Biographical Sketch of

Francis Marion Rous

Transcribed by Robert Schieber

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 484 - 485


The calling to which this gentleman has devoted his attention is one of the honorable pursuits of men, and he has made 
a success through the exercise of the characteristic features of the vocation, perseverance, honesty, industry and 
kindness.  His home is situated on section 20, in Monroe township, and Adams county can boast no pleasanter home or 
better improved farm.  

Mr. Rous was born in Otsego county, New York, May 10, 1854, and was the son of Israel C. and Margaret (Gardner) Rous.  
His father was a cooper by trade and also followed farming.  He worked at his trade in Lawrence, New York, and in 1856 
came to Adams county, Wisconsin, and located in Preston township.  He purchased two hundred acres of wild land, and now 
has about one hundred acres under cultivation.  He was among the earliest settlers of the township, and still resides 
on his homestead, and engages in general farming.  He has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and enjoys 
good health, while his estimable wife is eighty-three years of age, and is possessed of good health.  Eight children 
were born to them, of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. 

Francis M. Rous attended school and later assisted his father on the farm until he reached his majority, when he 
moved into Big Flats township, and engaged in farming there about three years.  He then removed to Monroe township, 
and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, on section 20, which is his present home.  He has about fifty 
acres under cultivation and has erected a substantial and commodious dwelling and barns, and engages in general 
farming.  His farm is not among the largest in the vicinity, but for its size is one of the best, and a visit to 
the estate would at once convince one of his thrift and the care exercised in its management.

Mr. Rous was married February 22, 1873, to Charlotte Gleason, daughter of Ira and Eunice Gleason, of Monroe township.  
Ira Gleason was a farmer and removed with his family from Cattaraugus county, New York, to Adams county in the winter
of 1856.  He settled down to farming, in which he prospered and continued during his life.  He died in 1864, his wife 
preceding him to the grave three years.  They had three children:  Charlotte, Harriet and Eunice.  The father married 
a second wife, Mary Bassett, by whom he had two children, Ira E. and Mariette.  Mr. and Mrs. Rous are the parents of 
seven children, as follows:  Charles L., residing in Mellon, Wisconsin; Clement R., E. Winifred; Edna M.; B. Harry; 
Nye  M.; and Mattie A.

Mr. Rous is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is at present clerk of the Spring Creek Lodge of that order. 
In political faith he is a Republican and takes an active part in the affairs of his party, and has attended as delegate 
numerous conventions of the party.  He has filled various offices of trust in his township, and is at present chairman 
of the township board, and has been clerk, aside from other positions.  He wields an influence for good which is felt 
throughout his county, and his name would frequently occur in a history of that vicinity.  He is ever looking to the 
better interests of his community, and, although he does not seek public favor, is well known and enjoys an excellent 
reputation.

Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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