Ross, James G.

ROSS, WRIGHT, APPLE, KROH

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/15/2009 at 07:47:47

James G. Ross, Trustee of Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, and a successful farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Franklin County, Ind., February 14, 1842, and is one of five children comprising the family of Andrew Jackson and Sarah (Wright) Ross. The father was born in Virginia, as was also the grandfather, James Ross. When Andrew Jackson was a mere lad, the family moved to Indiana and located upon a farm, where he grew to a vigorous manhood. He spent his entire life in that state engaged in general farming, and passed away at the age of fifty-two. His wife was a native of Kentucky and died in early life.

The subject of this sketch resided in Indiana until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in the Fifty-second Indiana Infantry. He served for nearly three years, and was then discharged on account of disability. Later, he again entered the army, enlisting in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, in which he served until the close of the Rebellion. He took part in numerous battles and many minor engagements, and was an active participant in the famous battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh.

The marriage of Mr. Ross occurred in l866, and united him with Miss Martha P. Apple, a native of Indiana and a daughter of William V. Apple. After their marriage, the young couple came to Iowa and settled in Marion County, but soon removed thence to Mahaska County, where they remained for four years. They then came to Jasper County and settled in Elk Creek Township, where Mr. Ross has since engaged in farming. The estate upon which he now lives, and which he bought in 1891, was formerly known as the Greenleaf Farm, and is located about a half- mile from the village of Galesburg. It consists of one hundred and eighty-five acres, and is devoted to the raising of cereals and stock. At present there are about sixty head of cattle and about the same number of hogs.

In politics Mr. Ross has always been a Democrat, and is deeply interested in the success of the party. He was elected Township Trustee in 1892, to serve for a term of three years. He has acted as Township Assessor, and for eight years has been Justice of the Peace. His marriage has resulted in the birth of three children, viz.: Frances C., who is at home; Anna Belle, the wife of Charles Kroh, of Elm Grove; and Lillie, who resides with her parents. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 591.