M. C. ROSS.

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         The business interests of Grand View township find a most worthy representative in M. C. Ross, one of the progressive and prosperous residents of Letts. He was born in this township on the 27th of April, 1866, a son of Oscar and Mary A. (Lindsey) Ross, natives of Kentucky and Iowa respectively, their marriage occurring in this state. The father, a farmer by occupation, followed that pursuit until his retirement in 1907, since which time he has made his home with his son in Letts, having now reached the age of seventy-five years. His wife passed away near Grand View in 1883. Of the family of seven children M. C., of this review, is the only surviving member, the others being as follows: Elmina and Mary, who passed away in early childhood; Myra, whose death occurred when she was thirty-eight years of age; Evert, who died when eleven years old; Millard, who passed away at the age of seventeen years; and Emma, who had reached the age of twenty-two when called to her final rest.

         M. C. Ross is indebted to the public school system of his native county for the educational advantages which he enjoyed during the period of his boyhood and youth, and after completing his studies remained on the home farm, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields until he was eighteen years of age. He then began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for seven years, after which he began learning the blacksmith’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. At the end of that time he established a shop of his own in Letts, in the conduct of which he has since continued. He now has a fine trade, for his is the most important enterprise of its kind in this locality, and in addition to conducting a general blacksmith’s business also handles various kinds of farm implements, buggies, wagons and gasoline engines, carrying a very extensive stock of standard manufacture. The volume of his business is constantly increasing with the passing of the years, and he is recognized today as one of the substantial and representative citizens of Grand View township.

         Mr. Ross was married on the 16th of March, 1898, to Miss Emma Soderstrom, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, and passed away three years after her marriage. Unto this union was born one son: Oscar M., whose birth . . .

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. . . occurred on the 13th of October, 1899. On June 24, 1908, Mr. Ross was again married, his second union being with Miss Pearl Furnace, whose birth occurred in Letts, her parents being M. P. and Ella (Curtis) Furnace. They still survive, making their home in this town, and are the parents of three children of whom Mrs. Ross is second in order of birth, the others being: Etta, the wife of J. H. Garrett, of Concord township; and Frank, yet at home. By his second marriage Mr. Ross had two children, twins, both of whom are now deceased. Their birth occurred in February, 1911, one passing away at birth and the other surviving for three months.

         Mr. Ross holds membership with the Fraternal Aid Association, and since attaining his majority has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has served on the city council of Letts for the past eight years, is also a member of the school board and is now acting as president of the Cemetery Association of the city of Letts. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of the community in which he resides and he casts his influence on the side of advancement and progress along material, political and intellectual lines. He is meeting with a success in business which is well merited, for his has been a life of unceasing activity, governed by honorable and upright principles. He and his wife occupy a beautiful home, the cordial hospitality of which is enjoyed by a large circle of warm friends.