Seven Oaks & Ross House Museum

Ross Family Biographies

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William Ross  1825 - 1856



Early life​​

William Ross was born in 1825 in Sylix territory. He was the second son of fur-trader Alexander Ross and his wife Sarah “Sally” (Timentwa) Ross. In 1826, William traveled to the Red River Settlement with his mother on horseback through the Rockies.
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                lIfe in the red river settlement

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Postal stamp from the 19th century
He married Jemima McKenzie in 1844. The couple lived briefly in a rented cottage near Lower Fort Garry before starting work on Ross House in 1852. The family moved in to their new home at the foot of Market St in late 1854.

William held a variety of official posts in the Settlement: He became the Sheriff in 1851 and
the first Postmaster in 1855. Their home served as the first post-office in Western Canada. William also served many other roles in the community; he also was a Councilor on the Council of Assiniboia, a magistrate, and the Governor of the Jail after his father had given up the title. 
 
During William and Jemima’s marriage they had six children together: 
  • Sarah Ann (January 19, 1846 - 1865) 
  • Jane Mary (November 23, 1847 - 1849) 
  • William Roderick (December 3, 1849 - June 7, 1894) He married his first cousin, Jemima Matheson (daughter of Hugh Matheson & Margaret Ross) 
  • Alexander (January 2, 1852 - 1872) 
  • Margaret (April 8, 1854 - ?) She married Walter John Thurlow James. 
  • Jemima (June 30, 1856 - January 5, 1865) ​
William died on May 4th, 1856, at the age of 30 after contracting tuberculosis. Unfortunately, William was only able to enjoy his home of Brookbank for 2 years before his death. He is buried at the Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery in Winnipeg.
Seven Oaks House Museum & Ross House Museum sit on Treaty One land:
​The traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and Ininíwak, the land of the Dakota and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

Contact us:

Eric Napier Strong - Curator / Manager

Seven Oaks House Museum

204-339-7429
SOHMuseum@gmail.com
50 Mac Street, Winnipeg, MB

​Ross House Museum

204-942-5396
RHouseMuseum@gmail.com
140 Meade Street North, Winnipeg, MB

Operated with support from

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  • Seven Oaks House Museum
    • Visiting Information
    • Events >
      • Past Events
    • School Programs
    • Rentals
    • Archives >
      • Seven Oaks Album
      • Wright Album
      • Redwood Album
    • History >
      • John & Mary
      • Children
      • George T Inkster
      • Nahovway & Colin
      • An Enduring Legacy
      • Changing Times
      • Material Culture of the Inkster-Sinclair Women
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Our Mission
  • Ross House Museum
    • Visiting Information
    • Events
    • History >
      • Artifact Gallery
      • The Ross Family >
        • Jemima McKenzie Ross
    • Volunteer
    • Our Mission
  • Learning
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Video Tours
    • Winnipeg 1884: Finding the Past in Our Present >
      • Residence of Hon. A.G.B. Bannatyne
      • St. John's College
      • St. John's College Ladies School
      • Hudson's Bay Land Office
      • Hudson's Bay Co. Store
      • Woods & Ovens Biscuit Manufactory
      • Grand Pacific Hotel
      • Manitoba Free Press
      • M. Keachie's Palace Stables
      • J.H. Ashdown Hardware
      • Redwood Brewery
      • Ryan's Boot & Shoe Store
      • Manitoba College
      • St. Mary's Academy
      • St. Boniface Boys College
      • St. Boniface Cathedral
      • Episcopal Palace, St. Boniface
      • Ladies College, St. Boniface
  • Gathering
    • Contemporary Artists
    • Heritage Database