Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B.F. Bowen Surnames in this biography are: Ross, Watson, JAMES ROSS Among the well-known agriculturists and highly respected citizen of Dudley Township, Henry County, Indiana, is the gentleman whose name forms the caption to this article. He is the son of Samuel and Mary Ross and was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 2, 1838. Samuel Ross, the father, was a native of Pennsylvania and in that state was married. He removed to Ohio and was there successfully engaged in farming. To him and his wife were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, who were named as follows: Philip, Sarah, John, Samuel, Agnes, Moses, Mary, William, James and George XV. Of these the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. James Ross received his education in the common schools of his native county and at the time of the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion was employed on the National road near Straughn. He was strenuously opposed to the institution of slavery and the possibility of dissolution of the states fired him with a desire to do his share in the defense of "Old Glory." Accordingly on August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Ninetieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain Benjamin Farley. He was mustered into the service at Indianapolis and went into the field under the command of Colonel Graham. They participated in the battles of Bowling Green, Nashville and Knoxville, and were sent on the campaign in Georgia. During his service he was thrown from a horse and so badly injured that he has never entirely recovered from its effects and in partial recompense he now receives a pension of ten dollars per month. The command was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee, in June, 1865, and the subject returned home after a service of three years. He came back to Henry County with a cash capital of three hundred dollars, which he had saved, from his soldier's pay, and after his marriage lived for three years on his father-in-law's farm and also kept a hotel. Subsequently he purchased the farm, on which he now resides, locating on it in April, 1869. He was industrious and went energetically to work to improve the place, with the result that he soon possessed a fine property, including the commodious and comfortable house, which he erected during the same fall. Mr. Ross was united in marriage September 21, 1865, with Miss Mary E. Watson, the daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Watson, who came to this state from Ohio in an early day. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 1, 1845, and received a fair common school education. To this union there was born one child, William 0., whose birth occurred November 19, 1869. The latter was given the benefit of a good, practical education and was equipped for the profession of teaching, but has never followed that occupation. Politically Mr. Ross is a Democrat, but he does not take a very active part in politics beyond the casting of an honest ballot. Religiously the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lewisville. Their son is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been an officer in the subordinate lodge ever since joining the order. He is still under the paternal roof, assisting his father with the work on the farm. Mr. Ross has ever given his support to all measures for the public good and does all in his power for the uplifting of his fellow men and the promotion of the moral welfare of the community. Because of his courteous manners, his genial disposition and his genuine worth he is highly esteemed by all who know him.