Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-11-10
Ross Mitchell.

The writer Of this article has had much
to say that was pleasant and commendatory
of Ross Mitchell during the last quarter of a
eentury-that has been universally acknowl-
edged TO be true and well-deServed. Mr.
Mitchell began his career in this vicinity a,
poor boy. working to support widowed
mother, in distilleries on Mad river, west Of
the city. He had thirst for knowledge,
and BY the kindness Of an adult friend at
New Carlisle, was given access to school
library, and read it, through and through.
He also became a Bible student, but not
believer in Christianity until he had become
Sabbath school teacher, in the First Eng
lish Lutheran church, in this city.
: In the course of time Mr.. Mitchell be
came book-keeper at the LagOnda Agri-
cultural Works, and afterward partner.
and having begun his career with nothing,
he finally retired with several hundred thou
sand dollars. which he had earned by his
faithful and efficient work, and he is now a
millionaire. who has come honestly
by what he has acquired. And better than
this-he has not simply learned how 10
make money-but he has learned how TO
spend it. His first great gift was ten thOuS-
and dollars or more for the New Witten-
berg" how much he has given to the new
Second Lutheran church ediice, we do not
know-but We are sure that it is no small
SUN, and now we are glad TO record the
fact that he has given the valuable Green
way. or Robbins property, on east Main
street, beyond the railroads. TO the city, to
be occupied for hospital purposes. 1t is in
all respects most suitable as site for the
new institution. and was the Iirst property
thought of in connection with its location.
IL mas already upon it ine building. OF
commanding proportions, with handsome
tower. which we hope will be- preserved,
and tine structure, with few thousand dol
lars can be reconstructed and furnished so
that it will be admirably adapted to hospital
purposes.
II will be remembered that John H.
Thomas offered to build the proposed hOspi-
tai if the city furnished the site, and he
must be held in honor for his most gener
ous proposition. He is another pioneer
manufacturer who has learned an import
ant lesson in the art Of spending money for
the public good. We mention Mr.. Thomas's
name in this connection. not because Mr..
Mast. Mr.. Bushnell and a score of Others,
have not been generous, but because of his
personal connection with this movement.
Mr.. Thomas stands ready with his money,
for the erection of a hospital on the site Sc
Iected, OF for recOnstructing or adding to
the building now standing.
We do not take long stride, in stepping
from this hospital gift to the munifcent
proposition of Benjamin H. Warder. to en-
ploy $50, 900 in erecting Public Library
and Institute building. when our citizens
shall procure a suitable site. The only
hitch in the way of this enterprise is the
difficulty in securing central and sufficiently
ample ground for the magnificent structure
which will certainly be erected upon it We
believe that certain parties have the proper
location in sight and that in due time it will
be secured and occupied. Things" are
eworkIng," quietly and surely.