Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

George W. Rosenberger papers, 1854-1884. MS 0387. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

George W. Rosenberger was born on February 23, 1823 at "Rosendale," his family's farm in Rockingham County, Virginia. He was one of the pioneers in the breeding of fine stock in Rockingham County, and as early as 1842, began raising improved breeds of cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry. From 1866 to 1876 he sold full-bred Cotswold sheep and shorthorn cattle.

Rosenberger married Barbara Ann Kagey (1830-1887) on October 16, 1845. The couple had 8 children, including William, Jacob, Frances, Florence, Martha, Arthur, Georgia, and Charles. Rosenberger died on November 9, 1902 in Rockingham County.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of documents and photographs relating to George W. Rosenberger, his family, and the operation of his cattle breeding operation at the family farm,"Rosendale," located in Rockingham County, Virginia. The collection includes: Papers documenting the breeding and sale of cattle (1854-1870s) Confederate government "tax in kind" assessment documents (1864) Civil War documents, largely pertaining to Rosenberger's hiring of Abner Canada to serve as his substitute in Confederate Army One Confederate bond, 500 dollar denomination (1863) Photographs and albums that feature images of family members and family property

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Agriculture -- Virginia -- Shenandoah Valley
• Bonds—Confederate States of America
• Cattle -- Virginia -- Rockingham County
• Confederate States of America. Army—Supplies and stores
• New Market (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
• Photographs
• Rockingham County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
• Rosenberger Family
• Shenandoah County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
• Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865