The Ross Families of Greene County, Missouri

LAFAYETTE A. ROSS.

One of the venerable and most widely known citizens of the northern part of Greene county is Lafayette A. Ross, who has spent practically the entirely of his nearly four score years in this locality, which he has seen grow from a wild and sparsely settled prairie, dotted with log cabins, when land could be secured for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre to its present thriving state when some of the best acres are worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars each and modernly appointed homes are numerous. And in this great transformation he has played well his part in every respect. His lout; life of usefulness, industry and charitable acts has won for him the sincere affection of almost every man, woman and child in Murray township, and of many erf those living in townships adjacent. His early industry has resulted in his possession of a neat competence, and while he still enjoys the glow of the golden rays of the sun of life that must eventually set behind the horizon of the inevitable, he share that enjoyment with no stint in the companionship of the members of his family and his wide circle of friends. won through his residence here of more than three-quarters of a century.

Mr. Ross was born in Robberson township, Greene county, Missouri, February 21, 1835. lie is a son of David and Louisa 1 Robinson) Ross. David Loss, who was one of the noted pioneer preachers of southwestern Missouri, and one of the most extensive agriculturists and stock men of Greene county, was born in Kentucky, March i_\ r8i2, and he was six years of age when his parents, William and Elizabeth Ross, removed with their family to I'.oonville, Cooper county. Missouri. William Ross was a man of ability and an expert surveyor. While living in Cooper county he laid off the town of Boonville, and about that time was employed by the government of Mexico to assist in surveying the greater portion of what is now the state of Texas. After returning from the Southwest to Cooper county he brought his family to Greene county, having maintained his home in the former county six years. He took up a claim in Robberson township, before this locality had been surveyed, and on this he erected a log cabin, made such other improvements as were necessary in placing raw prairie land under cultivation, but he subsequently moved to Bolivar, Polk county, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for seven years, then located at Versailles, Morgan county, this state, where he spent the rest of his life, dying when past eighty years of age. His widow died at the home of their son, David Ross, when past eighty-two years of age. They were a sterling old pioneer couple and did much for the advancement of early civilizing influences in this section of the state. David Ross was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Robberson township Greene county, from Boonville. Here he engaged in farming, erecting a log cabin and starting in true primitive fashion, and. being a hard worker, a man of rare foresight and good judgment he prospered with advancing years and became owner of over five hundred acres of fine farming land here, which he brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement and carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, raising large numbers of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep annually, and was a most excellent judge of live stock. He was one of the best known and most influential of the early settlers in this locality. For a period of over thirty-five years he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and preached in Springfield for many years and all over this country. He was profoundly versed in the Bible, was an earnest, forceful and eloquent preacher of the old school. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815, and her death occurred on the home place in Greene county at an advanced age. He died in 1869 at the age of fifty-six years, when in the zenith of his powers.

To David Ross and wife twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette A., subject of this sketch, is the eldest; William Monroe; Dr. Francis Emery, now deceased, was for over a quarter of a century one of the leading physicians of Springfield; Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Whitlock lives in Springfield; Mrs. Mary L. Skeen lives in Ash Grove, this county; David W. lives at Willard; Mrs. Sarah Melissa Watson lives at Morrisville, Polk county; Mrs. Henrietta Josephine Robinson lives in Texas; Mrs. Cordelia Robinson lives in Oklahoma; Bennett J. is farming in Murray township; Mrs. Laura Emma Appleby lives in Topeka, Kansas: Dr. Leonadus Clark is practicing medicine in Springfield.

Lafayette A. Ross grew to manhood on the home farm and worked hard when a boy, and received such educational advantages as the early schools afforded. He remained on the farm until he was nineteen years of age, when, on April 10, 1853, he started overland across the great western plains to the gold fields of California where he remained three years, returning home on July 7, 1856. His experiences on his long journey to and from the Pacific coast and while in the West forms a most important and interesting chapter in his life record. With the exception of this brief period he has always lived in the locality of his birth, and has resided in his present home since in April, 1868, or over forty-six years. He owns a finely improved and well-kept farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which was a raw, unpromising looking tract when he purchased it, but by hard work and close application he has made a fine farm of it and has a commodious residence and substantial group of outbuildings, his place being now well worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. He has always followed general farming and stock raising, and he is still active, although the frosts of old age are upon him. but he has had an exceptionally robust constitution and has lived a careful life. He is a man of fine business judgment and broad-minded in practical affairs.

Mr. Ross was married on September 21, 1856, to Malinda Evans, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three natives of North Carolina. Joseph Evans was born in 1804, and was fourth in a family of seven children. He grew up in his native state and when a young man learned the millwright's trade which he followed in connection with farming, plying his trade during the winter months. He removed with his family to Greene county. Missouri, in 1840, locating in Robberson township, at tin edge of what has long been known as Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house in Greene county, and also had the distinction of building here the first saw mill and grist mill. He sawed logs for his home out of black walnut trees that would now be worth a small fortune. He became a prosperous farmer and influential citizen among the early day residents. His death occurred in September, 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Ten children were born to Joseph Evans and wife, four "i whom are living at this writing, namely: Alexander makes his home in Springfield; Malinda. wife of the subject of this-ketch; Mrs. Emma McDaniel, who resides in Springfield; Daniel McCord lives in Willard, tin's county. The paternal grandparents of these children were Daniel Evans and wife, who, with their son, John, emigrated from England to the United States in an earl) day and settled in North Carolina.

Eight children have been born to Lafayette A. Ross and wife, namely: George Emery lives in Texas: William J. makes his home at Morrisville, Polk county; -Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa. Oklahoma; Mrs. Lula R. Appleby is living on the home place with her parents; David Edward lives in Willard; Walter Evans makes his home in Oklahoma. Two died in infancy.

Mr. Ross is a Democrat hut he has never held public office or desired to be other than a quiet, honorable and unobtrusive citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Willard, has been secretary and trustee of the church at different times. His wife is also a member of the same church, and both are much interested in general church affairs.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

BENNETTE J. ROSS.

It is well for us all that Nature tries to conserve her fertile fields. Man has ever been a robber of the soil and at this late day he is beginning to realize that Nature, and her multitudinous servants, cannot forever maintain the pristine fertility of alluvial valley and loam plain unless the reckless waste of soil riches is checked by scientific rotation of crops or intelligent use of the legumes. A diminishing yield per acre of cereals is Nature’s warning to the children of men that they cannot eat their cake and keep it, too. One of the successful farmers of Murray township, Greene county, who has long been fully awake to these conditions and such others as certain to high-grade twentieth-century husbandry is Bennette J. Ross, a schon of one of the worthy pioneer families of this locality, where he has been content to spend his life of over three score years.

2\Mr. Ross was born in Robberson township, Greene county, Februar) 3, 1853. He is a son of David and Louisa (Robinson) Ross. The birth of David Ross occurred in Kentucky, March 12, 1812, and when a small boy he came with his parents to lioonviile, missouri. He was a son of William and Elizabeth Ross, also natives of Kentucky. William Ross, who was a surveyor, laid oil the town of Boonville, Aiissouri. While living there he became a surveyor for the Mexican government and helped survey the major portion of what is now the state of Texas. Leaving Boonville, Cooper county, he moved with his family to Greene county, and took up a claim from the government in Robberson township, but subsequently moved to Bolivar, Polk county, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits for seven years, then located at Versailles, Morgan county, this state, where he spent the rest of his life, dying when past eighty years of age. His wife died at the home of David Ross when past twenty-eight years of age. David Ross lived in Boonville until he was twelve years of age, then came with the family to Greene county and here engaged in farming and married here, later purchasing a farm and building a residence in Robberson township, where he lived the rest of his life, and was one of the prominent men among the early settlers here. He not only managed his farm, but was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and preached at Springheld for years and all over this section of the state, and was a powerful preacher of the old school, remaining in the work over thirW-hve years, and his death occurred in 1869 at his home in Robberson township while still in the fulness of his powers, at the age of fifty-seven years. He owned over five hundred acres of excellent land here and carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815, and her death occurred on the homestead in Greene county at an advanced age.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

LEONIDAS CLARK ROSS, M. D.

It is no invasion of the province of propriety to narrate or chronicle the exploits, achievements, character or the lesser or larger deeds of a man who is yet a living personality. The trust biographic insight of an individual will come to him who knows him best, has most closely studied him in his particular spheres of thought and action, and who has the advantage of aids of the subject of his narrative, as the living, suggesting source and inspiration of it. The artist's picture of the vanished original will not be an accurate photograph of it. It was a maxim of the Egoists, who were uncertain of everything, only a few things, that "each one submit to a record of himself, for hi- -elf's sake hut especially for his friends." Thus it affords the biographer pleasure to set forth appropriately, but succinctly, and. we hope, accurately, the life record of Dr. Leonidas Clark Ross, who, owing t" the enviable position he has gained in the medical circles of Greene county, is entitled tk> specific mention within these pages.

Dr. Ross was born in Greene county, Missouri, January r. 1860, and is a schon of one of the oldest and most prominent families of the county. lie is a s' m m' Rev. David and Eliza ( Robberson) Ross, the father a prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South, for many years in the pioneer days. His death occurred on January 6, 1869. The mother was a sister of the late Dr. I" T. Robberson, of Springfield, Missouri, and also a representative of an "Id and well-known family. William Rn-. our subject's paternal grandfather, died in Morgan county, and was buried at Versailles, this state. William Robberson, the maternal grandfather, spent his lite in Tennessee, died and was buried at Farmington, that state.

Dr. Ross' brother. Dr. F. E. Ross, was for over a half century one of the best known physicians of Greene county, having practiced medicine in Springfield from 1865 until his death in 1910. His widow still lives in this city.

Dr. L. C. Ross grew to manhood in his native community and received his early education in the schools of Springfield. Finally deciding upon a career as a physician, he entered the Missouri.Medical College at St. Louis. where he made a good record and from which institution he graduated with the class of [891. In April of that year he began the practice of his profession in Springfield, and from that time to the present his patients have continued to increase in numbers until he is now a very busy man and ranks with the most successful general practitioners of the county. Dr. Ross is a post graduate of the New York Polyclinic, attending in the year

He is a member of the Greene County.Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious matters belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, South.

Dr. Ross has remained unmarried. He is well liked by a wide acquaintance, being a man of pleasing address and good habits.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

DAVID EDWARD ROSS.

Many people are of the opinion that the word farming means the same the world over, and so it does in a sense, but yet, like many another word in our complicated language, it has what one might call an elastic meaning. At least the methods of farming vary radically in different countries. So the word means one thing to the miller of the soil in the Ozark region and quite another to the husbandman in Mexico, Brazil, India or Ceylon. Such decidedly different methods have to be employed in coaxing from Mother Earth the grains, fruit and vegetables by which we live that the expert farmer of one country would be a decided failure in another. And many years are required to become properly acquainted with the methods of successful agriculture in any land and clime. This being the case the world over, that man is wise who remains in his own country if he intends to devote his attention to this vocation all his life.

David Edward Ross, a successful general farmer and stockman of Murray township, Greene county, has been content to spend his life in his native community, and, being a man of industry, sound judgment and a close observer he has forged ahead until he now ranks among the leading men of his calling in this locality. Mr. Ross was born near Willard. Greene county, Missouri, July 11. 1869. He is a son of Lafayette A. and Malinda (Evans) Ross. The father of our subject was born in Robberson township, this county, February 21, 1835, the son of David and Louisa (Robinson) Ross. David Ross, who was born in Kentucky in 1812, was one of the prominent pioneer preachers of the Methodist church in southwestern Missouri and one of the leading farmers of Greene county of that period, having come here when he was twelve years of age from Cooper county. Missouri with his parents, William and Elizabeth Ross. William Ross was a surveyor and he laid out the town of Boonville, this state, and was also employed by the government of Mexico to help survey what is new the state of Texas. He left Greene county and engaged in merchandising in bolivar, Polk county, for a number of years, later moving to Versailles, Morgan county, where his death occurred at an advanced age, he and his wife both passing their four-score mile-post. David Ross engaged in farming in the northern portion of Greene county, erecting a log cabin on wild land, and, working hard and managing well, finally had a line farm of about five hundred acres and a large comfortable home took the place of his little primitive dwelling. He handles large numbers of live stock of various kinds and is a good judge of stock. For a period of over thirty-five years he preached the gospel all over this country and was a powerful preacher of his type. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815 and her death occurred on the homestead here, and he died on January 6, 1869, at the age of fifty-six years, after a successful and useful career, although comparatively brief. To these parents twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette A., father of the immediate subject of this sketch; William, Dr. Francis E., Mrs. Elizabeth J. Whitlock; Mrs. Mary L. Skeen, David W., Mrs. Sarah M. Watson, Mrs. Henrietta J. Robinson, Mrs. Cordelia Robinson, Bennett J., Mrs. Laura M. Appleby, and Dr. Leonidas C.

Lafayette A. Ross has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birth with the exception of three years in California during the early fifties, the gold-fever days, having been but nineteen years of age when he made the hazardous trip across the plains. Returning home in 1856, he took up farming and stock raising here, which has since claimed his attention, and he is owner of an excellent farm in Murray township of one hundred and twenty acres, having lived on the same farm for a period of forty-six years. He and Malinda A. Evans were married September 21, 1856. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three of whom were born in North Carolina. Joseph Evans was a millwright by trade, which he followed during the winter months and farmer in the summer time. He moved his family to Greene county, Missouri, in 1840, locating on a farm at the edge of Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house, also the first saw mill and grist-mill in this county, and became a prosperous and influential citizen here. His death occurred in 1888, when eighty-five years of age. His family consisted of ten children, all now deceased but four, namely: Alexander, of Springfield; Daniel M., of Willard; Malinda A., who is the mother of our subject; and Mrs. Emma McDaniel, of Springfield. To Lafayette A. Ross and wife six children were born, named as follows: George Emery lives in Texas; William J. is a resident of Morrisville, Polk county; Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Lula R. Appleby lives with her parents; David Edward, of this sketch; and Walter Evans, who lives in Oklahoma.

David Edward Ross, always called “Ed Ross, grew to manhood on his father’s farm and there he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of his community and at Morrisville College in Polk county. He remained on the home farm until his marriage at the age of twenty-four years, after which he rented a farm just north of his present place which he operated one year, and in 1894 moved to Willard and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until in February, 1901, enjoying a good business and an extensive trade with the town and community as a result of his straightforward and courteous dealings with his customers and the fact that he always carried a well-selected stock of general merchandise. He moved back to his father's farm in 1900, where he now resides and has been very successful as a general farmer and stockman, dealing extensively in buying and selling mules during the winter months. He raises large numbers of mules for the market, also horses, and it is safe to say that there is no better judge of both mules and horses than he, and no small portion of his comfortable competence has been secured through the judicious handling of these animals. In 1911 he moved to Springfield, where he was in the horse and mule business and engaged in trading until 1913, when he returned to the farm and is now active in general agricultural pursuits. His counsel is often sought by his neighbors and friends in regard to the horse and mule market and as to the value of certain animals and his advice is usually followed with gratifying results. His farm is well kept, well improved and indicates that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand.

Mr. Ross was married September 28, 1893, 1° Ida M. Watson, who was born, reared and educated in the vicinity of Willard. She is a daughter of John P. and Nancy (Bryant) Watson. Mr. Watson was born in Tennessee, October 22, 1840, where he spent his early boyhood, making the tedious overland journey from his native state to Greene county, Missouri, when he was ten years of age, with his parents, Barney and Jane Watson, who settled on a farm in Murray township, and here John P. grew to manhood and received his education in the early schools of this vicinity. His father took up a claim in this township, which he developed into a good farm and here devoted his remaining years to general farming and died here. John P. Watson has devoted his active life to general agricultural pursuits, becoming owner of a good farm in this locality but for several years has been living retired, having bought a home at Morrisville. Polk county, about 1904. where he still lives. He has been twice married. He is the father of four children by his marriage to Nancy Bryant, who was born in 1839, being a native of

Missouri, and her death occurred when her daughter, Ida M., was six years of age. These children were named: Mollie, who is the wife of William J. Ross, a merchant of Morrisville, Missouri; David is deceased; Mrs. Lula Appleby lives near Willard, this county; and Ida M., wife of the subject of this sketch. The second wife of John P. Watson was Sarah Ross, and to this union one child was born, Ross Watson, who is engaged in business at Willard.

Two children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ross, of this sketch, namely: Charles Id., who is working in the oil fields of Oklahoma with his uncle, Walter Ross; and John A., who is at home with his parents.

Mr. Ross is a Democrat hut has never been an aspirant for political honors, although he is active in all movements looking to the general progress of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Masonic Blue Lodge. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard and are active in the affairs of the same. Mrs. Ross is third vice-president of the Foreign Missionary Society of the same.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

J. B. ROSS.

Fhe character of a community is determined in a large measure by the lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual states be good, if in a social way it is a good place in which to reside, if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities, it will be found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and their influence such as to mold their characters and shape the lives of those with whom they mingle. In placing J. B. Ross in the front rank of such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact recognized throughout Greene county by the scores who have come in contact with him during his residence here of more than three decades. Although a quiet and unassuming man with no ambition for public position or leadership, he has contributed and still contributes much to the general welfare of his chosen city and county, while his admirable qualities of head and heart and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life have tendered greatly to the substantial standing of the circles in which he moves and given him a reputation for integrity and correct conduct such as few achieve.

Mr. Ross was lion on a farm lying along the Ohio river, in Harrison county, Indiana, not far from the city of New Albany, March 9, 1851. He is a son of Jesse and Jane (Overton) Ross. The father was born in the same community the same year in which Abraham Lincoln was born, and in his earlier life was a steamboat man on the Ohio river in the days when our chief transportation was by river. In his later years he took up land in Harrison county, Indiana, and devoted the latter part of his life successfully to farming, hut eventually removed to Missouri, where his death occurred. His wife was also born in Kentucky and was reared there; her death also occurred in Missouri. They were a sterling pioneer couple, rugged, energetic, hospitable and honest. To these parents eight children were born, namely: William, the eldest, is deceased; klrs. Mary J. Fox lives in Indiana; George is deceased; Henry is deceased; Ezekiel lives in Indiana; Bernard lives in Illinois; J. B., of this sketch, and Sally, who lives in Springfield, Missouri.

J. B. Ross grew to manhood on the home farm in Indiana and there he assisted with the general work when a boy, developing a fine physique and strength of body and mind which has been a great asset to him in his subsequent career. His early education was obtained in the common schools, later by a course in Holbrook Normal at Lebanon, Ohio; but he has remained a student all his life and is a widely informed and well advised man on all questions and topics of moment and current interest, especially in political and national affairs. He began life for himself by teaching school, which he followed for some time in his native county. In 1872 he went to Helena, Arkansas, and engaged successfully in the mercantile business for a period of fifteen years. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1886, arriving here on November 23. Soon thereafter he engaged in the real estate business, then was interested in mining at Aurora, this state, a few years, making a success of each venture. All the while he has been actively interested in local public affairs, being loyal in his support of the Republican party, and during the administration of President Roosevelt he was appointed postmaster at Springfield, 1902 to 1910, and very" ably and successfully discharged the duties of the same until his term expired, proving to be one of the best incumbents of this office the city has ever had, giving satisfaction to both the people and the department. In 1910 klr. Ross opened a book store at 320 College street, which he has conducted to the present time. He carries a well selected stock of everything commonly found in modern book stores and is doing a very satisfactory business.

klr. Ross was married in Arkansas, in 1877, to Sophia Roberts, a lady of many estimable qualities, whose death occurred in that state before our subject removed to Springfield. She left two daughters, Elizabeth and Nellie. They have both been well educated and are popular with the best social circles in Springfield.

Mr. Ross is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Springfield Club. Personally, he is a pleasant gentleman to meet, obliging and companionable..

Success conies to the deserving after all, though it seems sometimes that this is not the case. The man who puts forth the proper effort long enough and hard enough will achieve just about what he set out to achieve. This fact was realized early in life by James Watson, another of the sterling Tennesseeans who have cast their lot in Greene county, and by so doing have benefited alike themselves and us. He has now passed his three score and ten years’ limit of the Psalmist, and is living in retirement in his home in Ivepulilic, after a long and successful career as a general farmer and stockman. His life record has been especially characterized fjy the most absolute integrity of word and action, which has gained for him the unc[qualified respect of the entire community. Added to this is a spirit of good fellowship and geniality which has brought to him a large circle of warm friends.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.