Little is known about the early life of Dr. Roland Lee Rosson. He was born in Virginia in the early 1850s, and graduated from the University of Virginia Medical School in 1873. His service as a assistant surgeon in the Army brought him to Arizona where he served at four posts. After his dismissal from the Army in 1879, he moved to Phoenix to establish a medical practice.

Rosson married Flora B. Murray, a member of a prominent Phoenix family, in 1880. A daughter, Irene, was born to the Rossons in 1881. A son was born and died in 1883, but records show another son, Clyde, and three additional daughters, Vivien, Floy and Norma all survived their childhoods.

During the eighteen years Rosson lived in Phoenix, he alternated pursuing a career in public office with his medical practice, serving, at various times, as Maricopa County Coroner, Public Administrator, County Treasurer, and Mayor of Phoenix.

Shortly before his election as Mayor in 1895, the Rossons moved into their new home and what is now the Rosson House Museum. However, the family owned the house for only two years. Rosson resigned as Mayor in 1896 as a result of disagreements with the City Council. Following an unsuccessful bid for the nomination of City Assessor, the family sold their home in 1897 and moved to Los Angeles, California for the “educational advantages” there.

On May 12, 1898, Dr. Rosson died after a brief illness. He apparently purchased a large amount of life insurance shortly before, giving rise to speculation that the death was intentional. However, a coroner’s report and autopsy revealed the cause of death to be gastroenteritis. Mrs. Rosson continued to live in Los Angeles until her death in 1911.

Click Here! to view moments in Dr. Rosson’s medical career.

Click Here! for an illustration outlining the architectural elements   of the Rosson House & more of its history.