Dr. W. R. Ross was born June 11, 1855, in Jefferson County, Penn., son of James M. Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, an architect by occupation, which he yet follows, though quite aged. He was a builder of the Grand Pacific Hotel, San Francisco, Cal. His father came from Scotland. The mother of our subject, Mary (Herrin) Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, is also living, and the mother of five children Maggie B. Hopkins; John H., deceased; William R., our subject; Samuel M. and James B.

   Our subject was educated in Marietta, Ohio; he recieved his medical education in the College of Physicians and Surgeons and Maryland Women's Hospital, at Baltimore. After he graduated he came to Wayne County, Ill., settling on Long Prairie practiced there two and a half years, and then came to Belle Rive, where he now follows his profession. He was joined in matrimony September 13, 1882, in South Bend, Ind., to Miss Jennie M. Thomas, a native of New York State, born February 23, 1861, daughter of Ephraim P. and Saphora (Sheppard) Thomas. He is of Welsh descent and a native of New York State, and she also a native of New York State.

   Mr. and Mrs. Ross are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Armstrong County Medical Society. In politics, he is a Republican.