Rose, Archibald Johnson, 1830-

Archibald Johnson Rose (1830-1903) was a soldier, educator, politician, and organizer of the Texas State Grange. After panning for gold in California, Rose moved to Texas in 1857 and settled on the San Saba River in 1860, where he ranched and helped establish a settlement. During the Civil War, Rose served in a Frontier unit protecting Texas from Indians. Rose moved to Salado after the end of the Civil War.

Rose joined the newly organized Grange at Salado in the summer of 1873. In October, he helped arrange the Texas State Grange in Dallas, drafting its constitution and bylaws. From 1880 to 1891, Rose was worthy master at a time when the Grange was one of the most influential organizations in Texas. Furthermore, Rose was a crusader and advocate for education in Texas. He believed Texas needed better schools and teachers, free textbooks, and vocational education. In 1887 he joined the board of directors for Texas A&M, and was its president from 1891 to 1896. Additionally, he was a trustee of Salado College. In 1894, Governor Charles A. Culberson appointed Rose commissioner of agriculture, insurance, statistics, and history. During his tenure, Rose advocated the overhaul of insurance codes and supported the Texas State Library. Rose was also a member of the Texas State Historical Association and a grandmaster in the Masonic order of Texas. He died in Salado on December 13, 1903.

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