Mr. Rose was married twice. In 1884 he wedded Miss Ida Williams, of Walla Walla county, by whom he had three children, namely: Lena, who is now the wife of T. O. Webster, of Walla Walla; Zelma, who gave her hand in marriage to Earl Harting, of Walla Walla county; and Zenobia, a resident of Walla Walla. In July, 1900, Mr. Rose was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Brockman, a daughter of W. J. Brockman, who came to Columbia county, Washington, in 1887 and has since passed away. By his second wife Mr. Rose had two pairs of twins, the first of whom died in infancy, while the surviving are Joseph Eli and Emma Catherine.
Mr. Rose gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and he served for several years as a member of the school board but was too busy to give much attention to politics and never sought or desired political preferment. He belonged to Columbia Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a faithful follower of the teachings of the craft. He was also a consistent member of the Christian church and died in that faith December 7, 1916, leaving to his family not only the fruits of earnest toil but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, which the wise man of old said is more to be chosen than great riches. Mrs. Rose not only possesses those qualities which are essentially womanly and which everywhere command respect, but she is also a capable business woman. Upon the death of her husband she immediately took up the heavy responsibilities in connection with the operation of a farm of fourteen hundred acres and in her management of affairs has proven herself one woman in a thousand. She is now operating the farm on an extensive scale and is meeting with excellent success by reason of her careful management, her systematic methods, her keen sagacity and her enterprise. She occupies one of the prettiest country homes in the county and by reason of her business management is enabled to enjoy not only all of the comforts but also many of the luxuries of life. She belongs to Waitsburg Chapter, No. 9, of the Order of the Eastern Star, and is a devoted member of the Christian church, guiding her life according to its teachings.
The northwest with its pulsing industrial activity and its limitless resources is constantly drawing to it men of enterprise and ability who find here opportunity for the expression of their dominant qualities. Among the number who have come from the Mississippi valley is Dr. J. A. Darby, now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Pomeroy.