John F. Rossman is president of the Cheyenne Steam Laundry and is an active and energetic business man who early realized the eternal principle that industry wins and therefore made industry the beacon light of his life. He was born in the state of New York in 1857, a son of John and Harriet (Kells) Rossman. The father has passed away, having spent his entire life in New York, but the mother is still living.
    John F. Rossman acquired a public school education in the Empire state and afterward attended a seminary in New York, subsequent to which time he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the work of his father's farm, whereon the mother still resides. He gave his labors to general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Wyoming in the year 1885. Making his way westward, he settled in Cheyenne, where he has since made his home. The previous year the laundry of which he is proprietor had been established by John A. England, being the first laundry started in the state. Following the death of Mr. England, Mr. Rossman purchased a half interest in the business and became a partner of Mr. England's son. They are still associated in the conduct of the enterprise, which is today not only the oldest laundry in the state but also the oldest under the continuous management of one firm. Mr. Rossman had been employed in the laundry for ten years prior to purchasing an interest in the business. Since becoming one of the proprietors he has taken active and helpful part in its management and has done work in this connection that has been of great value in the upbuilding of the trade. Today the company uses five laundry auto cars. In their treatment of employes they are quick to recognize merit and fidelity and to reward it by promotion as opportunity offers. They now employ fifty people in the laundry and have an added force during the rush season.
    Mr. Rossman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wager and to them have been born the following named, Jennie M., Marian, Harriett and Jessie.
    In religious faith Mr. Rossman is a Methodist and in the work of the church takes a very active and helpful part, serving now as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also much interested in charitable work and gives most freely to benevolent projects and to aid individuals. His gifts are made without ostentation or display and he follows the Biblical instruction not to let the left hand know what the right hand doeth. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and the Elks. In the former he has attained the thirty-second degree in Wyoming Consistory. No, 1. A. A. S. R.,* and he is a Knight Templar and also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Industrial Club and cooperates in all of its well defined plans and purposes for the upbuilding of the city.
    His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1901 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature. He also served as a member of the city council for three years, but while he made an excellent officer he is willing that his public duties should be done as a private citizen that he may concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and upon his church and charitable work, which lie nearest to his heart. He is constantly reaching out a helping hand to those in need of assistance and he has done much to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.