William Ross  1825 - 1856

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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.

                lIfe in the red river settlement

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.