Source:Gross-obit-gazette

"Obituary: Dr. Augustus H. Gross." Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette, July 23, 1878, [p. 4]. Newspapers.com 85462080.

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OBITUARY.

Dr. Augustus H. Gross.

Many will read with sincere regret the announcement of the death of Dr. A. H. Gross, although it will take no one by surprise, since the event has been daily expected for a week or more. He expired yesterday morning, at half-past nine o'clock, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas MacConnell, Jr., near the old homestead, in the Twentieth ward, where he had resided for many years. Dr. Gross was born near Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1820, and was in his fifty-eighth year. His father was a physician, and came to this city about forty years ago. After living on Penn street for a while, he removed to Berlin, Somerset county, where he died. Before his death he had imparted a knowledge of the science of medicine to his son, who subsequently settled down to practice in the East Liberty Valley, and became widely known and esteemed as a successful practitioner. For many years he was associated with the late Dr. Lewis in the practice of medicine, the firm having been dissolved by the death of Dr. Lewis a few years ago. Dr. Gross married a Miss Ingals, step-daughter of the late Conrad Winebiddle, and through him they inherited a large tract of valuable real estate in the East End. They had no children, but adopted a daughter of his brother, residing in Harrisburg, who is now the wife of Mr. MacConnell. Dr. Gross, being affable and popular, and having abundant means and a good education, gradually drifted into politics, and was twice chosen to the State Legislature, where he made a good record. He was active in bringing about the consolidation of the adjacent territory, between the rivers with the old city, and on the adoption of that measure was chosen to represent the Twentieth ward in the Select Council, serving several times in that capacity. He was an active and influential member of the body, and on the death of James McAuley, in 1869, was chosen President, a position which he held until he became a candidate for Mayor, when he resigned. He was twice a candidate for this office, but was beaten for the nomination by W. B. Morgan, and subsequently, in 1873, by Mr. McCarthy. In March, 1877, while in New York, on a visit, he was prostrated in front of the St. Nicholas Hotel, with congestion of the brain, and was placed under the care of his brother, Dr. Ferdinand Gross, of Philadelphia. He recovered sufficiently to be able to return home, but his friends soon discovered that his mind was diseased, and he was taken back to Philadelphia and remained for about a year under the treatment of Dr. Kirkbride. He improved somewhat, but there was no hope of a permanent cure, and his friends preferred to take care of him at home. Last week it was apparent that his end was drawing near, and his family were constantly at his bedside. On Saturday last he seemed to have a lucid interval, as he placed his hand upon the head of his daughter, Mrs. MacConnell, and pointed upwards, as though he would have her understand that he knew her, and knew he was about to depart to the better land. He was a member of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Rev. John Gillespie, pastor, and was liberal in support of religious and benevolent institutions. He was a most affable gentleman, possessed the elements of popularity in a large degree, and was widely known and esteemed.