Rose Knox: Her Partnership with Her Husband Made Her a Better Businesswoman

Rose Markward Knox was an American businesswoman. She became the CEO of Knox Gelatin Factory following the death of her husband Charles Briggs Knox in 1908.

The Markward’s were originally from Mansfield, Ohio but the family moved to Gloversville, New York in the late 1870s. Rose met Knox there and married him in February 1883. The Knox’s moved to Johnstown in 1896 to establish their gelatin business after Charles saw Rose make gelatin in their kitchen. This was the beginning of the Charles B. Knox Gelatin Company.

Charles and Rose became business partners and did all things together. Rose took care of the recipe books; Charles taught Rose financial management and budgeting. He allocated weekly allowances for her so she can have money to do what she pleased. Charles prepared Rose to run the company herself.

When Charles died in 1908, Rose took care of the gelatin business. She imposed changes in the company; the most prominent of which were gender equality, the five-day work week, and the two-week paid vacation leave for all workers.