My Genealogy Hound

A. L. Ross, who is extensively engaged in farming in Oakland County, Michigan, is the owner of a fine tract of 185 acres in section 7, Avon township. He was born in Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lockard) Ross.

The Ross family is of Scotch origin and has long been established in America, the great-grandfather of our subject having served in the Revolutionary War, while the grandfather served in the War of 1812. Joseph Ross, the youngest in a family of six sons and four daughters, was 75 years old in December, 1902, and is the only one of the number now living. He was born in Northampton County, and for two and a half years served as a Pennsylvania Volunteer, during the Civil War. Although but four years of age at the time, our subject well remembers his father starting off for the scene of action. The father was a builder and followed that occupation throughout his active career. Mrs. Ross came of a prominent Pennsylvania family, and many of the family now reside there. She died at Rochester, Oakland County, in June, 1895. Our subject is one of seven children, as follows: Lizzie, who resides at Rochester, Oakland County; James, of Detroit; Eliza, wife of Frank Kremer, of Oakland township, Oakland County; A. L., our subject; Sarah, deceased; Emma, wife of Edward Radcliff, of Catskill, New York; and Cyrus, an electrician of New York City.

A. L. Ross was reared and educated in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and in 1878, when 20 years of age, came to Michigan, settling in Avon township, Oakland County. Here for a period of 12 years he hired out by the month, during that time working for four different farmers. He then began renting a farm and in 1890 purchased a farm of 96 acres in section 7, where he has since resided. He worked industriously and with good judgment, and soon added to his farm the amount necessary to make 100 acres. He later purchased a tract of 85 acres, and at the present time has a well improved farm of 185 acres. He followed stock raising for some years, but now devotes his efforts to general farming and dairying. He is one of the public-spirited citizens and substantial business men of the township, and is held in the highest esteem by his neighbors and all with whom he is brought in contact.

In 1883 Mr. Ross was united in marriage with Anna Tienken, of Avon township, and they have five children: Henry J.; Annie; Nettie Bell; Meta; and Laura E. Mr. Ross is a Republican in politics and is chairman of the township committee. In April, 1902, he was elected supervisor of the township and is now serving in that capacity; he has also served as school director ever since coming to the township. Fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 5, F. & A. M.; Knights of the Maccabees; and Foresters of America.