From the age of eleven to eighteen he was apprenticed to a local farmer, leaving his employer early due to poor treatment.
[1] With the coming of the American Civil War, Gosper enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry and served in around 30 engagements during the next two years.
[1] President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Gosper to become Secretary of Arizona Territory on April 13, 1877.
[6] Sent a letter to President Garfield on March 17, 1881 asking to be appointed Governor of Arizona Territory.
[7] In report to the Secretary of Interior submitted on October 6, 1881, Gosper requested Governor Frémont be required to either return to the territory or resign.
[8] "recommending either to you or to Congress that the regularly appointed governor of this territory be required to return to his post of duty, or be asked to step aside and permit some other gentleman to take his place and feel at liberty to act without restraint.
[15] After learning the former territorial secretary had died in poverty, the Arizona State Legislature passed a $200 appropriation to help defer Gosper's funeral expenses.