William Allen Ross

ROSS, William Allen - William Allen Ross was born at Fayetteville, Arkansas January 10, 1843 and died at Oakesdale, Washington March 12, 1914; aged 71 years, two months and 2 days. His death came after an illness of over two months due to a stroke of paralysis, and for several weeks had been unable to leave his bed or to eat anything of a sustaining nature. Mr. Ross was a pioneer of this vicinity, having moved from his home in Arkansas just 22 years prior to the day of his funeral and settled on a homestead at Thorn Creek, where he lived for the past 16 and one-half years. For the last five years he has resided with his wife in this city, where he was one of the most highly respected citizens of the community and news of his demise was the cause of sincere sorrow and regret by all who knew him. Mr. Ross was married to Miss Fredonia Blakemore at Billingsly, Arkansas on October 26, 1879 and to this union was born two baby girls, both of whom died in infancy. He is survived by the wife, three brothers and four sisters. Deceased became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1884 and since that time has lived a devout Christian life, having risen to the office of an ordained Elder in the church, which position he filled with the most faithful and conscientious service. He served four years as a volunteer private in the Confederate army and while never wounded, his clothes were often pierced with bullets. Funeral services were held last Saturday afternoon from the Presbyterian church, the pastor, Rev. L.N. Williams, being in charge of the ceremonies, after which the remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. Mr. Ross was a gentle and kind husband, a conscientious man and a respected neighbor. The bereaved widow has the sympathy of the entire community in her sad hour of affliction. - Oakesdale News [Prairie Grove Herald 4/9/1914]