Howard Ross, has built up a large business as a retail meat dealer in Champaign, learned his trade in that city, and by good management and by making it a point to offer the best of service and goods he is now one of the leaders in his line in the county.
Mr. Ross was born near Savoy, Illinois, August 29, 1874, a son of David I. and Mary Elizabeth (Bowers) Ross. His father was born in Newburgh, New York, and his mother in Indiana. David Ross came to Champaign County about 1869. He was an active farmer here until 1882, when he moved west to Topeka, Kansas, and followed the drug business, in that city four years. After returning to Champaign County he lived retired until his death on January 21, 1890. His wife died in Topeka, Kansas, in 1888. There were five children: A son who died in infancy; Howard; Grace, wife of Bert Thrasher, of Berryton, Kansas; Ella, wife of Ralph Yingling, of Kansas; and the fifth, a son, died in infancy.
Howard Ross spent part of his early boyhood in the State of Kansas. He was educated in local schools, and when fourteen years of age he got a job driving a grocery wagon at Champaign. A year later. he found work with a meat market driving a wagon, and after about two years he went in the shop to learn the trade. Altogether he put in twelve years with this firm, Dallenbach & Boyle. He became an expert at the block, was a valuable man to his firm, and at the same time acquired a thorough knowledge of the financial end of the meat business. With this experience, and with such capital as he had been able to accumulate, he opened a small shop for himself in 1901. Later he removed to his present location at 105 South Neil Street, and besides the business he owns a half interest in the building.
Mr. Ross married June 9, 1897, Miss Minnie Sinz, a native of Champaign County. Mr. Ross is a Republican in politics, and served as fire and police, commissioner under Mayor Coughlin. In Masonry he is affiliated with the Lodge, Chapter, Council and Knight Templar Commandery at Champaign and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.