Several years ago Walter L. Ross became identified with the interests of the flourishing town of Streator, and, being connected with the railroad corporation as general agent, is well known to the traveling public of this locality. Strictly attentive to his duties, prompt and reliable, and thoroughly trustworthy, he is highly esteemed by his employers, and at the same time his genial manner and courteous treatment of all with whom he has dealings make him popular.
Born in Bloomington, Illinois, January 1, 1865, our subject is a son of A. S. and Margaret (Clark) Ross, natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and Frankfort, Kentucky, respectively. The paternal grandfather of Walter L. was James Ross, and his maternal grandfather bore the name of John Clark. An early settler in Bloomington, A. S. Ross was engaged in the hardware business there for many years, and was considered one of the representative citizens of the place.
The boyhood and youth of Walter L. Ross were spent at his birthplace, his education being obtained in the common and high schools of Bloomington. Upon the completion of his course of study he entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Pontiac, Illinois, and a year later began working for the Central Union Telephone Company. Since 1882 he has been connected with the Wabash Railroad Company, as a clerk and telegraph operator and in other capacities. During the first two years of this service he was stationed at Pontiac, then was transferred to Streator, and acted as chief clerk here for a year. He was next sent to Forest, Illinois, where he held a position in the office of the train dispatcher for some time. Returning to Streator, he became the agent for the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa, and the Wabash Railroads, and in 1896 he took charge of the entire passenger and freight business of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company at this point. He has been prosperous, as he eminently deserves, and from time to time has invested his carefully husbanded means in real estate in Streator.
In the social circles of this town Mr. Ross occupies a prominent place. Pie is the president of the Haynes Coal Company, and is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he favors the platform of the Republican party, and uses his ballot on behalf of its nominees. On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Ross and Miss Kate Cox, a daughter of J. N. Cox, deceased, of Streator, were united in marriage, and two children grace their home, namely: Mildred K. and George Sidney. Mrs. Ross is a lady of excellent education and general attainments, and, with her husband, enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 156-157.
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