William Rouse was born in Shelby County, June 29, 1838, and is a son of Nathaniel and Lucinda (Francis) Rouse; the former was born in Kentucky, in 1799, and died in Shelby County, in 1844; the latter was born in Kentucky in 1809, and died October 21, 1884. Our subject’s early life was spent on the farm. He received a common school education, and began the battle of life for himself at the age of eighteen years, and worked on a farm nearly two years. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hoop, February 7, 1858. She was the daughter of Ferguson and Nellie (Doble) Hoop. Mrs. Rouse was born in Shelby County, February 4, 1842. To this union the following children were born: Edward, born October 29, 1859; Oscar, November 8, 1860; Frank, April 4, 1863; unnamed (deceased), March 6, 1865; Abner, November 24, 1869; Frederick, February 22, 1876. Of these, all are living except Edward and the unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Rouse are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. For a number of years he was treasurer in the church. Mr. Rouse is a Mason. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns 205 acres of well-improved land, and for a number of years has been dealing in stock.