The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-09
A MODEL CAREER ENDED.
DEATH OF ASSISTANT CITY ENGI-
NEER MAJ. ANTHONY ROSS.
His Life Made Up Of Inspiring Expe-
riences and Beautified by Indom-
liable Pluck and Unswerving Chris
tian Zeal.

Mr.. Anthony Ross, assistant city en-
gineer, died suddenly Of heart disease at
his residence, No. LIT Tennessee street, at
8 o'clock yesterday morning His death
was shocking surprise TO large circle OF
friends and to his devoted wife. Deceased
was about sixty years OF age. His demise
was peculiarly melancholy. Arising at the
usual early morning hour, he started to kim
die the fire, when tho treacherous malady
seized him with violence, telling him
to the floor in an insensible condition.
Mrs. Ross, thinking he had merely tainted,
threw water in his face and applied other
remedies at her command, but the afflicted
gentleman never revived sufficiently TO
recognize any one or speak word. Death
followed in about twenty minutes The
funeral will occur at 3 o'clock this after
noon, from the First Methodist church, of
which he was an invaluable member.
The death OF Mr.. Ross was made known
to the city council by President IIadden
in preamble and resolution, accompanied
by brief but touching verbal tribute.
This was the first intimation OF the event
received by any member, and the visible
effect upon them was a weighty tes-
timonial OF the esteem in which he was
held, both as an official and as man.
The announcement is given in the report
Of the council proceedings, published else
where.
Mr. Anthony Ross was a German by
birth, coming 10 America when mere
STRIPPING. He was poor In purse, but moro
than millionaire ten times over in in
domitable will and determined purpose.
He learned the science OF civil engineering
in Germany, and after landing in New
York had nothing more than his case OF
fine instruments. He found no satisfactory
employment in the cities Of the east, could
speak but little English, and that
OF broken character, and started on
laborious and doubtful journey to
the south. Most Of his journey was made
on foot, and by engaging in any kind of
honest toll that presented ITSELF He pro-
ceeded as far as Arkansas, where he found
employment on a farm, and while thus
engaged formed the attachment for his
employers daughter that finally cul-
minated in a happy marriage. Mr.. Ross
learned, while In Arkansas, that his father
had died in the old country,
leaving him comparatively small
sum OF money. With nothing
more than his unlimited stock OF perse-
yerancc, he started for New York, where
a lifelong friend resided and did a thriv-
ing mercantile business. To reach him
meant a loan sufficient 10 deiray the ex-
pense OF an ocean voyage, but II was a
long journey and would cost a consider
able sum. Too proud 10 request fayom
from his newly formed friends, MIR. Ross
4 l. Il. Il.
up at New Orleans with little more than
when lac started, and spent about
| three months loading and unloading
sugar for the river carriers. From this he
realized enough 10 defray expenses 10 New
York, and tho remainder was easily nc
complished. Upon his return from Ger
many with his small inheritance he mar
ricd the young lady who waited trustfully
| for him, and soon aiterward located In
Memphis. He has been engaged In tho
city engineering department nearly ever
since, and the vacancy caused by his death
will long remain untitled.
The most enduring monument 10 the
skill and piety Of Mr. ROss, aside from the
undying esteem OF his surviving friends, viii
| be tho new house OF worship now In course
| OF erection by the First Methodist church
congregation. He was tho pioneer In
moving for tho new building, aided
materially In shaping tho undertaking,
and drew the plans and specifications,
which will make Il ono OF the most COM
plcte, substantial and handsome church
edifces In this country. All In all, Mr..
| Anthony Ross WINS a model man and
| Christian, the like OF whom Ii seldom seen.
His life history, II fully known and writ
ten, would make large volume well
worth studying by all young men who
| cherish the proper sort OF ambition in life.