My Genealogy Hound

A. M. Gross, devoting his time and energies to general farming and stock-raising on Section 24, Douglas township, is pleasantly located within a mile of Creston. One of Iowa’s native sons, he was born in Poweshiek county, February 23, 1869. His father, L. F. Gross, was a native of North Carolina, where the days of his boyhood and youth were spent. When a young man he came to Iowa and was married in Poweshiek county to Miss Susan J. McKnabb, who was born and reared in Iowa. He began farming in Poweshiek county, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1878. His widow still survives him and now resides in Malcom, Iowa. Their family numbered three children who still survive, namely: A. R. Gross, who is editor of the Agra Sentinel, at Agra, Kansas; Delzia M., who resides in Colorado; and A. M., of this review.

The last named was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. After putting aside his text-books he secured a situation in a railroad office at Waterloo, where he learned railroading and telegraphy. He was employed there for a time as helper and subsequently served as relief agent. Later he took charge of the office at Arispe in 1893 and, extending his activity into other fields of business, he likewise bought and sold grain and handled coal there for seven years. As time passed his well directed business activity brought him a goodly measure of success and he invested his earnings in one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the village. He removed to that farm, which he cultivated and improved. Subsequently he bought one hundred and eighty acres which he cultivated for two years, after which he sold that property and invested in eighty acres in Sand Creek township. Still later he bought the eighty acres in Douglas township, upon which he still resides, and he yet owns the farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the village of Arispe. He is thus the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable farming land in Union county and from his property derives a gratifying annual income. His home now is the old Blanchard place, which he has greatly improved, remodeling the buildings and making it an up-to-date home with furnace heat and complete system of water works. When he left his farm near Arispe he removed to Afton, where he resided for one year, working as an “extra” man for the Great Western Railway. While thus engaged he visited the exposition at Portland, Oregon, and other coast cities. He also made a business of buying and dealing in horses while residing in Afton.

On the 28th of March, 1894, Mr. Gross was married in Poweshiek county to Miss Ada F. Royce, who was born and reared in that county and after completing her education engaged in teaching school for several years, being recognized as an able educator. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children but two of the number, Ernest and Alton, died in infancy. Those still living are Marie A., Lillie B., Harold R. and Lester O. Mrs. Gross is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, interested in its work and also in the work of the Sunday school, in which she served as teacher while in Sand Creek township.

Politically Mr. Gross is a democrat but with independent tendencies manifest in his support at local elections of the candidates whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. He has served as township committeeman and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, also the Modern Brotherhood, and has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this part of the state.