William V. Rock, a prominent farmer of Pleasant Township, was born March 19, 1851, on a farm in the Province of Waldeck, Prussia, the son of Frederick Rock, who was born in the same province, September 26, 1818. He was married to Louisa Schnore, who was born in 1822, and they had eleven children: Caroline, Louisa, Fred, Carl, William, Christian, Christiana and Henry, three others dying in infancy. The father was a soldier in the Prussian army, but saw no active service. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. In 1882 Mr. Rock came to America to visit his children, nearly all of whom had emigrated here, and spent about eighteen months in Iowa, and then returned to Prussia. He is yet living on his farm, at the age of seventy-two years. One son and one daughter, Carl and Caroline, are still living in Prussia. The father is a leading man in his town, having been Justice of the Peace for many years, also School Director, and an Elder in his church. His children are all prosperous in life, owning good farms, and from such sturdy stock the people of Iowa have been indebted for much of their prosperity and steady progress. The hardy Germans bring with them to this country traits of industry and perseverance which overcome all obstacles, and these are being infused also into the blood of the young Americans who are destined to become our best citizens, and who will form a new generation of Prussian-Americans that will be a liberty-loving, loyal and industrious race.

William V. Rock, the subject of this sketch; received a part of his education in the old country, and when but a lad of fifteen years, in 1866, he came with his brother Fred to this country. They went to Davenport, Iowa, and for four years worked at farm labor in Scott County and four more in Clinton County.

In 1873 he purchased 160 acres of wild land in this county, and in 1874 broke up eighty acres, on which he built a home. He has been very prosperous in farming, and has added to his first purchase until he now owns 400 acres of fine land. He is also a raiser and breeder of cattle, and is one of the most energetic and prosperous farmers of Pleasant Township. In 1880 he set out 2,000 fruit and shade trees.

In his political views he is a stanch Democrat, and has filled the offices of Road supervisor, Township Trustee, Assessor, School Treasurer for five years and is School Director at the present time.

He is a self-made man, and stands deservedly high as one of the best citizens of his county. His children are being well educated, and he takes pride in aiding their desire toward improvement and cultivation, and he may well take an honest pride in what he has accomplished in life. His honest efforts and purposes have been well rewarded, and it may be truly said that "his word is as good as his bond."

March 8, 1875. Mr. Rock married Louisa Freese, daughter of Ludwig and Wilhelmina Freese, and to them have been born six children, viz.: Minnie, born November 15, 1875; Frederick, September 12, 1877; Henry, January 23, 1880; Christina, August 17, 1883; Albert, October 2, 1886; and Louis, April 11, 1890. The father of Mrs. Rock died in Prussia, in the same town where Mr. Rock's father now lives, and his widow came to America with her children, Wilhelmina, Fred and Louis. She was again married in America, and is now living in Clinton County, Iowa. Mrs. Rock was born in Prussia, January 10, 1856, and was but eleven years of age when she came with her mother to this country. Mr. Rock and family are members of the Lutheran Church.

Contributed By: Mona Sarratt-Knight