GROSS, SAMUEL

GROSS, PECK, POND, SUTHERLAND, HANSEN

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/30/2004 at 15:04:46

Biography reproduced from page 524 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

A residence in Kossuth county covering a period of twelve years has served to win Samuel Gross recognition as one of the enterprising and capable agriculturists of Buffalo township, where he owns a farm of a hundred and sixty acres located on section 28. He is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on a farm in York county on the 19th of October, 1859, and a son of John and Betsey Gross.

Left fatherless at an early age Samuel Gross left the place of his birth when a lad of ten and went to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, remaining there until he was eighteen. He received a very good schooling for a youth of the times, as educational advantages in the rural sections were then somewhat inadequate. His early energies were directed along agricultural lines, and by the time he had attained his maturity he was quite proficient and possessed a thorough knowledge of the duties and requirements of a farmer. When ready to start out to make his own way in the world, he decided to locate in the west and went to Illinois, first settling in Logan county, whence he later removed to Woodford. There he worked out by the month until his marriage, following which he rented some land and began farming for himself. He continued to cultivate leased land in Illinois until 1893, when he came to Iowa. For seven years thereafter he farmed as a renter in Story county, then came to Kossuth county of which he became a resident in 1900. Here he continued to cultivate leased land until 1905, when he bought the place where he is now living. He has manifested good judgment and excellent methods in the development of his farm, on which he has wrought extensive improvements, converting it into one of the most attractive and valuable properties of the community. The majority of the buildings now in use, including the residence, have been erected during the period of his ownership, while his entire holding has been fenced and cross fenced, thus dividing it into five fields. Wherever necessary the land has been tiled and by judicious tilling and fertilizing as well as an intelligent rotation of crops has been brought to a high state of productivity. Each year has shown a marked improvement in the place, its general appearance substantially evidencing competent supervision and the careful regard for details that invariably indicates prosperity. In connection with diversified farming Mr. Gross raises high-grade cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, and he is also the owner of some high-grade horses. His farm is equipped with everything essential to its cultivation, including many conveniences which greatly reduce labor. There is a large grove on the place and an orchard of carefully selected fruits, representing practically everything grown in this section.

In Woodford county, Illinois, on the 5th of October, 1876, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Peck. She is a native of Maryland but was reared and educated in Woodford county, and is one of four daughters born to John and Catherine Peck. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have had thirteen children, ten of whom are living: Elmer A., the oldest son, who is a farmer in Kossuth county, Cephas M., a farmer residing at Burt, who is married; Lloyd L., who is also farming in this county; Vern J., who is married and farming in Kossuth county; Edward S., who is a farmer of Burt; Arthur L., who is living at home; Stella, who became the wife of Charles Pond, of Story county, this state; Pearl, who married Charles Sutherland, also a resident of Story county; Edith A., the wife of George S. Hansen, a farmer of Buffalo township; and Olive F., who is living at home. Two children died in infancy and one daughter, Lola, at the age of two years.

Mr. Gross is a hard-working man of earnest purpose and honest methods, who readily commands the respect of those with whom he had dealings.