My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH ROSE. Several important interests of Steinsville are represented by Mr. Rose, who is proprietor of the hotel, the general store and the postoffice at this place. His name is therefore indissolubly connected with the history of the village, and he is recognized as one of its leading citizens. In his mercantile establishment he keeps a stock valued at $3,000, and his annual sales complete assortment of dry goods, groceries, notions, queensware, glassware, boots and shoes, and in fact, everything contained in a first-class village store.

Born June 25, 1827, our subject is a native of Alsace, France (now in Germany), and his parents, Francis and Catherine Rose, were also born in that province. There he spent the years of boyhood and youth, and prior to emigrating to this country learned the trade of a cooper, which, however, he did not follow after crossing the ocean and settling in America. He acquired an excellent education in the German schools, and has since gained a good knowledge of the English language through private study and observation.

In November, 1847. Mr. Rose took passage on a sailing-vessel at Havre, France, and after a rough and disagreeable voyage, lasting for about eighty days, landed in New York City, in January of 1848. For several years he followed any occupation whereby he could gain an honest livelihood, but finally became especially interested in merchandising, and to this he has since devoted his attention. He opened a general store in Schuylkill County, Pa., which he carried on about eight years, from 1858 until 1866. During the last-named year he removed to Berks County, this state, and became proprietor of a store in Albany Township. In 1874 he came to Steinsville, and here he has since made his home.

In connection with his mercantile business Mr. Rose is proprietor of one of the best hotels of northern Lehigh County, the good qualities of which are appreciated by its frequent visitors and the traveling public in general. As a member of the Democratic party he has been active in public affairs for many years and has contributed to the progress of the community. He has held a number of responsible positions and is now serving as Postmaster at Steinsville. to which position he was appointed, by President Cleveland.

The marriage of Mr. Rose occurred April 13, 1856, and united him with Miss Mary Houser, a native of Schuylkill County, Pa. The only child of this union, Jeannette, married Albert B. Christ, and has five living children, Mary, Mabel, Joseph, Frank and Charles. In his religious belief Mr. Rose is identified with the Reformed Church and contributes to its support as his means permit. He is a man of strict integrity, energy and force of character, and well deserves his present prosperity.