Born in River Styx, Ohio, Rosenberry and his family moved to Fulton, Michigan, where they had a farm.

Rosenberry went to what is now Eastern Michigan University and then taught school for a few years.

By the time of his retirement, his opinions were published in 91 volumes of the Wisconsin Reports and he had participated in more than 11,000 cases, approximately 50 percent of all cases heard before the Wisconsin Supreme Court since its inception.

In 1950, the state had not passed a full redistricting plan in 30 years.

Responding to the courts and public opinion, the Legislature appointed a special redistricting committee and asked Judge Rosenberry to chair.