Roderick M. Besse was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1816, and came to Portland in 1836, locating his farm adjoining that of his brother, P. B. Besse. He was Justice of the Peace, and Assessor of Portland township for several terms. He married Miss Marietta Green, in 1855, and is now living in the village of Prophetstown.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County IL 1877
