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This is the abbreviated story of a Scottish
family of Ross's. I am hopeful other relations will recognize some of the
people in this story. There was in Scotland, Moray County, Parish of Dyke
in approximately 1780 a marriage between an Alexander Ross and an Isobel
Watson. They had 12 children, some of whom remained in Scotland while
others emigrated to British North America (BNA) Canada. A son, Malcolm
became a Capt with the British 8th regiment of foot soldiers and served in
BNA in the early 1800's. In 1831 He sold his half pay for 1200 acres of
land around Oro, Ontario. Several other siblings including brothers,
William, James, and sister Grace also emigrated to and settled in the
area. Thomas and Hugh sons of Malcolms nephew John also settled in the
area around 1857. Thomas and Hugh's father John emigrated and settled in
Pictou County Nova Scotia sometime between 1821 and 1833.
Another son of Alexander and Isobel was a
colorful chap named Alexander, who became a noted explorer and author of
three books. Emigrating to Canada in 1805 he became a member of the
Pacific Fur Co and later the Hudsons Bay Co. He was a member of the Astor
Expedition to the Columbia river. He explored and trapped areas of what is
now Oregon and married an Okanagan Indian Princess. Finally he settled in
the Red River Settlement in 1825. Here he became a leader in the
community, spearheaded the move to bring in a Prebyterian minister,
appointed sherrif of Assinaboia and lead the Scottish settlers. He owned
the land upon which Winnipeg City Hall is presently located and deeded the
land to the city expressly for that purpose.
I am presently creating a family history and
have discovered a wealth of information on these families. I am always
looking for more.
Dan
Ross
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