John William Ross

As printed in 1912

JOHN WILLIAM ROSS, who is a retired business man of Crestline, O., for 'many years was among the foremost men in the lumber industry in this section and is well known throughout Crawford county, having been identified particularly with the business activities of Crestline. He was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, May 25, 1847, a son of Peter and a grandson of Peter Ross.

The father of Mr. Ross was born also in Hessen Darmstadt, in 1803, one of a family of six children and one of the two to come to America, the other one being his brother, John Ross. The latter came also to Crawford county and alter marriage lived in Lykcns township, where he and wife died and Ins descendants still live there. I ’Her Boss, Jr. grew up on his father’s small farm in Germany and in early manhood was married to Margaret Simmermaehcr, who was born in an adjoining province, in 1807. In 1853* niter the birth of their children: Catherine, Peter,

George, Margaret, Philip, Lizzie and John V william, Mr. and Mrs. Ross made preparations to emigrate to America, led to this step, undoubtedly, by a desire to provide better opportunities for the future of their children, in an industrial way, than they could command in the crowded old country. The family embarked at ITavre, on the sailing ship, William Tell, and after a safe and enjoyable voyage of 38 days, having tine weather, w'ere landed safely in the harbor of New York, in June, 1853. -From there, by way of boat, they reached Cleveland and preceded on to Sandusky City, O., and from there to Shelby, where a kinsman met them and transported them to Vernon township. From there they came to Lykcns township and here very soon Mr. Ross purchased 80 acres of wild land, a discouraging appearing property at that time but one, which, after developing, proved that Mr. Boss’ judgment and foresight were not at fault. This line land, now highly improved, belongs to his son and namesake, Peter Ross, the third in the family of that name. On this farm in Lykens township the parents lived until they died, he in 1856, probably of one of the malarial diseases that attacked the early settlers in almost every section and were responsible for many sudden deaths. Plis widow survived him for many years, her death occurring when within three months of her bath birthday. They were members of the Evangelical church. One of their children, Lizzie, died in infancy, but six accompanied them to America and of these there are three still living.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

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1 1 38 large enterprise alone until 1905, when he leased his plant and retired to private life, but still retains ownership. In many ways Mr. Ross has been a useful citizen, investing his capital in different concerns which in their infancy needed a little help and encouraging others by his enterprise, energy and public spirit, and today he stands as one of the city's representative men, enjoying to the fullest extent the esteem of business associates and competitors and a wide circle of personal friends.

Mr. Ross was married at Crestline, to Miss Alary Foltz, who was born here Sept. 12, 1856, a daughter of Bartholomew and Catherine (ITelfrich) Foltz. In early life they accompanied their parents from Germany and were reared in Holmes township, Crawford county, where they attended school and after marriage at Bucyrus, moved to Crestline, where Mr. Foltz became connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Both he and wife died in this city when aged about 71 years. They were members of the German Lutheran church, to which Air. and Mrs. Ross also belong and in which Mr. Ross has been a deacon for 15 years. To Air. and Mrs. Ross was born one son, who died in infancy. Mr. Ross is a Democrat in his political views.

As printed in History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.