LACEY W. ROSS

Midland’s Oldest Resident

Advocates Christian Living

By: Helen Trost

Correspondent

LONACONING – “I’m a man living for Jesus. I live a Christian life and believe in what’s good”. So said Lacey W. Ross who marked his ninety-eighth birthday Tuesday at the residence of a son and daughter-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Alfred S. Ross, in Midland.

A remarkable man for his age, he can boast of sound health, has never worn a pair of eyeglasses and his hearing is good. Ross went out doors three times Tuesday, strolling about the yard. His parents were among the many “squatters” who settled on the mountains about Lonaconing. His father’s was on Jackson Mountain where he was born December 13, 1857, the second of eight children.

Besides working as a farmer and timberman, “pater” (this word ‘pater’, is Father; also, the paternoster or Lord’s Prayer, or recital of it), was a staunch believer in the Methodist faith and conducted home services.

Ross, called “Dick” by his father, had a limited amount of schooling as he had to do the chores around the farm. He walked two miles to Stoney Run School, which was in session three months during the year, and each pupil was obliged to pay $1 monthly for his learning. “You didn’t learn much,” he explained.

When asked about working in the coalmines, he said he dug coal for one year at 50 cents per ton. He later became a laborer around the mines for a short time.

Ross recalled that as a small lad during the Civil War in 1863 the rebels came to their home and took everything available. Then they went to the Mt. Savage area and the word reached them that President Lincoln had been assassinated. Later they moved back to the Jackson Mountain home.

Asked about food prices in the early days, he said customers could buy a barrel of flour for $4 - $4.50. Coffee sold for 15 cents a pound and corn for 75 cents a barrel.

When 18 years of age, Ross married Amanda Miller, who died 13 years ago. Nine children, six of whom are living, were born to the couple. Besides Alfred there are John of Shaft, Mrs. Mary E. Shimer of Frostburg, Mrs. Lora Shimer of Eckhart, Mrs. Clara Miller and Mrs. Cletus Miller of Westernport.

There are 45 grandchildren and 118 great-grandchildren.

Radio and television interest Ross who retires early in the evening.

Politics are of little importance as he has voted only three times.

SOURSE FOR THIS: Cumberland Times 1955, Article.

Send to me by Ellen Miller.