Sonoma
County
Biographies
JAMES
RUSSELL ROSE
There are many kind-hearted, liberal spirited
and modest citizens who by their ability, education and association become
leaders in society without effort or a desire on their part. Their
philanthropic nature, benevolence and rectitude bring them in close sympathy
with their fellow-men, and they are recognized and accorded the highest type of
American citizenship. The subject of this sketch belongs to this class, and is
one of the most highly esteemed citizens of this State. He is a descendant of a
noted ancestry that trace their lineage to the hardy
Scotch and English for over two centuries. His maternal and paternal
grandfather (sic) fought in the Revolution of 1776, his grandfather on his
father’s side being the trusted and confidential agent of General Washington.
His father Enos Rose, was a soldier in the war of
1812, and gained considerable notoriety for his valor, endurance and successful
feats in the perilous duties as a courier. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, October, 1822, and was reared on a farm,
learned the trade of a millwright and carpenter with his father, and lived with
him until he was twenty-eight years of age. During this time he not only built
mills, co-operating with his father, but run one that he had erected, sawing
the western forests into house material for building homes and helping this wonderful
march of civilization. In 1858 he removed to California, his family, consisting
of a wife and one daughter of tender years, accompanying him. He commenced
farming in Marin county, and after a few years of
successful husbandry, purchased a large tract of land (2,200 acres) twelve
miles south of Petaluma, where he has since resided. A portion of this princely
estate was waste salt marsh land which has been reclaimed and become more
productive under his management and direction than any tract of this character
of land in this State. While Mr. Rose has filled in full measure the duties of
a liberal and public spirited citizen, his career as a model farmer and
sagacious breeder of fine cattle and horses has given him a national reputation
as an expert in nicking horses and
cattle.
In this connection as an importer
and breeder he has the best herd of Devon cattle in the State, and his stud has
produced a number of the most noted roadsters and trotters, among whom are
Nellie R., who made a mile in 2:17 ½ in a race, in the seventh heat, a record
that has never been broken. All through his life he has had protégés, and to his assistance and wise
counsel a large number of young men owe their successful career. He was a close
friend of the late Hon. Henry Vrooman, and rendered
him material aid in the arduous struggle to lay aside the blacksmith’s hammer
for the law book.
He is a devoted member of the
Baptist Church, and labored assiduously, and has given a liberal support to
sustain the Baptist church at Petaluma.
At the organization of the Sonoma,
Napa and Marin District Agricultural Association he was one of the chief
promoters, its first President, and served five years as such. He became a
member of F. and A. M. in Ohio, and was one of the charter members of Vitruvius
Lodge, No. 146, at Bloomfield. He is now a member of Petaluma Lodge, No. 77. He
married Miss Anne Kenworthy, a native of England, a
lady of refinement and lovely character. In her lifetime her Christian graces
and devotion to her husband and children and the poor and distressed of her
neighborhood live in the memories of those who knew her. This happy union was
blessed with two daughters, Anna E. and Florence L., who have been to their
parents both a credit and comfort. They were married in June of this year to H.
W. Nicholson and F. L. Gray, young men of sterling character.
Patriarchal in appearance, honest in
purpose, a man of sound judgment, with a deep sympathy for mankind, he has won
the highest respect and esteem among his associates, and is worthy to be
classed with the eminent men of our country.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast”, Page 96, Publ.
Bancroft Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.