. This speech was at the dedication of General Reynolds' monument in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Life After the War
On September 6, 1863, Joseph Rosengarten left the military. He received an honorable discharge. In March 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Captain.
After the war, Joseph went back to being a lawyer in Philadelphia. He also helped manage his father's many businesses and investments.
Supporting Education and Public Services
Joseph cared deeply about his old university, the University of Pennsylvania. He was president of its alumni association. He also served on its board of trustees.
He supported several other public organizations. These included the German Hospital, now called Lankenau Medical Center, and the House of Refuge. The House of Refuge was a place that helped young people who had gotten into trouble.
Joseph served on the board of the House of Refuge for many years. He later became its vice president and then president. He helped move the institution out of the city. In the new location, young people lived in homes and received education. They also got fresh air and outdoor activities.
Joseph also served on the board of the Free Library of Philadelphia. He was president from 1899 to 1909. Thanks to his efforts, the library received a large donation from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie remembered Joseph's father's kindness to him years before.
Joseph also worked closely with Anthony J. Drexel. He served on the board of the Drexel Institute from its start in 1892 until 1909.
Writing and History
Joseph Rosengarten wrote many articles for newspapers and magazines. These included the New York Tribune and the Atlantic Monthly. He also gave speeches to various groups. One famous speech was about General John F. Reynolds.
He was an active member of the American Philosophical Society. He helped translate old German diaries and observations about America. This helped people learn more about American history.
Joseph was also interested in social science. He helped start the American Social Science Association. This group later became the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
As a historian, Joseph was very interested in how French and German immigrants helped build the United States. He wrote many articles and two books on this topic. His books were The German Soldier in the Wars of the United States (1886) and French Colonists and Exiles in the United States (1907).
Joseph Rosengarten never married. He lived with his parents and later with his sister, Fanny. He died in Philadelphia on January 14, 1921. He is buried next to his sister Fanny at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
