BIO: Ulysses S. STROUSS, Beaver County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Joe Patterson Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver.html http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver/bios/bbios.htm Index for this bio book. _________________________________________________________________ BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 152-157 _________________________________________________________________ ULYSSES S. STROUSS, M. D., one of the most active and energetic physicians and surgeons of Beaver, Pa., where his name is identified with many enterprises of magnitude and note, has been actively engaged in his profession at that place alone since 1884. Dr. Strouss was born in Hanover township, June 5, 1848, and was reared on a farm, thoroughly learning what constitutes a day's work. In gaining an education, he was ably assisted by his father, who, after sending him to the public school, considered him able to "hoe his own row." Later, Ulysses took a finishing course at Mansfield Academy, and after graduating therefrom, he engaged in teaching school, being then only seventeen years of age. But our subject was not content with that profession, but had higher aspirations in life. He desired to fit himself for the medical profession, and studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. R. L. Walker of Mansfield, while teaching school at that place. Later, he continued his studies in the office of Dr. C. McConnell of Service, and afterward entered the medical department of the Western Reserve College of Cleveland, Ohio. Entering this college in 1870, he graduated therefrom in the class of 1872, and began the practice of his chosen profession with Dr. R. A. Moon at Hookstown, continuing there until 1874. At that time, he made a change of location, by going to Fairview, where he succeeded in building up a large and remunerative practice. He remained there until 1884, when he sold out his business interests in that place to Dr. J. S. Louthan. Dr. Strauss had gained more confidence in his own ability and skill by this time, and now looked about for a larger field. He found his heart's desire at Beaver, one of the most beautiful BEAVER COUNTY 153 boroughs of Western Pennsylvania, and located there shortly after leaving Fairview. From the beginning of his practice in Beaver, his knowledge and skill, his promptness and strict attention to business gained for him the respect and confidence of the people in general. His patronage has increased to such dimensions that its requirements can only be met by working early and late. Upon locating in Beaver in 1884, Dr. Strouss purchased a residence and office at the corner of Third and Beaver streets, also buying the land and building adjoining on Beaver street. In 1892, he purchased his present residence on the corner of Beaver and Turnpike streets. He built a business block on Third street, which he rented, and has at different times sold lots from his land, until now that portion of the borough is covered with beautiful residences occupied and owned by some of the best people of Beaver. He has also built other houses in different parts of the town. Although Dr. Strouss is a close student and keeps himself up-to-date in his profession, he has not been indifferent or idle as to the progress of his adopted home. Rather it may be said that he has been actively and financially interested in many enterprises worthy of note during the last fifteen years in Beaver. He was one of the original stockholders of the Beaver National Bank, and is one of its directors; he is also a stockholder of the Rochester Electric Light Company; a stockholder and director of the Beaver Loan Association, and a stockholder in various other enterprises. He served as U. S. pension examiner under Cleveland's administration, and is a valued member of the Beaver County Medical Society. Socially, he is a member and past master of St. James Lodge, No. 457. F. & A. M.; of Eureka Chapter, No. 167, R. A. M.; Pittsburg Commandery No. 1, K. T.; Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., besides which he is district deputy grand master of the Thirty-seventh District, and also a member of the Royal Arcanum. In 1870, Dr. Strouss was united in marriage with Esther M. Hartford, a daughter of James M. Hartford of South Beaver township, Beaver county, where he was known as a leading and progressive farmer. Two children, both daughters, have been born to our subject and his wife: Jane M., a graduate of Millersville State Normal School, and Martha E. Both are accomplished young ladies, and are still at home, where they entertain their many friends frequently in a truly hospitable manner. In the beginning of the present year, Dr. Strouss enlarged his residence, adding a fine commodious office and an attractive reception room. Previous to this improvement the Doctor's office was on the corner of Third and Beaver streets. Dr. Strouss is a son of the late David and Emily (Woodrough) Strouss and grandson of John Strouss. John Strouss was born in Germany and with his two brothers came to America. where they all became American citizens. John Strouss settled in Lancaster county, Pa., but subsequently purchased a farm near Clinton, in Allegheny county, where he lived until the time of his death. He was known 154 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES as a very progressive farmer, and owned considerable property. John Strouss erected a flouring or grist mill upon a farm known as the Potato Garden. He was a practical farmer and went west in search of wheat land; instead of buying near Allegheny City, which was then only a small village, he sought land on a higher elevation and away from the river and fog. Here upon this farm, he lived happily and attained the advanced age of ninety-six years. He was thrice married. The name of his first wife is not known, but her children were: Jonas, John, David, Simon, Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, and Mary. Sometime after the death of his first wife, Mr. Strouss wedded Mrs. McCoy, who bore him three sons: William, James, and Henry. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Strouss again felt the need of a companion, and was joined in wedlock with Ann Cloud, - there being no issue to this union. David Strouss, father of our subject, was born in Allegheny county, Pa., and when grown to manhood, conducted his father's mill and also learned the tanner's trade, which was one of the best trades in practical use in his day. He leased Hood's tannery in Allegheny county, which he operated for some time, but, later, leased a tannery in Washington county. After running that very successfully for years, and accumulating some capital, Mr. Strouss discontinued working at his trade, and invested some of his surplus cash in a farm situated in Hanover township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. This farm is today owned by his sons, William and David M. Besides this farm, David Strouss owned other farming property. He was a man of sterling qualities and knew the value of every cent; he arose at break of day and all his children were on hand, also, to accomplish a good day's work. His motto was "strike while the iron is hot," - and everything was done by rule and in due time. In this way, progress was the natural result. Although he was ambitious, Mr. Strouss was also kind and charitable, and he was respected and looked upon as an exceedingly careful, prudent, industrious, and worthy man, whose life is quite worthy of imitation. At the age of sixty-six years, he took down the gun which always hung over the door, with the intention of cleaning it for the purpose of protecting his sheep from the ravages of dogs. As the gun had not been used in a long time, it was not supposed to be loaded. Mr. Strouss raised the hammer and blew in the gun, when it was discharged into his face, causing his death, - a sad ending to a noble life. How many sad accidents occur in exactly the same way! His life companion was Emily Woodrough, of English ancestry. She survives her husband, having attained the advanced age of four score years and six. They reared eleven children, viz.: John W., now deceased; Elizabeth, widow of J. R. McKinzie; Josiah, also deceased; William J., residing on the homestead farm; Jane, deceased; Junius, who was killed in the Civil War while fighting for our country; Martha (deceased), wife of William Keefer; Melissa, wife of C. Swearengen; Ulysses S., subject of this sketch; Mary, wife BEAVER COUNTY 157 of George Henderson; and David, also residing on the homestead. The subject of our sketch and his family are consistent and valued members of the Presbyterian church, working willingly in behalf of its interests, and ever giving liberally of their means. In business circles, the name of Dr. Strouss stands exceedingly high all over the county. At home as a citizen, no one is more popular or has more friends.