ROSE, BENJAMIN (13 Mar 1828-28 June 1908), businessman noted particularly for his philanthropic interest in the care of the aged, was born in Warwickshire, England, son of George and Mary Rose. He came to the U.S. at 10 and settled in Cincinnati with his family. At 12 he got his first job as a laborer in a Cincinnati slaughterhouse. The following year he moved to Cleveland and went into the provision business with his brother. After a partnership with Chauncey Prentiss, Rose organized the CLEVELAND PROVISION CO. in 1877, which became the largest meat packer in Cleveland, its success based largely on Rose's innovative practices, centering on his use of refrigeration in his packinghouse and in rail and ocean shipping of his products. In 1908, Rose used some of his capital to build the Rose Bldg. at E. 9th St. and Prospect Ave., the largest office building in Ohio at that time.
Rose was married on 16 Dec. 1855 to Julia Still. They had 2 children who both died in infancy. Rose's death occurred while on a trip to England; he left a permanent memorial to Cleveland by bequeathing his fortune of $3 million to charity, making possible the establishment of the BENJAMIN ROSE INSTITUTE, which provides relief and assistance to the needy aged and to curable crippled children. Rose was buried in LAKE VIEW CEMETERY.
Finding aid for the Benjamin Rose Institute Records. WRHS.Last Modified: 30 May 2013 10:23:20 AM
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