For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 334
EDWARD ROCK. By industry and thrift Edward Rock gained a fair start in life through his own exertions, and later purchased land in Muscatine county, which he has developed into a valuable farm. He ranks today as one of the substantial citizens of the county. Born in Wapsinonoc township, February 15, 1846, he is a son of Soloman and Mary ( Frank ) Rock, both natives of Ohio. They came to Muscatine county in 1845, when Iowa was a territory, and Mr. Rock purchased a tract of land on which he built a cabin where the family took up their home. The parents both died in Muscatine county. They had two children : Felix, now of West Liberty, and Edward, the subject of this review.Having lost his father when two years of age, Edward Rock was taken into the home of his grandfather and continued there until reaching maturity. He spent his boyhood and youth assisting in farm work and attending school as opportunity permitted. Beginning farming on his own account upon rented land, he applied himself industriously, and after eight or nine years purchased the place where he now lives, on section 25, Wapsinonoc township. This farm he has developed until it is one of the most beautiful places in the neighborhood, supplied with all modern conveniences. He cultivates grains and also raises stock for market, and as he is thorough in what he undertakes, has met with a gratifying measure of success.
On the 28th of July, 1873, Mr. Rock was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Holmes, who was born in Muscatine county in 1851, a daughter of W. G., and Hannah ( Pickering ) Holmes. Her father was a native of Vermont and her mother of Virginia. They lived in Ohio for some time, but subsequently took up their residence in Muscatine county, where they continued until their death. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mr. Rock, two of whom are deceased. The others are : Lola M., now the wife of John Benedict, of Muscatine county; George, of Portland, Oregon; Myrtle, the wife of Benjamin Green, of Davenport, Iowa; and Ethel, Lucy, John C., and Blanch, at home.
Mr Rock is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a consistent member of the Methodist church. Politically, he affiliates with the democratic party, but does not give much attention to politics, as farming is more to his taste. A true friend of education, he served most acceptably as member of the school board for three years. He started in life empty-handed, but had a brave heart and a strong arm supported by a noble purpose. He persevered and won the battle, being now comparatively independent and assured of a competence for himself and wife for the remainder of their lives.
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