THOMAS ROSS.

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         One of the well improved and capably supervised farms of Marshall township is the homestead of Thomas Ross, who has been residing there continuously for nearly fifty years. He is a native of Brown county, Ohio, his natal day being the 17th of January, 1842, and his parents John and Deborah (Ireton) Ross. The parents, who were also born in the Buckeye state migrated to Iowa in 1851, purchasing a farm in Louisa county. They continued to reside upon this place until the father passed away in 1882. The mother survived him for five years thereafter, her demise occurring in 1887. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Ross were born seven children: M. E., who is now residing in Morning Sun; Missouri, who is the widow of J. H. Irum, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; J. Q., who is a resident of Texas; Mary, the wife of Louis Rodrick, of Mason City, Iowa; Thomas, our subject; and two who are deceased.

         Thomas Ross, who was nine years of age when his parents located in Iowa, began his education in the district schools of Ohio. This was later supplemented by his attending the common schools of Iowa, during which time he also assisted his father in the operation of the homestead. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then began farming as a renter on his present homestead, which contains two hundred acres of land located on sections 7 and 8, Marshall township. During his ownership Mr. Ross has effected many improvements in his property, having erected some fine buildings, in addition to which he has also planted a nice grove. His fields which are carefully drained and substantially fenced, are thoroughly cultivated, yielding abundant harvests in return for the labor expended on them.

         Mr. Ross and Miss Ella Simons, a daughter of Louis and Nancy Simons, were united in marriage in 1871 in this county. Mrs. Ross was born in this county, but is of German extraction, her parents having come from the fatherland to America. They were among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, in which state they passed their final days. There were three children born of their marriage. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross, as follows: Nora, the . . .

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. . . wife of A. J. Cox, of Louisa county; Arthur E., who is living in Henry county; Herman E., also a resident of Henry county; Clara, the wife of Oscar Linden, of Des Moines, Iowa; Nelson, who is residing in Henry county, Iowa; John E. and Chester, who are of the same county; and Carl, Crawdon, Jessie and Laura, all of whom are living at home; and two who are deceased.

         The religious views of Mr. and Mrs. Ross are manifested through their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and he votes with the republicans. Despite the exactions of his extensive farming interests Mr. Ross has always found time to fulfill his civic responsibilities and has efficiently served his township in the capacity of both trustee and school director.