William Ross 
1825 - 1856

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Early life​​

William Ross was born in 1825 in Sylix territory (southern British Columbia). 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.

William 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 the heart of the Red River Settlement in late 1854.

Ross House, late 19th Century. There are no known photos of William Ross in existence. He died before photography became available in Red River, and he may not have travelled to a metropolis like Toronto where it was common.

Life in the Red River Settlement

William Ross worked as a trader before taking on his public duties.  As a young man, he led brigades of Red River ox carts along the historical Metis trade routes running through North Dakota and Minnesota. This evocative article shows how Red River played an important role in central North American fashion:​

"Mr. Ross, a trader from the Selkirk settlement, 600 miles north of St. Paul, whose teams helped to compose the train has recently arrived from the Red River of the North, called on us last week and gave the following details of their journey: He is a native of the Columbia River, a half-breed, and a man of a vigorous frame, good intellect, fair education, and gentlemanly address.
​He and his companions have come all the way to Sauk Rapids, 100 miles above St. Paul, with 176 carts……The men sleep under their carts by night. Their food on the way is pemmican, (dried and pulverized buffalo beef,) flour, tea, coffee, and sugar. Their freights are principally buffalo robes, moccasins, and dressed skin coats. A large number of these equipages will come as far as St. Paul."

The Minnesota Pioneer, August 1st, 1850:

Postal stamp from the 19th century

William Ross' postal desk.

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 was a Councilor on the Council of Assiniboia, a magistrate, and the Governor of the Jail after his father had given up the title. William was on a fast track to become one of the most powerful leading men at Red River.

William and Jemima’s 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) ​

This photo may show William Roderick Ross.

William died suddenly on May 4th, 1856, at the age of 30 after contracting tuberculosis. Unfortunately, William was only able to enjoy his home of Brookbank for two short years before his death. He is buried at the Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery in Winnipeg.