John L.
Rose, a farmer of Coffins Grove township, is a native
son of the county, born in Masonville, March 1, 1866.
His parents were Thomas and Lucy (Ford) Rose, natives of
London, England, and Canada, respectively. The father
came to America and located in New York state in 1838,
but in the early '50s came west, settling in Illinois.
The mother, who was a daughter of William Ford,
accompanied her parents to Illinois and was there
married to Thomas Rose. To this union were born three
children, but the subject of this review is the only
survivor. The mother died in Masonville in 1910 and the
father survived until January 6, 1913 when he, too, was
called to his reward. He was by occupation a stock
shipper and attained considerable success in his
business. He and his wife came to this country in
1891 and continued to reside here until their deaths.
John L. Rose pursued his education in the public schools
of this county and upon starting out in life for himself
became a clerk in a general mercantile |
![](1914images/Rose2a.jpg) |
store in Masonville. He was also connected with his father in the buying and selling of
stock. The association continued mutually pleasurable and profitable for twelve
years, but in 1900 the son took up his home upon a farm of two hundred and forty
acres north of Masonville, which in the meantime had come into his possession.
He has since given his time and attention to general farming and the excellence
of his crops and the high grade of stock found upon his place are the best proof
of his ability and energy as an agriculturist. In addition to his interests as a
landowner he is a director of the Masonville Creamery Company.
Mr. Rose was united in marriage on
the 30th of December, 1884, to Miss Anna L. Jenks, a daughter of Albert and
Frances (Humphrey) Jenks, both natives of New York. In an early day in the
history of Iowa they went to Buchanan county and both are still living in
Winthrop, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose were born five children, namely:
Odessa, who married Clyde Mosher, of Quasqueton, Iowa; Nellie; Mary; Mildred,
who died in infancy; and Marjorie.
Mr. Rose is a republican in his
political belief and for the last six years has served as trustee of Coffins
Grove township, proving himself a capable official. He is a member of the Odd
Fellows lodge at Masonville and the encampment at Manchester, and in his daily
life practices the high ethical principles for which the lodge stands. His
prosperity is fully deserved, and he holds to a large extent the affectionate
regard of all who have come into contact with him. |