Ross, C. Howard, 1890-1980.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, physician, researcher and speaker on such topics as geriatrics, local history, and the use of herbs and plants in medical treatment.

From the description of C. Howard Ross papers, ca. 1955-1980. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423441

C. Howard Ross was born in Troy, Ohio on July 6,1890. He graduated from Troy High School in 1908 and taught in the village school until 1912, when he entered The University of Michigan. He paid for his education by working as an Instructor in Botany. In 1916 he received a degree in Forestry with distinction.

After teaching high school for one year, Ross served in the U.S. Army during World War I. From 1919 until 1927, he worked first with Deere and Company in Moline, Illinois and then as Manager of the Union Malleable Iron Company.

Since childhood Ross had ambitions of becoming a doctor, and in 1927, at the age of 37, he entered The University of Michigan Medical School, graduating at the age of 41. After an internship and a term as half-time Instructor in Internal Medicine while he built up his practice, he devoted full time to private practice in Ann Arbor until he retired at the age of 78. His special medical interests were geriatrics, medical writing, and medical ethics and economics.

Considered one of the leading Michigan experts in the field of geriatrics, Ross was a wise and compassionate physician to all of his patients, but particularly to the elderly. He published extensively in the field of geriatrics, as well as in gardening, history, especially local history, and the use of plants and herbs in medicinal treatments. He was in great demand as an interesting and witty speaker.

Remaining active throughout his older years, Ross died at the age of 90, August 30, 1980.

From the guide to the C. Howard Ross Papers, ca. 1955-1980, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)