Biographies

WlLLIAM BENJAMIN ROSE, a farmer of Henderson County since 1880, has lived upon his present farm on section 11, township 11 north, range 5 west. Here he has one hundred and sixty acres of good land, which his care and cultivation have transformed into one of the valuable places of the neighborhood. Its fields are well tilled, and, together with the good improvements upon the place, indicate the careful supervision of the owner.

Our subject is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Garrett County, in 1842, and is a son of George W. and Eliza (Champ) Rose. Their family numbered only two children: William B., and George, who is now deceased. The father was also a native of Kentucky, and was a carpenter and wagon-maker by trade.

When William was a lad of fourteen years, he began earning his own livelihood, and has since been dependent upon his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts.

For five years he worked at carding wool, and then engaged in teaming for a year, but, the war having broken out, he no longer felt content to remain at home, and in March, 1863, responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company H, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry. He participated in various engagements, including the battles of Mill Springs, Wild Cat, Richmond, Perryville, Gallatin and Franklin, and under Burnside took part in the battle and siege of Knoxville. When the war was over and the Stars and Stripes floated victoriously over a still united nation, he was mustered out in Nashville, Tenn., on the 8th of July, 1865. He was a valiant soldier, brave and fearless in the discharge of duty, and was always found at his post.

After receiving his discharge, Mr. Rose returned to his Kentucky home and there remained until 1866, when he removed to Illinois, becoming a resident of Henderson County in November of that year.

On the 4th of August, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Amelia S., widow of Andrew Erwin. She was born in England, and is a daughter of William and Amelia (Ellis) Smith, with whom she crossed the broad Atlantic to America in 1844. Five children have been born to our subject and his wife, of whom Amelia and Clyde are now deceased ; Newton Benjamin, Samuel Robert and Flora complete the family, the last two residing at home.

On coming to Henderson County Mr. Rose began farming upon his present place, renting the land until 1880, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. He thoroughly understands his business, and by his well-directed efforts he has won success.

In politics, he is a Democrat, but his first Presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Rose possesses many excellencies of character, and his sterling worth has won him the high regard of his many friends and acquaintances in this community.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.