Rosebud, Texas, Falls County. (original) (raw)

When Rosebud was Mormon
To" Mrs. S. V. Gott, Morman Texas" - Postmarked August 27, 1886
Photo courtesy Larry W. Johnson.
See Rosebud Forum

History in a Pecan Shell

Rosebud has had as wide a variety of names as any town in Texas. It was first called Pool's Crossing (of Pond Creek) or Greer's Horsepen, and when it was granted a post office, the requested (and granted) name was Mormon after a group of Mormons who had settled nearby. The postmaster resisted the temptation of naming it Tarver (Albert G.) after himself, and in an act of friendliness and brotherhood, named it after a group of Mormons who had settled nearby.
(Naming of Rosebud - See Rosebud Forum)

A fire in 1887 destroyed the community and (perhaps rather than lick scorched stamps) Albert Tarver took up other work. The new postmaster, wanted to name the post office after a local family named Mullins. There was already a Mullin, Texas over in Mills County, so the application was denied. Rosebud was then submitted (and accepted) and Mormon has been Rosebud ever since.

The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad was adding a line from Waco to Giddings (which is nowhere near San Antonio or Aransas Pass) in 1892 and Rosebud was right in the path. The town benefited enormously from this stroke of fortune but along came the Great Depression and the town declined.

Rosebud had over 2,000 people in the 1980s, just over 1,600 in 1990, and 1478 in 2000.

A Rosebud newspaper editor sometime ago suggested a rosebush in every yard and the citizens complied. We have no idea how many of the rosebushes have survived - but we'd enjoy hearing from readers who may know.

Rosebud, Texas

Landmarks / Attractions

While much has been written on the grand bridges, what are we to make of this tiny bowstring bridge in Rosebud, Texas? Formed of Carnegie steel... more

Rosebud Fire Department and City Hall
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2006

	Grain elevators in Rosebud TE Photo, March 2003

Rosebud in stone
TE photo

Rosebud Old Photos

1901 Photo courtesy Susan Bashore

Rosebud, Texas Forum

• Subject: Rosebud
  I was born in Rosebud in 1947, the oldest of eight. At one time all my family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins) lived in Rosebud. Quite a few of my family members are buried there. I remember my 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Raspberry & 2nd grade Mrs. Royal. I remember my maternal aunts & uncles picking cotton & taking it to the gin. I entered a hoola hoop contest downtown & at a different time won a $50 drawing contest at our local grocery store. At 10-12 yrs old I worked for Mrs Clark on Sat mornings & Mrs. Liggins after school. We watched movies on an outside business wall downtown. My father worked at the gas station on Main until we moved. Whenever we go visit family in Texas, we try to go to Rosebud. Lots of childhood memories. - Mary Enriquez nee Perez, February 17, 2012
• Subject: Rosebud, Texas (formerly Mormon, TX)
  In your Forum "Subject: Naming of Rosebud" there is a statement that says Rosebud, TX never had a "post office" named "Mormon". Not to be disagreeable, but here attached is a scan of a postcard postmarked August 27, 1886 that is addressed to Mrs. S. V. Gott that I think proves otherwise. If there were no post office, then someone sure knew how to get mail from New York to Mrs. Gott in Mormon, TX in 1886.
  The Gott family were one of the pioneers of Rosebud, TX. I would also like to note that Mrs. S. V. Gott is the former Miss Susan Virginia Thorn who at one time was the ward of Sam Houston. Susan Virginia later married Tom Gott, who had worked as an Overseer for Sam Houston. After Tom Gott died in December 1872, Susan Virginia and her five children moved to Falls County, TX to live near her brother-in-law, Samuel Gott. Susan Virginia is buried in the Woodland Cemetery at Rosebud, TX. Many of her descendants are buried not far away at the Powers Chapel Cemetery near Wilderville, TX.
  The Mormon, TX postcard, when photographed by me, was in the possession of Virgie Laura Killen Looney, daughter of Julia Sue Gott Killen, Granddaughter of Tom Green Gott and Great Granddaughter to Susan Virginia Thorn Gott.
  My Great Grandfather, Francis A. Looney and my Grandfather, Dennis A. Looney were also pioneers of Rosebud, TX. - Larry W. Johnson, Grapevine, TX, October 30, 2010
• Subject: Naming of Rosebud
  Rosebud never had a post office named Mormon, because there was already a town in Texas with that name. However, Rosebud, was, at one time, called Mormon for a group of Mormons who settled on Pond Creek, west of present day Rosebud.
  Rosebud got its name from a rosebush planted in Mrs. Mullin's yard. Every day the postmaster, Allen Taylor, would put a rosebud from this bush in his lapel.. Many names were suggested for Rosebud, but all were rejected for whatever reason and Rosebud won out through the efforts of Mr. Taylor. There is still a rosebush in every yard in Rosebud, Texas (Ripley's Believe It or Not).
  Rosebud is experiencing somewhat of a resurgance. People are redoing the old stores on Main Street and we have had TxDot come in and replace curbs and some sidewalks on Main. Things are looking rosy in Rosebud. I grew up here, as did my Dad. My grandfather was an early settler. - Diane Souther Dolan, December 15, 2004
• Subject: Rosebud Texas ~ 100 years ago
  I am attaching an image of downtown Rosebud, Texas from a photo that was taken about 100 years ago (1914?). This was taken in the bygone "Horse and Buggy days". The view is looking to the west and the old bank building is across the street in the center of the photo. The photo was given to me by my mother because she knew of my interest in local history. I'm not sure where she obtained the photo since it pre-dates her birth too (1925). I'm sure many of the younger generation would enjoy seeing their town as it looked in the bygone days. - Larry W. Johnson, Grapevine, TX, October 30, 2010
• Hauling Corn Crop to Market at Age 13
  Excerpted from "Growing Up On the Farm" by Henry Skupin
• Rosebud: She Calls it Home
  This is not history, and I have no photos to share. I simply want to express my joy of having lived in Rosebud, Texas. I moved there in 1999 to be closer to my job at Heritage House Nursing Home. I was the social worker there at that time. I had a sweet little efficiency apartment at Jennie Cox's place on Hwy 77. When I moved to Rosebud I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so kind and treated me like family. Later on I had to bring my grandchildren to live with me and the entire town helped me with them. What a wonderful place to live. If one of my grandchildren got in trouble on the way home from school, I knew before they got home. It was great. I had excellent communication with teachers about my grandchildren and we all had good friends. When I moved away it was not because of any problems in Rosebud. If I could come home now I would. I recently went and visited at the Senior Center and at the Nursing Home and now I am homesick all over again. One day, it is my plan to return for good. Rosebud is home to me and always will be. - Mary-Jane Lick, February 03, 2007
• WWI Vets from Falls County
  I was born and raised in Rosebud, Texas. I graduated from Rosebud High School's class of �59, and I still come and visit Rosebud where my brother, Tony Veracruz lives. My dad and uncles served in WWI. My dad passed away while I was still in high school and I never got to ask him about been a Vet. I am a Vietman-era Veteran and a member of both the American Legion Post No. 490 and the South Houston Lodge No. 1295. If anybody knows where I can track down information about the soldiers from Falls County that served in WWI, please contact me at jveracruz@msn.com . I would really appreciate it. God Bless. - John Veracruz, Houston, Texas, December 04, 2006
• There was a man named Bigfoot Ray or John Bigfoot Ray who was killed in a bar fight in Rosebud Texas. I don't know the year but it was probably in the 1920's. He was part Native American. He was from Mississippi or Alabama. Someone said he was buried in an Indian cemetery on the way to Gause, Texas but I don't know if that is correct. Would anyone have a source that might make mention of a Bigfoot Ray or a John Bigfoot Ray? Thanks, Ross Smith, July 19, 2006. rsmith6670@msn.com
• My name is Deborah Meier Carr and my father, Charles Ray Meier, was born and raised in Rosebud, TX. He died late last year before I was able to complete my family tree. I have visited the cemetery in Rosebud where many Meiers are buried and was able to piece some of my tree together. My grandfather was Erwin Otto Meier, son of Joseph Meier and Maria Schmidt. Rosebud is still the small town that my father always spoke fondly about. He left when he was 17 to join the Air Force and never moved back, though we had an interesting visit in 1967. The area is a beautiful farming community and I hope to return and spend more time researching my family tree in the local courthouse and perhaps buy a winter residence as I currently live in Maine. If you are a Meier or know of my family, I would enjoy reading your post. - Deborah Meier Carr, Esq., Monson, ME 04464, September 07, 2005
• Subject: Mayer Kola
  Dear TE Readers, My great grandfather, GL Mayer, had a soda pop bottling company in Rosebud from 1904 to 1926. I would be very interested in getting any information about the company and hearing any local stories about Mayer Kola.
  I am one of but a few Mayers left so I don't have any family to get information from. If the gentle people of Rosebud could help me out I would be sincerely grateful. - Marilynn Cullison, October 22, 2004
  Subject: ROSEBUD, Texas
  I noticed Ms. Cullison's October, 2004, letter posted to the ROSEBUD, TX, page regarding her great-grandfather, G. L. Mayer, who operated a bottling works in Rosebud, 1904-1926. I would like to contact Ms. Cullison. Is it possible to forward my message? I'm in San Marcos, TX. - Jim Cullen, March 12, 2006
• Recently I came across your website and recognized the name of Bruce Royal. I called Mrs. Royal and asked her about the "used bookstore." She laughingly replied that her husband had indeed been a collector of books but never sold any of them and never had a used bookstore in Rosebud. The only book he ever wrote was called Speaking of Elephants which grew out of his love for the circus.
  He did, however, live in Lockhart and worked for Colonel Baker at the Baker Theater. He wrote an article about Colonel Baker which he thought the newspaper might be interested in but they failed to use it. Mrs. Royal said the article was published by the Caldwell County Museum two or three years ago.
  Hope this information answers some of your questions.
  Thanks for the nice website about Rosebud. It is a delightful community and we have enjoyed the 14 years we have lived here since my husbands retirement. - Unsigned Reader, December 14, 2001
• My name is Jesse Martinez, and I'm currently serving my 16th year in the U.S. Navy. I grew up in Rosebud Texas and graduated from Rosebud-Lott high school in 1984. I was tickled to death to find Rosebud and all the other small towns [on Texas Escapes]. I have many, many fond memories of that small town, I personally think that is the only way to grow up - in a small town, that is. My grandfather moved to Rosebud in the early 20's, and my parents and brother still live in there. I still call it home and visit as frequently as possible. When I leave Italy in March of 2002 I'll be on leave for 30 days and half of that will be in Rosebud. It's nice to be able to share my memories of Rosebud with someone. I could go on forever. Keep up the good work [helping] keep Rosebud alive. - Sincerely, Jesse Martinez

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