GOODSPEED BIOGRAPHIES
Contributed by Charlene Holland
JOHN A. ROSE
John A. Rose, farmer and merchant, Boles, Ark. This enterprising citizen was born in Hamilton County, Ill., on November 13, 1845, and is a son of James and Emily (Buchanan) Rose. The father, who was a farmer and mechanic by occupation, moved to Arkansas, and settled in Scott County, in 1857. His wife died in 1863, and he followed her to the grave one week later. They were the parents of five children - four sons and one daughter-John A. being the second son. He received meager educational advantages and grew to manhood on his father's farm. Before he was eighteen years of age, or in 1863, he enlisted under the Stars and Stripes and served until August 27, 1865, when he received his discharge. He was in Company L, Second Kansas Cavalry, and was in the battle of Saline River, Prairie de Ann and Cabin Creek at which place he was taken prisoner. He was conveyed to Doaksville, Indian Territory, and was there confined for eight months. After the war he returned to Scott County, bought a farm of eighty acres in Mountain Township, one mile from the village of Boles, and this he improved by erecting a house and clearing the timber. He has added to this first purchase until he now has about 1,000 acres, 300 of which are under cultivation. He has a good residence and several good tenant houses on the place. He also has one-half interest in a general merchandise store at Boles, and this is doing a good business at that place. Mr. Rose was married on December 25, 1866, to Miss Rebecca Scott daughter of Thomas H. Scott, of this county. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living - three sons and four daughters: Emily Jane (wife of M.L. Hunt), George W., James A., Rebecca Kansas Elizabeth, John F., Christian Ann and Parlee, all at home but the eldest daughter. Mr. Rose is a Mason and Mrs. Rose is a member in good standing in the Free-Will Baptist Church.