On the Battle ground: Rosalia Wash. – Washington State Library Electronic Publications
From the desk of Jeff Martin
Do your ancestors come from this area? While not always politically correct by 21st century standards, this publication is full of pictures and information about the early days of Rosalia.
Author:
Charles Thompson
The Inland Press, of Inland Printing Co., Spokane, Washington
Publication date: 1905
PEOPLE
“Natives of almost every state people Rosalia and vicinity. It has profited from this circumstance just as the emigration from all nations has made the United States a superior people. The immigration to Rosalia up to the early nineties (i.e., 1890s) was of two classes. The least desirable and the best of the older states. The first class, the incapables, industrially and morally, were simply crowded out of their environment in the East. They came because land was cheap and they must go somewhere. The great opportunities of those days for people of little means roused some to ambitious efforts, and, weaklings no longer, they are numbered today among our strong successful men. The greater part of this class failed, as they had failed before, and became driftwood, passing from sight down the stream long ago.
The second class were of the best and strongest of the older states, selected from their fellows by the test of courage. Equally as capable, but braver, more ambitious, more self-reliant, than contemporaries who were content and hesitated to venture, a comprehensive survey of their environment showed but a meager prospect – at best, a limited competence to reward a life of toil and self-denial. To them it was not worth it. Resolutely turning from the pleasures and comforts of home, they set their faces toward the unknown West, determined to battle for a worthier prize. And, braver yet, were the young wives that accompanied them or faithfully waited the return of husbands or lovers, gone before to prepare a humble home. (Pages 16 -18)”
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