Ross, Robert 1860-1955

ROSS, MENZIES, KOCH

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/16/2014 at 13:51:27

DEATH SUMMONS OLDEST RESIDENT LAST SATURDAY

Last Rites Are Held Tuesday Afternoon For Robert Ross

Robert Ross, one of the best known and the oldest resident of Akron, passed away at Akron Community Hospital at about 11:00 o'clock Saturday morning, May 14, 1955, at the age or 94 years, 10 months and 24 days.

Robert Ross was born at Owatonna, Minn., June 24, 1860. He came to Dakota Territory with his parents, Duncan and Janet Menzies Ross, by ox-team, in the spring of 1864. They located on a claim one mile south of Jefferson, S. D., where they lived for three years. In 1867 they moved to their family home in Sioux Valley township, Union county, where Robert grew to manhood and lived until 1897 when he came to Akron, where he has since resided. He engaged in the grain business, operating an elevator under the firm name of D Ross & Co., until 1912, when his elevator was destroyed by fire.

On Septembr 29, 1898, he was united in marriage with May Louisa Koch. To this union were born six children: Russell O., of Spencer, Iowa; Dr. P. J., of La Grange, Ill., (now deceased); Leslie R., of Omaha, Nebr.; Myron and Mahlon, twin sons, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Janet L.. Claeys, of Wabash, Indiana.

Robert and May observed their 56th wedding anniversary September 20, 1954.

Mr. Ross was a man of genial personality, always interested in progress, especially in this community. He was devoted to his wife and family, and took great pride in his home and spent most of his time there. His life was one of wonderful health, never having been sick in bed in the 56 years of his married life until the past four months.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his widoe, Mary; two sons, and one daughter, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, also many othe relatives and friends.

He was the last of a famly of 13 children, and the oldest resident in Siouxland, having lived here in this community continuously since he was three years of age.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Baptist church, Rev. Wayne R. Williams officiating. Pallbearers were Calvin Anderson, Claude Anderson, R. D. Clark, Floyd Davis, K. L. Peters and Paul Stoel. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, May 19, 1955
Akron, Iowa