Roesgen - John Phillip - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

The death of Dr. JP Roesgen of Columbus, Ind, father of Mrs. CL Rost has caused profound regret at his home as the following article from the Columbus Republic will show: The announcement of the death of Dr. John Phillip Roesgen at noon yesterday has caused sincere sorrow and regret throughout the entire city. The subject of this sketch was born in Colenz on the Rhine, Germany June 20, 1827 and was of an old aristocratic family of great intellect and high birth. He was graduated from the University of Bonn at an early age. In 1848 in company with Gen. Osterhaus he came to America. He went at once to the Philadelphia Medical College from which institution he also received a dimploma. From Philadelphia he went to Cincinnati and remained during the cholera epidemic. In 1850 he came to Columbus and in connection with Dr. Zulina opened a hospital in the old Kraining building corner of Washington and Sixth Streets. In 1851 he went to DUdleytown, Jackson County where he enjoyed a lucrative practice for 20 years. Through the affection of the people he was also appointed postmaster. On Dec 4, 1851, he was unite din marriage to Miss Elizabeth Buhner, whose birthplace was Hanover, Germany. Unto this union which was one of sunshine and happiness was given four sons and four daughters. Mrs. Roesgen died in 1866 leaving the entire care of the children to the father, the eldest, Mrs. Fred Vollang, being only 14 years of age. The year of 1870 he returned to Columbus. Six years later he went to Michigan City in search of health. Not being benefitted, he visited Indianapolis for some time. Feeling the necessity of a southern climate, he went to Florida where he has since pleasantly spent the great part of the winter season. In April as he expressed himself, “he came home to rest.” Four daughters survive him: Mrs. Fred Volland, Mrs. Carl Rost of Crawfordsville and Misses Lillie and Mellie Roesgen; also three grandchildren of whom he was passionately fond: Emma, Lillie and Master Carl Volland. Dr. Roesgen was a man of rare qualities of mind and character. He dwelt on the highest plane of intellectual purity. Although his mental qualities were cast in a brilliant mould, they were tempered by humility and charity. His ideas were broad, his intutitions quick and impulses generous. He was ever ready to minister to widow and orphan and to the poor and those needful of his health his kineness was proverbial. Throughout his entire life, love was the abiding star. To his children he was both father and mother and from them in return he enjoyed the tenderest consideration and loving attention. The physicians of Columbus passed some resolutions indicative of their regard for Dr. Roesgen. - kbz