California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


WILLIAM H. ROSS.� The severest test to which the standing of a 
man among his fellows can be given is the test of public service, especially 
when the office lies within the gift of the people themselves; and when a 
man can successfully stand this test it is a pretty definite proof that he is 
four-square. And this is the case with William H. Ross, supervisor of the 
fourth district for Mendocino county, for his service has been of such a nature 
that even his political opponents have been compelled to concede that he is 
the right man in the right place, and that the county is more than fortunate 
to have him in this capacity. 

Mr. Ross is a native of Canada, having been born at Clarence, on the 
Ottawa river, in Ontario, June 25, 1866. He is the son of the Rev, John 
S. Ross, whose sketch precedes this. William H., the eldest of five children, 
came to Mendocino county with his parents in 1870. His boyhood days were 
spent here, and his education received in the public schools of the county. 
After the completion of his education he engaged in teaming and contract- 
ing with different lumber companies, being with the Mendocino Lumber Com- 
pany for nine years. 

It was in 1896 that Mr. Ross, together with other members of his family, 
purchased the ranch on which he now makes his home. This property lies 
about one-half mile above Cleone, and consists of some two thousand acres, 
fronting on the Pacific. It is especially well adapted for stockraising, and 
shortly after its purchase Mr. Ross gave up his other interests and with his 
brothers engaged in farming and stockraising on the new property, the ven- 
ture proving a success. 

In 1912 Mr. Ross became the Republican candidate for supervisor of 
the fourth district and was duly elected for the term commencing January, 
1913. This is the largest district in the county, and the care of the mountain 
roads requires much time and effort ; but in spite of these facts the service 
of the new supervisor is proving pre-eminently satisfactory, and everywhere 
within the district, which extends from Salmon creek on the south to the 
Humboldt county line on the north, are to be found evidences of his ability 
to take care of the work devolving upon him, and consequent appreciation 
of the residents.