One of the fascinating features of the farming industry is the
opportunity it affords for individual effort and experiment. One can not
only till the soil in raising the usual routine of crops, but he can also
specialize along certain lines and thus broaden his own knowledge by
experiment and in this way contribute to the knowledge and advancement in
such special fields. We make mention in this connection of the name of the
subject of this brief review, Wiley Rose, a life-long resident of this
county. Mr. Rose has not only farmed but has devoted special attention to
the raising of poultry and has given this subject considerable thought and
study. As a result he has become thoroughly familiar with the business and
is good authority on the various phases of the industry. Mr. Rose was born
on the 12th day of September, 1857, being the son of James and Peggy Ann
(Burkette) Rose, who were the parents of four children, our subject being
the third. Mr. Rose was brought up on a farm, an environment which is now
and always has been a most wholesome one for growing youth. He received his
education in the neighboring district schools, and as he grew to manhood he
made up his mind to make farming his chief occupation.
On September
7, 1879, he was joined in marriage to Serelda Wooten, who was born in Ohio
in October, 1861, being one of a family of nine children. This union has
been blessed with a family of six children. Nora M. was born on January 7,
1881, and has become the wife of William Wantland and is the mother of one
boy; Gertrude A. was born on the 26th of June, 1884, and was married to
Frank Schaffer, being the mother of two sons; Pearl M. was born on the 26th
of March, 1886, and was joined in marriage to Miss Laura Smith; Fannie B.
was born on the 8th of October, 1888, and has become the wife of Albert
Smith; Elmer L. and Mormon E. are still at home, the former being born on
June 23, 1892, and the latter on June 12, 1895.
Mr. and Mrs. Rose
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and are held in high
esteem by the members of the congregation. They stand well in the community,
being most accommodating in their dealings and ready at all times to lend a
helping hand to whoever opportunity affords. Mr. Rose has been a lifelong
Democrat, but is most pronounced in his stand for a fair and honest
discharge of all official duties. He maintains that service in public office
is not only a privilege but a sacred obligation, and should not be looked
upon in any other light, except the one calling for the highest integrity
and conscientiousness.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 438-439.