William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans
William S. "Old Rosy" Rosecrans, a name etched in the annals of American history, stands as a multifaceted figure, embodying the roles of a Union officer during the tumultuous Civil War, a shrewd businessman, and a dedicated politician. His life, marked by both triumph and tribulation, offers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of 19th-century America.
Born on September 6, 1819, in Delaware City, Ohio, William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans was the son of Crandell and Jane Hopkins Rosecrans. His early life laid the foundation for a future distinguished by intellectual curiosity and a commitment to service. This foundation led him to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, from which he graduated in 1842. His time at West Point proved formative, not only for his military training but also for the relationships he forged. Among his classmates were future Civil War luminaries, some of whom would become adversaries on the battlefield. Notably, he shared a room with James Longstreet and A.P. Stewart, both of whom would rise to the rank of general in the Confederate Army.
Upon graduation, William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans was assigned to engineering duty, a role that showcased his aptitude for technical challenges. However, his career path took an unexpected turn in 1854 when he resigned from the military to pursue opportunities in the private sector. His transition from soldier to civilian was remarkably successful. He initially worked as an architect and civil engineer, demonstrating a natural talent for design and construction. Soon, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to West Virginia, where he took charge of a mining business. His geological surveys proved remarkably accurate, leading to the discovery of lucrative new coal veins and solidifying his reputation as a shrewd businessman. His ventures didn’t stop there. In Cincinnati, Ohio, in collaboration with two partners, he established one of the first oil refineries west of the Allegheny Mountains, further diversifying his business interests.
Beyond his business acumen, William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans was also an accomplished inventor. He secured patents for several innovative products, including odorless oil, a round lamp wick, a short and practical lamp chimney, and a novel and economical method for manufacturing soap. His inventive spirit and business acumen seemed destined for continued success. However, fate intervened in 1859 when an experimental "safety" oil lamp exploded, causing severe burns that left him bedridden for 18 months. This setback could have derailed his ambitions, but his resilience and determination allowed him to recover just as the nation teetered on the brink of Civil War.
As the storm clouds of secession gathered, William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans once again offered his services to his country. He wasted no time in contacting Ohio Governor William Dennison, offering his expertise and leadership. He began as a drillmaster for the Marion Rifles, demonstrating his ability to train and prepare soldiers for the rigors of war. He also served as an engineering officer, leveraging his technical skills for the Union cause. His dedication and competence quickly earned him promotions. He was soon appointed colonel, commanding the 23rd Ohio Infantry Regiment, a unit that included future presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. His star continued to rise, and on May 16, 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general in the regular army.
Rosecrans quickly proved his mettle in the early stages of the war, particularly in the West Virginia Campaign. His victories at Rich Mountain and Corrick’s Ford in July 1861 demonstrated his strategic acumen and tactical prowess. As a result of these successes, he assumed command of what would become the Department of Western Virginia. His focus then shifted to the Western Theater in May 1862. He found himself reporting directly to Major General Ulysses S. Grant, the commander of the District of Western Tennessee and the Army of the Tennessee. Under Grant’s direction, Rosecrans played a significant role in the Iuka-Corinth campaign in September and October 1862.
Shortly after, Rosecrans received orders to replace Don Carlos Buell, assuming command of the Army of the Cumberland. This was a crucial command, placing him at the forefront of the Union effort in the Western Theater. In December 1862, he advanced against General Braxton Bragg and his Confederate forces, leading to the bloody and indecisive Battle of Stone River. The battle, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and ultimately failed to deliver a decisive victory for either army.
In 1863, Rosecrans successfully maneuvered Bragg’s forces, compelling them to retreat to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This strategic victory positioned the Union army to potentially capture this vital transportation hub. However, Rosecrans’s fortunes took a turn for the worse at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. The battle, fought in northwestern Georgia, resulted in a significant Confederate victory. Rosecrans’s army suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat back to Chattanooga, where they were soon besieged by Bragg’s forces.
The defeat at Chickamauga proved to be a turning point in Rosecrans’s military career. Due to the setback, Rosecrans was relieved of command of the Army of the Cumberland and replaced by General George H. Thomas. Though his active role in major campaigns was curtailed, Rosecrans was eventually given command of the Department of Missouri, a position he held until the end of the war.
Following his resignation from the army in 1867, William S. “Old Rosy” Rosecrans embarked on a new chapter of his life, serving as a minister to Mexico. He then became involved in various railroad and industrial enterprises in both Mexico and California. He continued to serve his country as a Congressional Representative from California from 1881 to 1885, and later as Register of the Treasury until 1893.
William Starke Rosecrans died near Redondo, California, on March 11, 1898. His remains were later re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery in 1908, a final tribute to his service to the nation. His life, marked by military service, business endeavors, and political involvement, remains a testament to his diverse talents and enduring commitment to his country.