Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 439-440; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Sarah A. Manrose derives both pleasure and profit from the
management of her estate, which is located on section 20, Lee Township,
and bears a full line of excellent improvements. Although quite
advanced in years, Mrs. Manrose is in full possession of all her
faculties, and manages her business affairs without aid. She is a clear
headed woman, who asks no advice, but manifests so much energy and good
judgment in business matters, together with kindliness and general
intelligence, that she commands the respect and honor of all with whom
she comes in contact.
The parents of our subject were Samuel and Betsey (Platt)
Robertson, who were born, reared and married in Fairfield County, Conn.
They located in Dutchess County, N. Y., about 1806, remained there
until 1827, and then took up their residence in Huron County, Ohio,
where the husband died in 1843. The widow came to this State and
breathed her last here in 1856. The worthy couple were the parents of
two sons and two daughters: Platt, Burr, Betsey and Sarah, the latter
being the only one now living. It has been more than thirty-two years
since Betsey passed away, and the brothers had preceded her to the tomb.
Mrs. Manrose was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., May 15, 1815.
In her girlhood she was taught the arts which our foremothers found
necessary and convenient, and for many years she made her own clothes
from the raw material. She prepared the wool, spun it, wove it into
cloth and then made the garments therefrom; she has never hired but one
dress made in her life. She still has in her possession a beautiful
shawl which she made form the raw wool many years ago. She also has a
very fine linen towel which her grandmother made when she was
eighty-two years old. In addition to these relics of the olden time,
Mrs. Manrose has a set of cups and saucers that were used at her
sister's wedding, sixty-four years ago.
In Brunson, Ohio, in 1831, the lady of whom we write was united
in marriage to Philander Manrose, who was born in Cortland County, N.
Y., in 1810. Mr. Manrose was a carpenter and followed his trade in Ohio
until 1856, when he removed to this county and engaged in farming. An
improved tract of one hundred acres was purchased and general farming
carried on by Mr. Manrose until his death in 1878. One of the strongest
characteristics of that gentleman was his fondness for home and the
pleasure he took in domestic life. He was very temperate in all things
and was highly respected by all who knew him. When called from time to
eternity his mortal remains were deposited in the Baptist cemetery.
To Mr. and Mrs. Manrose there came five sons and four daughters,
named respectively: David, Lucy A., Burr, Betsey, Daniel, Charles,
Caroline, Mary and Fitch. The youngest son now lives with his mother,
carrying out her wishes in the cultivation of the farm; Betsey, Daniel
and Caroline are deceased. The descendants of Mrs. Manrose number
ninety: nine children, forty-nine grandchildren and thirty-two
great-grandchildren. They are scattered over the country as far West as
Washington. Mrs. Manrose is a believer in the doctrine of universal
salvation and is identified with the Universalist Church at Avon.
