User:Hreschk/Roskruge

George James Roskruge (April 10, 1845–July 27, 1927) was a pioneer of the American Southwest. An Englishman born in Roskruge, near Helston, Cornwall, Roskruge immigrated to the United States in 1870, first to Denver Colorado before moving to Prescott Arizona in 1872 and finally settling in Tucson Arizona, where he resided for the rest of his life. General Roskruge, as he was known after serving as Surveyor General of Arizona, was an active participant in work, education, and social activities. He held many leading roles until his death on July 27, 1927.

Early Life in England
Roskruge’s first known job was as a messenger boy for a law firm in Helston at the age of fifteen (1860).

On August 12th, 1860, Roskruge joined the 7th Company of the Duke of Cornwall's Rifle Volunteers, serving ten years. Marksmanship with a rifle was emphasized in the British Volunteer Forces of the era, and Roskruge excelled at it. He competed in many shooting events and was his company‘s top marksman during his final two years of service. Roskruge kept an interest in marksmanship for the remainder of his life.

Immigration to America, Settlement in the West
In October 1870, Roskruge immigrated to the United States, first settling in Denver, Colorado for two years before moving to Prescott, Arizona in June 1872.

Surveyor
Roskruge worked his way up through increasing roles of importance and responsibility in surveying through the following years:

In November 1872 Roskruge worked packing and cooking for United States Deputy Surveyor Omar H. Case. In the spring of 1873 he worked for Case as a chainman. United States Deputy Surveyor C.B. Foster employed Roskruge in 1874, first assisting in the field for several months, later preparing maps and field notes that were submitted to the Surveyor General of Arizona’s office. From 1874 to 1880 Roskruge worked as chief draftsman for John Wasson, Surveyor General of Arizona. In June 1880, Roskruge received an appointment as United States deputy land and mineral surveyor. In 1880 Roskruge was appointed by the Mayor and Common Council of Tucson as City Surveyor. A one year appointment he held for three years. Annual salary for City Surveyor was $150. Roskruge also served four terms as Pima County surveyor. From July 1st, 1893 to 1896 Roskruge was Chief Clerk for the United States Surveyor General of Arizona. In 1896 President Grover Cleveland appointed Roskruge as Surveyor General of Arizona. From this point until the end of his life Roskruge was addressed as General Roskruge.

Roskruge was the first president of the Association of Civil Engineers of Arizona. (1)

In 1896 Roskruge named Kitt Peak in honor of his sister, Mary Phillipa, wife of William F. Kitt.

Roskruge also named a mountain range in western Pima County the Roskruge Mountains.

Other Activities
Roskruge remained active in marksmanship with a rifle throughout his life. He was the first National Rifle Association secretary for Arizona. He was Secretary-treasurer of the Tucson Rifle Club and in 1914 he was president of the Pacific Coast Rifle League. Roskruge was a member of the NRA from 1912 until his death in 1927.