My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. ROUGH, an able general agriculturist and successful fruit-grower of Bertrand Township, Berrien County, Mich., is numbered among the representative citizens of his part of the State, and, commanding the confidence of his home community, has lately been elected to the official position of Supervisor of the township. Prospered financially, our subject is a stockholder and Vice-President of the First State Savings Bank of Niles and has long been foremost in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. Mr. Rough is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Juniata County July 4, 1843. He is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Imhoff) Rough. The father, also a native Pennsylvanian, was born in Juniata County. The home of the parents was blessed by the birth of five children, four daughters and one son, all of whom lived to years of maturity. Our subject, the only son and youngest child, was but a little lad when his father and mother resolved to move with their family to the farther West.

George W. was about five years of age when, in 1849, he came to Bertrand Township, and received his entire schooling in the district of his home. His parents located at first upon the farm where our subject now resides, and which he has continued throughout all the changing seasons of more than two-score years to make his constant residence. In 1866, May 1, our subject entered into the bonds of wedlock and was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Broceus, a native of Michigan. Immediately following his marriage, Mr. Rough took his wife to the old homestead, which has since been brightened by the presence of six merry and intelligent children, four daughters and two sons. The eldest-born was Nettie, who grew up a winsome young girl and is now the wife of Joseph Arney, a prosperous citizen of Pleasant, Ind.; Fannie A., the second daughter, is yet at home; Ida E. is also with her parents; Emory J., Elmer E. (twins) and Mertie M. complete the list of sisters and brothers who will each and all have ample opportunity to fit themselves well for the battle of life.

In political affiliation Mr. Rough is a stalwart Republican and an able advocate of the principles and platform of the party. In 1879, he was elected County Treasurer, and for four years efficiently discharged the duties of the responsible office. Our subject was the candidate of his party for Representative in 1890, but was defeated. He was elected Township Supervisor in 1893, and was the second Republican ever elected in the township, there being a majority of forty-five Democrats within its limits. Mr. Rough is fraternally a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and belongs to Niles Commandery No. 12. He is also prominently connected with Berrien County Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, having many friends in these societies. The fine farm of two hundred and eighteen acres owned by our subject is under a high state of cultivation and handsomely improved with an attractive residence, commodious barns and other buildings. A vineyard of six acres and an orchard with a choice variety of fruit are also special features of the productive homestead. Our subject, his estimable wife and their family occupy a high social position and are important factors in the benevolent enterprises of their locality.