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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 98 - 99 |
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WILLIAM ROSE
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There could be written no more comprehensive history of a county or of a state and its people than that which deals with the life-work of those who by their own endeavor and indomitable energy have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of both "prominent" and "progressive." In this sketch will be found the record of a citizen of Wexford county whose career has been honorable alike to himself and his kindred and a credit to the community in which he labored and prospered. Born in a foreign land, reared in Canada to manhood, the most useful and productive part of his entire life has been spent in the state of Michigan, the last twenty-three years of it being passed as a resident of Wexford county. William Rose, the subject of this review, is the person referred to in the foregoing paragraph. He is a native of Scotland, born in Aberdeenshire, October 1, 1846. The first eight years of his life were spent in his native land. In 1854 the family emigrated to America, settling in Wellington county, Ontario, Canada, where they resided until 1865, when they came to Michigan and took up their residence on the Grand river, in Ottawa county, about fourteen miles west of Grand Rapids. The parents of William Rose were James and Jane (Davnie) Rose, both natives of Scotland. Both are now dead, each being about seventy-three years of age at the time of their demise, although the mother survived the father some ten years. They were residents of Allendale, Ottawa county, at the time of their death. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom the subject of this review was the third child. The subject's education was mainly received in Scotland. On locating in Ottawa county he readily secured employment in the woods and on the rivers, "driving" logs from the camps up in the northern woods down the currents of the streams to the mills where they were to be converted into lumber. There are few callings more hazardous, more laborious or trying upon the constitution than that which the subject followed for years. Had he not been a man of remarkable physical health and strength he would have succumbed to the hardships he was obliged to endure. In July, 1880, he decided to take up farming and devote himself to that vocation. Accordingly he moved to Wexford county, purchased eighty acres of land in section 4, on the Manistee river, in Greenwood township, and proceeded to prepare it for a home. He built a pleasant home, cleared the greater part of his land and resided thereon until the spring of 1899, when he moved to Manton. Agricultural pursuits still occupy the greater part of his time. He is the owner of sixty-two acres of fine land, all of which lies within the corporate limits of Manton. More than two-thirds of it is clear and under cultivation. It is constantly increasing in value and as the town spreads out there is little doubt that eventually the tract will be laid out into lots, each of which will certainly command a good price. On the most beautiful and sightly part of this tract the subject has erected a handsome and substantial residence, which is richly and tastefully furnished, and this constitutes the family home - one of the most pleasant homes to be found in all Wexford county. William Rose was twice married. His first wife was
Miss Susan Sheridan, a native of Ireland, born in 1848. The marriage was
solemnized August 6, 1870, at Allendale, Ottawa county, Michigan. The bride was
a daughter of Thomas and Susan Sheridan, both natives of Ireland. Immediately
after marriage the young couple took up their residence on the farm on Grand
river, fourteen miles from Grand Rapids, where they continued to reside until
1880, when they moved to Greenwood township, Wexford county. Eight children were
born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Philip S.,
Daisie S., Colin W., Katie W. and Grover D. |