Hosea W. Rood, the first custodian, or caretaker, of the GAR Memorial Hall, was a Civil War veteran, teacher, and author. Rood began his state service with the 12th Wisconsin Infantry in 1861 under Col. George E. Bryant. He mustered out at the rank of captain July 16, 1865.  After serving as an educator in several Wisconsin communities, then assistant quartermaster general of the Wisconsin department of the GAR, he was appointed custodian of the GAR Memorial Hall. He led from 1901-1924, building and rebuilding the collections. Rood also traversed the state teaching citizens the meaning of an intelligent love of country as he also held the position of “Patriotic Instructor” from 1906-1929, and again from 1931-1933.

“The last lingering desire of these old veterans, so far as their country is concerned, is that they may leave it enshrined in the hearts of the young men and women who are so being educated as to become leaders of thought and purpose in their day and generation; and that they shall transmit an intelligent love of country to those of generations yet to come.” – Hosea Rood, 1910