My Genealogy Hound

Hon. D. A. Rouner, a prominent and leading citizen of Knox County, was born in Henry County, Ky., April 6, 1842, and is a son of Argyle A. and Lucinda (Morris) Rouner. The father was born in Kentucky June 10, 1810, and was of German origin. He learned the blacksmith’s trade when young, and followed that business in Sligo, Henry Co., Ky. He was the first man to make a steel or iron mold board to a plow, but never reaped any financial benefit from his invention. In September, 1851, he went to Marion County, Mo., and in March, 1853, removed to Knox County, where he died August 10, 1884. About 1872 he was elected county judge, and was afterward re-elected to the office several times. The mother, Lucinda (Morris) was born in Henry County, Ky., about 1811, and in that county was married to Argyle A. Rounder. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and her death occurred in Knox County, Mo., in May, 1853. Our subject is the fourth of a family of eight children, seven of whom are living. He was educated at the home schools, but left his studies to enlist in Porter’s Regiment of Gen. Green’s Brigade. He served most of the time as message bearer, but participated, however, in several battles and skirmishes. In September, 1862, he was taken and held prisoner for two months near Palmyra. He was released on parole, but never exchanged. He then returned home, and has since devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and deals in all kinds of registered stock, at the present time owning some very fine Short-horn cattle. In 1872 he was elected to serve in the county court, and re-elected the next year. In 1880 he represented Knox County in the General Assembly, and was re-elected in 1882. September 11, 1866, he married Ellen T. Baldwin, daughter of Charles H. and Ruth O. Baldwin, who was born in Knox County in 1846, and to this happy union seven children were born, five now living, viz.: David A., Jr., Anna Belle, Effie S., Ruth E. and John G. The deceased are Ashby C. and Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Rouner and the two eldest children are worthy members of the Christian Church. Our subject is a Royal Arch Mason, and a Knight of Honor. He is a decided Democrat in politics, and ranks among the leading men of the county. He owns stock in three different agricultural associations, in each of which he has been an officer, sometimes holding an office in each of them at the same time. He is also a stockholder in the American Short-Horn Herd Book Association.