JOSEPH S. GOSS, ATLANTIC.

A leading druggist of this city, also president of the Board of Pharmacy Committee of Iowa, and a Democrat of more than local prominence, Joseph S. Goss is a native of the Empire State, being born in the metropolis August 27, 1858. His parents were Joseph S. and Mary (Brown) Goss, both natives of England--the father of Devonshire and the mother of Newport. Joseph S. Goss, Sr., was a bridge builder and emigrated to the United States about 1857, following his trade with great success during his residence in this country. In 1859 he moved to Chicago, being in the employ of the American Bridge Company, with headquarters in that city and one of the largest companies engaged in that branch of construction in the world. Mr. Goss held the position of general superintendent of this great company until his death in 1886. His wife died in 1893, the mother of five sons and two daughters, all living with the exception of one daughter. All of the children reside in Chicago with the exception of Joseph S., and one sister who lives in California. His brothers are owners of the Goss Printing Press Company, of Chicago.

Joseph S. Goss was reared in Chicago and educated in its public schools, and after completing his primary education he commenced to work at the age of fourteen years as clerk in a drug store, remaining thus employed from 1870 to 1873. He then removed to Seneca, Ill., where he resided for the following two years, coming to Perry, Iowa, in 1875. In the latter city he engaged in various business pursuits for the succeeding ten years and also served as city clerk for a term of two years. In 1880 he moved to Harlan, Iowa, where he remained for three years. Mr. Goss became a resident of Atlantic in 1890 and wasfirst engaged as a clerk by James Jones, with whom he remained for one year. He then became associated with Dr. Emerett & Brother, druggists, later purchasing the stock and business from the remaining partners. Since that time he has conducted the enterprise also with marked success, until it is now one of the principal establishments of Atlantic.

Joseph S. Goss was married April 26, 1877, to Margaret Corrough, his wife being a native of the Buckeye State. They have two children--Samuel F. and Sadie P. Mr. Goss has been a firm Democrat all his life and although he has never sought office he is considered a leader of that party. His standing in his profession is indicated by his appointment March 11, 1905, to fill the vacancy on the State Board of Pharmacy Committee caused by the death of Fletch Howard, and by the additional fact that he is now serving as president of the Board itself. He is also a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association and chairman of the Committee on Pharmacy. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Elks, and M. W. of A., and is widely known fraternally, politically and professionally, and wherever known is generally respected for his stauch character and solid abilities.

From "Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 341-342.