Rose Brothers are two prominent and progressive young merchants, and proprietors of one of the largest general merchandise establishments in Maysville. Ollie S., the senior, was born in Buchanan County, Mo., on August 19, 1859. William D. was born in De Kalb County, Mo., July 26, 1865. They are the sons of George Washington Rose, deceased, who was born in Flemingsburg, Ky., April 22, 1834. He was the son of Capt. James Ellis Rose, a native of Prince William County, Va., who was an officer in the War of 1812. Capt. Rose removed to Kentucky in 1820, subsequent, however, to his marriage with Kitty Robinson, a daughter of one of the leading families of Fauquier County, Va. By trade Capt. Rose was a blacksmith, but he turned his attention principally to agricultural pursuits, being the owner of a large plantation. George W. was given a good education in the schools of his neighborhood, and soon after began teaching school, and while following that vocation in Flemingsburg, Ky., devoted his spare time to reading law. He later entered the office of Cox & Cavin as a student. Applying himself to his studies with zeal and industry, he was soon admitted to the bar, being examined and licensed by Judge Reed of the Thirteenth Judicial District of Kentucky. In 1856 he immigrated to Missouri, and locating at Weston, Platte County, engaged in teaching school until 1862. He next removed to Stewartsville, and entered upon the practice of his profession. One year later he was elected prosecuting attorney of De Kalb County, and then removed to Maysville. He was re-elected for five successive terms, and discharged his duties in an impartial and commendable manner. In 1865 he was elected county superintendent of public instruction, and for two years discharged faithfully the duties of that position. During his official life he continued to practice his profession. Politically he was a Democrat, and was many times a delegate to the conventions of his party. He was a delegate from his congressional district to the National Democratic convention in St. Louis in 1864, which nominated Gen. George P. McClellan for President. He was a member in high standing of both the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. lodges. He united himself in 1857 with the Christian Church. While a resident of Weston he was united in marriage in 1857 with Mary Celeste Hudson, who was born in Kentucky in 1841. She was the daughter of Lemuel and America P. (Settle) Hudson, now residents of Platte County, Mo. Mrs. Rose is a pious, Christian woman, and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Rose died in February, 1880, leaving the widow and four children, all of whom are living and reside in Maysville. Ollie S. and William D. were educated in the public schools; the former also took a course at Bryant's Commercial College, at St. Joseph, Mo. They began business as clerks, filling different positions in various establishments in Maysville and St. Joseph. Ollie S. engaged in business at Stewartsville in October, 1883, in partnership with Edwin Mitchell, but in February, 1885, the two brothers purchased Mr. Mitchell's interest, and conducted the business until 1886. They then removed to Maysville, and, with a joint capital of $4,000, opened their present establishment. During their first year they did a business of $18,000, and the present year the sales will probably reach $25,000. They carry a stock of over $7,000 outside of their real estate interests. By strict attention to business, fair and honest dealing, they have built up a splendid trade, and are meeting with deserved success. Both make their home with their mother. In 1881 Ollie S. was united in marriage with Enna Mitchell, who was born in Clay County, Mo. in 1861. She was the daughter of O. P. Mitchell. She died in January, 1888, leaving three children, two boys and one girl.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 583-584.