My Genealogy Hound

A. F. ROSS, a retired bank cashier and prominent business man of Buchanan, was born in Hamilton, La Porte County, Ind., on the 7th of August, 1841. He is the son of the Hon. John D. Ross, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 2, 1802, and was there reared to manhood, going thence to Indiana, and coming from there to Michigan in 1834. His trade was that of a blacksmith, which he followed for a time at Niles. To him belongs the distinction of having built the first flouring-mill ever erected in Niles, and he was one of the prominent pioneers of that place.

From Niles, Mr. Ross, Sr., proceeded to Valparaiso, Ind., and thence came to Buchanan in 1847. Here he opened a general store, and also operated a mill and distillery, all of which enterprises he conducted with the greatest success. Later, he embarked in the banking business, and conducted a financial institution at Buchanan until about 1872, when he retired from all active participation in business. At the time he located in the village of Buchanan, it contained five dwelling-houses and two store buildings, and it may be truly said of Mr. Ross that he did more for the improvement of the place than any other man there residing. His great capabilities were recognized and appreciated by his fellow-citizens, who elected him to represent them in the Legislature of the State. He served many times as President of the village, and was considered one of the leaders of the Democratic party in this section.

The first marriage of Mr. Ross united him with Miss Eliza Labertan, who became his wife in 1824, and died in 1833, having become the mother of six children. One child is the only survivor of that number, Thomas L., who resides in Topeka, Kan. After the death of Mrs. Eliza Ross, Mr. Ross was united with Miss Jane Conner, who died in 1838, leaving three children, only one now surviving: Martha E., the wife of Thomas M. Fulton, of Chicago. The third marriage of Mr. Ross took place in 1839, and united him with Miss Martha A. DeArmond. Three children were born of this union, of whom our subject is the only survivor.

At the age of seven years our subject accompanied his father to Michigan and carried on his primary studies in the schools of Buchanan. At the age of sixteen he entered the University of Notre Dame, Ind., where he remained for two years, diligently prosecuting his studies. Returning home, he embarked in business with his father, and upon the organization of the firm of Ross & Fenton, bankers, he became their Cashier. The institution was originally known as the Bank of Buchanan, and afterward became the Bank of Ross & Son, our subject’s connection with it covering a period of twenty-five years. Mr. Ross was also engaged for one year in the dry-goods business in partnership with John Graham.

October 26, 1864, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ross to Miss Mary A. Sherman, a resident of Paw Paw, Mich. The union was blessed by the birth of one son, John D., now residing in Chicago and for many years Cashier for Lord & Thomas, of that city. The second marriage of Mr. Ross occurred on the 10th of January, 1877, and united him with Miss Clara M. Loomis, who was born in Chicago, Ill., April 25, 1853. Her father, A. D. Loomis, a native of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., settled in Chicago about 1836, and engaged in the lumber business there for many years, but now makes his home in Gainesville, Fla. The mother of Mrs. Ross was known in maidenhood as Miss Marietta Carr, and was born in Kentucky. Mrs. Ross is the youngest of four children, and received her education at Kenosha, Wis., and Evanston, Ill. She is a devoted wife and an affectionate mother to her only child, A. Kenneth, who was born November 15, 1883.

Politically, Mr. Ross is a Democrat, and while not soliciting official position, has been elected to various posts of honor and trust. He served with efficiency as Treasurer of Buchanan, and in whatever place he has been called upon to serve has displayed great ability and keen discrimination. Socially, he is a Mason, and has attained the Thirty-second degree; he is a member of Blue Lodge No. 68, at Buchanan, Niles Chapter and Commandery, Grand Rapids Consistory, and is an honorary member of Battery D, Chicago.