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Alberta, Past and Present, Historical and Biographical
Vol 2
Joseph H. Ross


Joseph H. Ross is well known in educational circles of Alberta, and as acting principal of the Calgary Institute of Technology & Art he is doing valuable and important work. He was born in Menstrie, Scotland. October 30, 1887, of the marriage of James and Elizabeth (Lindsay) Ross, who were also natives of that country. The father operated a mill in Scotland and remained in his native land until 1890, when he migrated to Canada. For a considerable period he was connected with the Ogilvie Mills at Montreal in the capacity of millwright and later organized the Laurentian Sand & Gravel Company at Melocheville, Quebec, successfully conducting that business until called to his final rest. His demise occurred in June, 1912, when he was fifty-four years of age. The mother is now residing in Calgary.

Joseph II. Ross acquired his early education in the public schools of Beauharnois, Quebec, and afterward became a student at Shortell Academy at Montreal. After completing his course in that institution he became connected with electrical engineering, engaging in general construction work until 1911, when he came to Calgary as electrical inspector for the city, which he had visited in 1906. For five years he filled that position and in 1916 he became an instructor at the Institute of Technology, being thus employed until 1918, when he enlisted for service in the World war. He joined the Flying Corps and was stationed at the Engine Repair Park in Toronto, Ontario, until the close of the war. On his return to this city he took charge of the Calgary Retraining Center, now the Institute of Technology, which in 1920 was taken over by the provincial government, and he is now acting principal of that institution. He has been very successful as an instructor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge he has acquired, and he is actuated by a spirit of progress that takes cognizance of all improved educational methods.

On the 10th of October, 1911, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Grace Simpson and they have become the parents of two children: Sarah H., who was born on Christmas day of 1913; and Joseph, Jr., born April 9, 1916. Mr. Ross reserves the right to vote independently, supporting all movements and projects which he believes will advance the interests of good government. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and his fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served as president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Alberta in 1912 and for three years was president of the local branch of that organization. He is a member of the National Association of Electrical Contractors & Dealers and an associate member of the Engineering Institute of Canada. He is much interested in the agricultural development of Alberta and owns and operates a productive farm. He is conscientious and efficient in the discharge of his professional duties and holds to high standards in his educational work, in which connection he is doing effective public service.


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