You may be familiar with Ross Lane where it connects Old Stage and Hanley roads and then zigs and zags around Fry Family Farms and Channel 10 until it crosses Rossanley as far as Main Street. Most likely these were the borders of Col. John Ross’ donation land claim. Ross was an Indian fighter, treasure seeker, and entrepreneur. He and Elizabeth Hopwood were also the first couple to be married in Jacksonville—complete with a town pump ceremony, bear grease wedding cake, and a pre-wedding jumping contest for the groom. But that’s another story—one that you can read about in our Jacksonville Review’s Pioneer Profiles series at http://jacksonvillereview.com/colonel-john-england-ross-indian-fighter-part-3-carolyn-kingsnorth/
Ross led troops through all the Rogue and Modoc Indian Wars, eventually being named a Brigadier General of the Oregon Milita before assuming the role of “solid citizen.” He also represented Jackson County in the Territorial Council in 1855-56, served as a member of the State House in 1860, and was elected a member of the State Senate in 1866. When the Oregon & California Railroad Company was formed, Ross was elected a director. Ross served another term as state senator during which he chaired the military committee. In 1882, he retired to his farm on Ross Lane, having served the Oregon Territory and State for almost 50 years.
Now for the History Mystery. With all of Ross Lane’s meanderings, we have no idea where Ross’ farm and elaborate farmhouse were located other than this etching describing it as 3 miles NE of Jacksonville—which could put it anywhere within the landholdings indicated above. We would be surprised if the house still existed, but…. We would welcome any knowledge you have to share!