Biographical & Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria County Pennsylvania, p.26

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26 BIOGRAPHICAL AND PORTRAIT CYCLOPEDIA

    "We believe it to be a fact that Mr. Rose received more republican votes than his competitor, while nearly one-half Mr. Ryckman's support came from democrats. It was not a party contest."
    Mr. Rose regards this as one of his special triumphs. In 1870 he was elected to the State legislature, defeating Captain H. D. Woodruff. This was the celebrated "Removal" campaign. Mr. Rose ran as a democrat on national issues. Mr. Woodruff ran as an "Independent," having for his issue "The removal of the county seat from Ebensburg to Johnstown."
    While in the legislature he became a recognized authority on construction, and was frequently consulted as to the correct wording of acts. He gave such close attention to his duties that he knew the contents of every General Act passed during the session, and comprehended its effect upon the law as it then stood.
    Mr. Rose was elected district attorney of Cambria county in 1873, and at the expiration of his term of three years wished to retire from the office; but, at the earnest request of the judge and members of the bar, he was induced to become a candidate for re-election in 1876. His candidacy was warmly supported by the law-abiding citizens on account of his able and fearless prosecution of participants in the famous "railroad riots" of 1876. He was re-elected by a majority of 1498 votes.
    While district attorney he revolutionized the manner of conducting business, his administration being characterized by promptness, efficiency and integrity.
    At the close of his second term as district attorney he declined further nomination for office, and resumed the general practice of law; but, notwithstanding his extensive prac- tice, he still found time to aid his party by wise counsel and active service on the stump.
    Mr. Rose was severely injured in the Johnstown flood of May 31, 1889, and for some time his recovery was in doubt. Before his complete recovery from his injuries he became an active supporter of the movement to unite Johnstown and the surrounding boroughs into the "City of Johnstown." This movement having been successful, a new city government was to be organized and administrated. It was apparent to all that a master mind was required to create and direct the government of the new city. A man was required who possessed executive ability, legal knowledge, wide experience in public affairs, and known integrity; and, as if by common consent, the citizens of the new city turned to Hon. W. Horace Rose as the man for the emergency. He was elected first mayor of the city of Johnstown by a large majority, and on the first Monday of April, 1890, entered upon the duties of his office.
    He was confronted by a newly-created city, without a municipal code for its government; a city of wrecked buildings, torn streets and ruined bridges. And none but those intimately associated with him in the work can appreciate the magnitude of the task he set himself to perform. The mayor, himself, prepared and drafted all ordinances of the municipal code. He was tireless in planning for the widening of rivers, rebuilding bridges, grading and paving streets, and restoring public places, and was ever active in urging and directing the work.
    When Mayor Rose retired from office at the expiration of his term, in April, 1893, he left an orderly city in good physical and sanitary condition, and all departments of the city government running smoothly.

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