Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Sarah Mildred Frazier Ross


Sarah "Mildred" Frazier Ross, wife of Charley Ross, mother of W.C. Ross.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Lafayette Ashbury Ross and Malinda Evans Ross


Lafayette and Malinda Ross. Lafayette was the son of Rev. David Ross and Louisa Robberson. Malinda was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Evans.

Monday, July 18, 2005

David Edward Ross Biographical Sketch

Jonathan Fairbanks and Clyde Edwin Tuck
Past and Present of Greene County, Missouri
Early and Recent History and Genealogical Records of Many of the Represeatative Citizens
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 tiller 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 communtity, 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 (Robberson) 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 Green 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 now 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, him 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 fine farm of about five hundred acers and a large comfortable home took the place of his little primative 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 this type. His wife, Louisa Robberson, was born in Tennessee about 1815 and her death occured 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 M.; Dr. Francis E.; Mrs. Elizabeth J. Whitlock; Mrs. Mary L. Skeene; David W.; Mrs. Sarah M. Watson; Mrs. Herietta J. Robinson; Mrs. Cordelia Robinson; Bennet J.; Mrs. Laura M. Appleby; and Dr. Leonidas C.
Lafayette A. Ross has spent his entire life in the vicintiy 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 farmed 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. Appelby 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 recieved 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 contiued until in Febrary, 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 merchadise. 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 agricultrue 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 indcates that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand.
Mr. Ross was married Sptember 28, 1893, Ida M. Watson, who was born, reared and educted in the vicinity of Willard. She is a daughter of John P. Watson 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, which he developed into a good farm and here devoted his remaining years to general farming and died here. John P. Watson had devoted his active life to general agrcultural 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 occured 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 born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ross, of this sketch, namely: Charles H., 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 but had 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 Methodis 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.

Charles Ernest "Spike" Ross


Spike Ross, son of W.C. and Meryl Childress Ross.

W.C., Edwina, & Jane Ross


The back reads, " Dec. 25, 1925, Charley's home. W.C. Ross, Jane and Edwina Ross with their dolls." W.C. was the son of Charles H. Ross. Jane and Edwina were the daughter's of John A. Ross, Charles's brother.

Walter Charles Ross and Meryl Childress Ross


W.C., son of Charles H. Ross, and Meryl Childress Ross. Salina, Mayes, Oklahoma.


This is the Willard High School, class of 1909, graduation announcement. Lincoln Appelby, Harry Ross, Mary E. Appelby, Flossie Appelby, and Charley Ross are all cousins.

Lucy "Lou" Watson Appleby


Lucy "Lou" Watson Appleby was the sister of Ida May Watson, who married David Edward Ross. Lou was married to Homer O. Appleby. (She was the Aunt of Charles Homer Ross.)

Lou and Homer Appleby


Lou Watson Appelby and Homer O. Appelby. Lou was the sister of Ida Watson Ross.

John Ashbury Ross


John Ashbury Ross, son of David Edward Ross and Ida May Watson.

Ida Watson Ross and W.C. Ross


Ida Watson Ross and her grandson, W.C. Ross. June, 1926.

Edwena May Ross


Edwena May Ross, daughter of John A. Ross. 1938, Willard High School.

Betty Ann Ross


Betty Ann Ross, daughter of W.C. Ross and Meryl Childress. 2 1/2 years.

Ida Watson Ross


















Ida May Watson Ross, wife of Ed Ross, mother of Charles Homer and John Ashbury Ross. Back reads, "Taken June 18, 1917. Had to send to Jefferson City, so I could get my state License."

William "Dee", Harry, and Joseph Ross


From L to R: Harry Ross, Joseph Ross, William "Dee" Ross. They are the sons of William J. Ross, and grandson's of Lafayette Ross.

Betty Ann & Sharon Dian Ross


Betty Ann and Sharon Dian Ross, April 1949. Salina, Mayes, Oklahoma. Daughters of W.C. Ross and Meryl Childress.

David Edward Ross



Ed Ross at his home in Willard, Greene, Missouri. He was the son of Lafayette Ross.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Ross Watson


Ross Watson was the son of John P. Watson and Sarah Melissa Ross. He was the half-brother of Ida May Watson Ross, and the Grandson of Rev. David Ross.

John P. Watson Obiturary



This is the obituary of John P. Watson. He was the father of Ida May Watson Ross. His first wife was Nancy Bryant (Ida's mother), his wife, Sarah Melissa Ross, mentioned in the obituary, was the daughter of David Ross and Louisa Robberson (Lafayette's sister).

W. Grady Ross


Grady Ross, son of George Emery Ross. Corsicana, Texas. Back of picture reads,"To my Uncle Walter, In my first suit and wheel. W. Grady Ross."

George Emery Ross Family


George Emery Ross, son W. Grady, and wife. Corsicanna, Texas. George was the oldest son of Lafayette Ashbury Ross.

Lucy "Lou" Watson Appleby


Lou Watson Appleby, sister of Ida Watson Ross.

June Ross Engagement Announcement


Engagement announcement for June Ross, daughter of John A. Ross.

Charles Homer Ross


Charley Ross, son of David Edward Ross. Springfield, Greene, Missouri.

David Edward Ross


Ed Ross, son of Lafayette A. Ross. Springfield, Greene, Missouri.

Charley Ross


Charles Homer Ross. Springfield, Greene, Missouri.

Sharon Dian, Charles Ernest, & Betty Ann Ross


Sharon, Spike, and Betty Ross. Children of W.C. and Meryl Ross.

Ed Ross Family


Charles H. Ross, with his parents, Ida Watson Ross and David "Ed" Ross.

Charley Ross


Charles H. Ross on Lake Spavina in Grove, Oklahoma.

Marriage Certificate


This is the marriage certificate of Charles H. Ross and Mildred Frazier.

Nannie Ross


Nannie Ross, daughter of William J. Ross, granddaughter of Lafayette Ross.

Home of Charles Homer Ross



This is the home of Charles H. Ross in Salina, Mayes, Oklahoma. W.C. Ross is standing on the porch.

Children of W.C. and Meryl Ross


Charles Ernest "Spike" Ross, Betty Ann Ross, and Sharon Dian Ross. Children of W.C. and Meryl Ross.

Home of David Edward Ross in Willard, Missouri


This is the home of David Edward Ross (aka Ed) in Willard, Greene, Missouri. Ed was the father of Charles Homer Ross.

William "Dee" Ross


William "Dee" Ross was the son of William J. Ross. His Grandfather was Lafayette Ashbury Ross.

Willard: From Prairie to Present a Centennial Story


This picture is from the book, Willard: From Prairie to Present a Centennial Story. The caption reads:

"A dozen brothers and sisters in the Ross family had their picture taken at a family reunion June 13, 1900, at the residence of L.A. Ross in Willard. To the best of the knowledge of Ed East, who provided the photo, the first row , left to right, are Sallie Watson, Aunt Jo, Cordie Evans, B.J. Ross, Emma Appleby and Dr. L.C. Ross. Second row, left to right, Ashbury Ross, Monroe Ross, (or Dr. Frank Ross), Aunt Jennie Whitlock, Aunt Molly Skeene, and David Ross. David Ross's father was a circuit-riding Methodist minister."

Sarah "Sallie" Ross Watson, was the wife of John P. Waston and sister of Lafayette Ross. Aunt Jo is Henrietta Jo Ross, Lafayette Ross's sister. Cordie Evans was the sister-in-law of Lafayette Ross's wife Malinda Evans. Bennett "B.J." Jackson Ross was the brother of Lafayette Ross. Emma Ross Appleby was the daughter of Lafayette Ross. Dr. Leonidas Clark "L.C." Ross was the youngest brother of Lafayette Ross. Lafayette "Ashbury" Ross was the son of David Ross. William "Monroe" Ross was the brother of Lafayette Ross. Dr. Francis "Frank" Ross was the brother of Lafayette Ross. Elizabeth "Jeanie" Ross Whitlock was the sister of Lafayette Ross. Mary "Molly" Ross Skeene was the sister of Lafayette Ross. David Walter Ross was the brother of Lafayette Ross.

Ross Reunion

This picture was made at a Ross family reunion at Lafayette Ashbury's home in Willard, Greene, Missouri.

David "Dee" Watson


David "Dee" Watson, son of John P. Watson and Nancy Bryant. Ida Watson Ross's brother.

Walter Charles Ross and M. Meryl Childress Memorial

Walter Charles Ross and M. Meryl Childress, parents of Spike, Betty, and Sharon Ross; Grandparents of Jay Darrin Dougherty, Diana Dougherty Hill, Trent Ross, Ellen Ross Helmich, and Jason Moore. Fairview Cemetery, Pryor, Mayes, Oklahoma.

Charles Homer Ross and Sarah Mildred Frazier Memorial


Charles Homer Ross and Sarah Mildred Frazier, Parents of Walter Charles Ross, Grandparents of Spike, Betty, and Sharon Ross. Fairview Cemetery, Pryor, Mayes, Oklahoma.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Robberson Prairie Cemetery, Greene County, Missouri


This is a view of Robberson Prairie Cemetery. It is located in Greene County, Missouri. The cemetery used to be farm land that was once owned by Elizabeth Pettigrew Robberson. (The 4th Great-Grandmother of Betty Ann Ross.) The cemetery is about 14 miles north of Springfield. Posted by Picasa

Cora Robberson



Cora Robberson, daughter of Allen Robberson. Robberson Prairie Cemetery, Greene County, Missouri. Posted by Picasa

Allen Robberson, Monument #2


Allen Robberson, monument #2. Robberson Prairie Cemetery, Greene County, Missouri. Posted by Picasa

Harry Robberson



Harry Robberson, son of Elizabeth Pettigrew Robberson. Robberson Prairie Cemetery, Greene County, Missouri. Posted by Picasa