JOHN J. ROSS GRAVESTONE PHOTO
Yates Center News, September 6, 1912:
Date of Death, August 28, 1912.
John J. Ross was born in Huntington county, Pa., on the 28th of December, 1825. He departed this life at his home in Yates Center, Kan., on August 28th, 1912, age, 86 years, 8 months. Mr. Ross was third in a family of eleven children. Of this family just one, a sister is now living.
John was not a rugged boy, but as he grew took his place in helping clear and till the farm which his father was making in the woods. He left home when twenty-one years of age and learned the trade of wagon maker. He later added to this that of carpenter and at the time of his death was a retired farmer.
On March 2nd, 1848, he was married in Mufflin county, Pa., to Miss Asenath Keever. In 1852 they moved to Lawrence county, Pa. in 1867 to the state of Indiana and in 1894 to Kansas and to the vicinity of Yates Center. His marriage with Miss Keever was blessed by the birth of eight children, only four of whom survive their father. The mother died in 1893.
In the fall of 1894 he was married a second time to Miss Susie H. Wilcoxon. Just two weeks after this marriage he came to Kansas.
Of his immediate relatives there survive Mr. Ross his sister, his wife, four children, seven grand children, and five great grand children, to all of whom he has left a splendid legacy of clear character. As a husband and father his memory is very precious. As a
Man of affairs, as a citizen, as a friend and neighbor he leaves to each of us a memory worth while.
Mr. Ross had a laudable army record. He enlisted in Lawrence county, Pa. on August 9, 1862. He was a Corporal in Co. H, 134 Pa. Volunteers. He was honorably discharged on May 26th, 1863. He experienced permanent injury to his health during this service. His heart was ever loyal to and his interest always intelligent in his beloved country.
When about 21 years old he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and united with the Presbyterian church. For 66 years he continued a loyal member of this body. He was always deeply concerned as to the welfare of the church in every community where he lived. He has been a member of the Yates Center Presbyterian church since 1895.
His end came peacefully after a long illness. Through it all he was patient, cheerful and to more than a usual degree kept up his interest in and knowledge of the world at large. He was ever deeply appreciative of the excellent care his good wife always gave him.
He lived to a good old age and came to his grave like a sheaf ripened for the Master’s garner.
The funeral services took place on Saturday, August 31st, at 2 o’clock p.m. in the Presbyterian church of Yates Center. His pastor Rev. N. A. Shedd was the officiating clergyman.