Rosa V. Beall papers, 1912-1929

Rosa V. Beall was born in Lewis County, New York, June 29, 1838, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Barker. She was a graduate of music and art from Fairfield Seminary, New York. With her first husband, A. H. Van Vlierden and two daughters, she crossed the plains in 1864, arriving in Bozeman, Montana on August 1st of that year. She was known as the first white woman to make her home in Bozeman. The Van Vlierdens divorced in 1867 and in November 1868 Rosa married William J. Beall, one of the founders of Bozeman. They lived in a home built by Beall in 1868, located on the ground now known as Beall Park, until 1920 when the property, about five acres, was purchased through popular subscription for a recreational center. Mrs. Beall was prominent member of Bozeman society and wrote articles about the history of the community. She was one of the organizers of the Pioneers' Society of Gallatin County, a charter member of St. James Episcopal Church, the Lily of the Valley chapter order of the Eastern Star and of the Masonic Women's Auxiliary. Mrs. Beall died on April 16, 1930 at the age of 92.