Surnames: Ross, Morton, Scott, Bates, Sample,

----Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 04/08/1926

Ross, John (15 Oct. 1840 - 5 April 1926)

John Ross was born Oct. 15, 1840, in East Phampton, Canada and died April 5, 1926. He was married to Mrs. Mary Jane Sample in October, 1866, who had three children --Mary, who is Mrs. Mary Morton of Bossburg, Washington; Kate, Mrs. F. A. Bates of Haugen, and John Sample, now living in Brule, Wisconsin. In 1870 he came to Neillsville. Margaret, now Mrs. E. J. Scott of Shwano, Wis., and David were born in Cananda. Will of Gilman and Henry were born here. Mrs. Ross died 15 years ago.

Mr. Ross came to Clark County to work for his brother, Robert, who hard large logging interest for many years He was foreman in the woods and river drives. He lived to see most of the old friends of that early day pass beyond and to se the virgin forest replaced by the beautiful farming land of today. He is the last of a large family whose "graves are scattered far and wide by mount and steam and sea." His father was an officer on a British war ship.

He leaves all his children and several grandchildren. His children are all here, also Mrs. Bates of Haugen and granddaughter, Margaret Ross of Gilman were here for the funeral.

Mr. Ross had most of the characteristics of pioneer men of this region. He was generous at heart, independent in spirit, willing to accept the hard fare and hard work that the times demanded. To him and such as he is due many of the finer things of life in these days, to which they helped hew the pathway. These pioneers are fast passing away but we of a later generation should not forget their work nor fail to give them credit for their accomplishment.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock at the Congregational Church.