Solon B. Rose

HON. SOLON B. ROSE, of Pulaski, is descended from an old and honored family of Scotland, whose history can be traced back for many generations. Col. William Rose, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia, born in 1779. He moved to Giles County, Tenn., in 1813, and was one of the early pioneers. He wedded Elizabeth W. Meredith, a lady of Welsh ancestry, who bore her husband a family of seven sons: Edward W., William M., Alfred H., Robert H., Fielding, David E. and Solon Eldridge. The father was one of the foremost men in the community in which he resided. He died in l85l, preceded by his wife in l820. Solon E. Rose was born in this county August l8, 1818, was educated at Wurtenburg Academy in Pulaski, and was reared to years of maturity in his native county. At eighteen years he took part in the Florida war participating in the battles of Withlacoocha, Panasophca and the Wahoo Swamp. In 1839 he began the study of law, and when in his twenty-second year was licensed to practice. After remaining for a time in Pulaski he removed to Lawrenceburg, and in 1843 was elected attorney general, a position he retained six years, declining a re-election. From 1848 to 1859 he was president of the Lawrenceburg Bank, and was also connected with other enterprises. During the latter year he returned to Pulaski and formed a partnership with Judge J. A. Tinnon in the practice of the law, which continued until 1883, when Judge Tinnon was elevated to the bench. For the last fifteen years he has been president of the Giles National Bank of Pulaski. It would require a volume of no small dimensions to give in detail Mr. Rose's political career. It will suffice to briefly state that he has been active in advancing the cause deemed best for his country's good; that he has occupied numerous positions of honor and trust, and that he has reflected honor and credit upon the same. He is a Democrat. Mr. Rose selected for his helpmate through life Miss Marcella, daughter of M. H. and Ethalinda (Bumpass) Buchanan, and to their union four children were born: Solonia M., born November 16, 1844, now Mrs. John D. Flautt; William Haynie, born April 19, 1847, and now a resident, of this county; Elizabeth E., born in 1849, and died in 1858; and Solon E. F., born December 19, 1850, now residing in Mississippi. Mr. Rose began life without financial means, but by adhering to strict business rules in general, and the golden rule in particular, he has amassed a comfortable fortune and won the esteem of the best citizens of the State.

From: Goodspeed's History of Giles County