Source:Gross-obit-daily/content
Dr. A. H. Gross, well known as one of our most prominent and successful physicians and as a local Republican politician of influence, passed to his long home at half-past nine o'clock yesterday morning. In 1876, while in New York with several friends, he was prostrated in front of the St. Nicholas Hotel. It was discovered that he was suffering from congestion of the brain, and as soon as possible he was removed to Philadelphia and placed under the care of his brother Dr. Ferd. Gross. He was subsequently brought to his home on Winebiddle avenue, East End, but it was very soon evident his mind was impaired, and he was taken to Kirkbride asylum, Philadelphia, where he remained nearly a year. He was then brought back and has since been at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas MacConnell, in the East End. He began to sink last week and on Friday his friends gave up all hope of his recovery. On Saturday he placed his hand on the head of his adopted daughter, Mrs. MacConnell, and pointed upwards, from which incident it was supposed he was conscious, though no other evidence of the fact was given. He continued to sink from that time until death finally relieved him yesterday at the hour stated.
Dr. Gross was a native of Germany having been born near Hesse Cassel. He came to this country nearly forty years ago with his father who was a practicing physcian [sic]. His father resided on Penn street for several years and subsequently removed to Berlin, Somerset county where he died. Augustus H. the son studied medicine with him, and first began the practice of medicine in Indiana county, but shortly afterwards removed to the East End. Here he secured a large and lucrative practice. He was associated for a number of years with Dr. Lewis and the firm was dissolved several years ago by the death of the latter. Dr. Gross was a physcian [sic] of great ability and attained high rank in the medical profession in Western Pennsylvania.
The deceased had a strong predilection for politics and some years ago represented Allegheny county in the Legislature for two terms. While a member of the House he had an act passed for the protection of people owning suburban residences by authorizing the impounding of cattle and horses found running at large. On the consolidation of the East End with the city he was elected to Select Councils from the Twentieth ward, and served several terms in that capacity. Upon the illness of President McAuley in 870 he was chosen to occupy the chair in his absence and in the following year when Mr. McAuley resigned he was made President, in which capacity he served until sometime in 1876. He was a candidate before the Republican Convention for Mayor when B. W. Morgan received the nomination and again entered the contest in 1873, when Mr. McCarthy defeated him for the nomination, and was afterwards elected. Dr. Gross was a prominent mover in the consolidation project and one of the originators of the Penn avenue act.
About twenty-five years ago Dr. Gross married Miss Ingles, a stepdaughter of Conrad Winebiddle, and was made a joint heir with his wife to the large and valuable estates of the latter. His only child was Mrs. MacConnell, a daughter of his brother, whom he adopted some years ago. On the death of his mother Dr. Gross inherited some valuable real estate and these inheritances largely increased in value, together with his own accumulations made a large fortune.
He was a captain in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel Gallagher in the late civil war. He was also afterwards surgeon for the Duquesne Greys organization. He was Past Grand Master of Hailman Lodge No. 321 of the Masons. For several years he was closely associated with the interests of the Agricultural Society of Allegheny county in fruit growing, grape culture, etc. Dr. Gross was a member of the East Liberty Presbyterian church, Rev. John Gillespie, pastor. He was a genial companion, and a generous, public spirited gentleman. He died in the fifty-eighth year of his age.
