Evening journal., 1916-03-27


many years a well known merchant,
prominent lodgeman and at one time
senior vice-commander-in in-chief OF
the Grand Army OF the Republic. died
early yesterday morning at the home
Of his son. Howard d. Ross, former
city treasurer. No. 1905 West street
Mr.. Ross retired from the mercantile
business about three years ago on
account OF failing health. He went
to Florida, after retiring from busi-
ness. but this failed to benefit his
helath. His death was due to general
weakness brought about by his failure
to take nourishment Funeral SER
vices will be held from his late home
at $3.50 o'clock Wednesday afternoon
and interment made in the Whining
ton and Brandywine Cemetery.
AS a grand army man the deceased
was known throughout the country.
II had been his pride and honor on
many occasions to act as marshal for
the local G. A. r. Memorial Day
parades. He held some OF the highest
offices in the c. A. r.
AT Cincinnati, Ohio, September ..
1885, he was elected junior vice-com-
mander. and the year following at
the encampment held in Philadelphia,
he was elected senior vice-comman-
der-in-chief. and presided in the abb
sence OF the commander He was also
a past commander Of the G.. A. r.
from this State.
Mr. Ross was born July IS, 1888.
and was of Scotch parentage. He
resided for the first twenty years of
[ IA.
educated at Fairfield Seminary, where
he took an engineering course and
was a classmate Of Ex-Governor
Reynolds. OF this State
Shortly after the outbreak OF the
Civil War, he enlisted at Philadel-
phia, and was mustered into service
as a corporal He was soon promoted
for efficiency. and served as quarter
master sergeant and finally first or
orderly sergeant In 1864 he was de-
tailed from his company and attached
to headquarters on the staff OF Major
General Sigel. on the expedition to
Lynchburg and subsequent retreat of
the Army OF the Potomac over the
mountains OF West Virginia. TO Par
kersburg, He participated in the bat
tie of New Market. and subsequently
on General Hunters staff in the bat
ties OF Piedmont and Lynchburg,
Mr. Ross was a charter member OF
General Thomas A. Smith Post No
1, OF this city. He had attended all the
national encampments OF the G. A. r.
since its organization. until about
three years ago when his health begar
to fail.
At the close OF the Civil War Mr.
Ross engaged in business with his
father at Conshohocken, Pa. Ten year,
later he started branch store a
Chester and the following year at Nor
ristown. The Chester store was late
sold TO his brother. Robert F. Ross
The Norristown store was purchas
ed by Lafayette Ross and is still con
Quoted by him. Mr.. Ross came to thi
city on March 23. 1878. and opened
store at No. 116 Market street, wher
he was located for ten years. TT
later located az No. 210 Market street
where for twenty-seven years he con
Quoted enc OF the most successful bus
mess houses in the city. He rename
in business at the No. 2l0 Marke
, NAittAo dNAAtoN NAAiA NAi &C efaAN Hr
when he was compelled to retire on &C
count OF failing health
Mr.. Ross was for several year
identified with educational affairs an
served for twelve years as a mombe
Of the Board OF Education from IN
First ward. II was largely due to hi
. efforts that the Wilmington Institut
, Library received an appropriate
/ from the city. II was also largely du
= to his efforts that the present con
. mercial course was installed in tn
a Wilmington High School. He was a
v active member OF the old Board {
, Trade and belonged to various fratel
h nal orders. He is survived by on
q son, Howard De Haven Ross. III
"A vile. Hannah De Haven Ross, die
,e about fourteen years ago.
He was member Of Central Pre-.
m byterian Church.
h Mr.. Ross had been an active men
Der of Wilmington Encampment n
= "a, Union Veteran Legion; ma
grand patriarch Of the Grand Ii
campment of Delaware. l. o. o. !
active member of the NJ w. GraI
m Lodge OF Delaware. A. f. A. n
%, Knights Templar; Uniform Ran
NJ knights OF Pythias: Grand Counc
e. Improved Order Of Red Men: pa
in commander. grand prior OF Delawa
d. and vice eminent grand prior OF 4
Of order of 81. John and Malta.