My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN F. ROUNDS, dealer in real estate and insurance at Benton Harbor, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., November 21, 1825, and is a descendant of substantial English progenitors. His grandfather, Oliver Rounds, was born in Vermont and spent his earlier years in that State, whence he removed to New York and there established his home. In the Empire State, George Rounds, father of our subject, was born, and in Providence, R. I., he married Miss Maria Dorchester, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Benjamin Dorchester, whose ancestors were of English origin. George Rounds entered the service of the United States in the navy during the War of 1812, and was engaged in the battle at Sackett’s Harbor, N. Y. At the close of his service he settled on a farm near Sackett’s Harbor and lived there until his death, in 1862. His widow died in 1865. On that old homestead the family of nine children was born.

During his boyhood, Benjamin F. Rounds carried on his studies in the common schools and in the vacations aided his father in the work of carrying on the home farm. He learned early in life the habits of perseverance, industry and energy which contributed to his success upon entering the active business world. In 1865 he removed from New York to Michigan and located in Benton Harbor, where he commenced in business as a fruit-grower, and was thus engaged for a period of six years. Subsequently he changed his occupation and embarked in the insurance and real-estate business, and is conducting a prosperous trade in these lines at the present time.

In the year 1890 Mr. Rounds assisted in the organization of the Benton Harbor Building and Loan Association, of which he became the first President and is still serving in that position. This association, since its inception a few years ago, has been of great aid to the people of Benton Harbor, and one of its results is the erection of a number of tasteful and attractive residences in the city. In politics Mr. Rounds is a Republican. He was elected Treasurer of Benton Harbor in 1881-82 and filled that position for two years. In educational matters he maintains an abiding interest and is now serving as a member of the School Board, being President of the Board of Trustees. In his social connections, he is identified with Benton Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. F., and was Grand Master of the State of Michigan in 1888.

The first marriage of Mr. Rounds took place in 1846 and united him with Miss Lovisa, daughter of Elisha Harris, of New York. Mrs. Lovisa Rounds died in July, 1890, leaving three children, namely: George F.; Hattie L., wife of W. P. Robbins and a resident of Benton Harbor; and Lillian M., who married W. S. Boyle, of Chicago. In October, 1891, Mr. Rounds was again married, his wife being Miss Tirza J. Worden, who was born in Ohio. She is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and is active in religious work. Mr. Rounds has also been an attendant of the Methodist Church, though not a member, and has sung in the choir of that church for fifty years. The family residence is located on the corner of Broadway and Brittain Avenue.