Biographical Sketch of

David Rosebrook

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 505 - 506 


David Rosebrook is numbered among the early settlers of Green Lake County and is now engaged in farming 
and stock rising on section 2, St. Marie Township. His birth occurred on the 19th day of September 1833 
near Auburn, N. Y., where his parents, Waldo and Anna (Palmer) Rosebrook, had for a number of years 
resided. His mother is a native of Connecticut, but his father was born in the Empire State, where he 
engaged in the occupation of farming and stock raising, until 1836, when he came to Wisconsin. But few 
were the settlers in the State at that time; many of the now densely populated counties were without 
inhabitants and it was then considered a part of the far West. Locating in Waukesha County, for thirteen 
years he there made his home, at the end of which time, in 1849, he came with his family to Green Lake 
County, where he entered 160 acres of land from the government. It was situated on section 12, St. Marie 
Township, then called Pleasant Valley Township and comprises a part of the farm on which our subject now 
resides. Wild and uncultivated was the land which he procured and no building of kind had been erected 
thereon.  Without delay he put up a log cabin, into which the family moved, beginning life in true pioneer 
style. They had become somewhat familiar with the hardships and difficulties attending pioneer life and 
knew how to make the best of every thing, yet many were the trials which they endured and the obstacles 
which they encountered. Mr. Rosebrook was a man of industrious habits and steadfast purpose and at the 
time of his death, in 1869, had developed a good home. His excellent wife survived him for a number of 
years her death occurring in 1886.

Four sons were born to Waldo and Anna Rosebrook but our subject is the only one now living, and it thus 
falls to him to perpetuate the family history. He has resided in Wisconsin since three years of age and 
feels a deep interest in the State which has so long been his home and his pride. He was educated in its
primitive schools and amid its wild scenes was reared to manhood, becoming familiar with the manners and 
customs of pioneer life. He also aided his father in the development of the old homestead farm until twenty 
one years of age, when having attained to man�s estate and wishing to provide for his future he rented a 
farm which he and his father operated together with the old homestead. For five years he worked on shares 
and then rented land which he cultivated alone for one year. 

When approaching man�s estate Mr. Rosebrook chose for himself a life companion in the person of Miss Mary E. 
Miller their wedding being celebrated March 11 1852. The lady is a daughter of John and Margaret (Wiley) 
Miller, who were natives of New York. Her father also engaged in agricultural pursuits and removed with his 
family to Wisconsin in 1854 settling in St. Marie Township. When nearing old age he and his wife laid aside 
all care and made their home with their children. Both died at the residence of their son in New York. Three 
children were born of union of David and Mary Rosebrook and the family circle yet remains unbroken; Charles M., 
the oldest is still with his parents; Delbert married Maud Schooley and resides in Sanborn Iowa; and Jennie A. 
is still with her parents.

In 1859 Mr. Rosebrook laid aside his farming interests to accept the position of Deputy Sheriff, which he held 
for six years. On assuming the duties of that office he removed to Marquette but after eighteen months purchased 
the land on which he now resides and has since there made his home. His financial resources were nearly exhausted 
after paying for his farm and in consequence he erected a rather unpretentious dwelling, which has since been 
replaced by a tasty and more commodious residence. The boundaries of his farm have also been extended until now 
150 broad acres pay tribute to his care and cultivation. His farm is one of the finest in the community and its 
owner is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists in the county. By his own efforts Mr. Rosebrook acquired 
the competency which placed him in the comfortable circumstances in which we now find him. He has displayed a 
liberality when called upon to aid in the promotion of public enterprises which many a wealthier man might do 
well to follow and has identified himself with the best interests of the community. He has watched the growth 
and progress of the county since 1849 has seen its wild prairies transformed into beautiful homes and farms, 
the Indian wigwams replaced by palatial residences and the whole country blossom as the rose.  The public, 
appreciating his worth and ability has called him to various positions of trust. For then terms he served as 
Chairman of the Town Board and was again re-elected but resigned. He has served as Side Supervisor for a number 
of years also as Treasurer and as Director of the school district. He takes an active part in political affairs, 
warmly supporting the Republican Party and has often acted as delegate to the different conventions. Mrs. 
Rosebrook, who is a most estimable lady, holds membership in the Congregational Church at Dartford.
 





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