John ROSS [9200]

  General Notes:

15 children:-
1. Elizabeth b. 1864 (Cameron)
2. Annie b. 1865 (Mitchell)
3. Margaret b. 1867 (Schmidt) d. 1934
4. Marion b. 1869 (Newton) d. 1946
5. Georgina b. 1870 d. 1886
6. Martha b. 1872 (Hay) d. 1942
7. Walter b. 1873 d. 1951
8. Mary b. 1874
9. John b. 1876 d. 1898
10. George b. 1877 d. 1877
11. William b. 1879
12. Alexander b. 1881 d. 1954 m. Sarah Ann Anderson 1915
13. Jannett b. 1882 (Wilson) d. 1938
14. Thomas b. 1883 d. 1942
15. Christina b. 1885 (Miller) d.1928 m. Wm Merrall 1905 m. Thomas Oman Miller 1916

Euroa Advertiser (Vic. : 1884 - 1920) Fri 30 Sep 1898 Page 4 A DETERMINED SUICIDE.
A DETERMINED SUICIDE.
HANGS HIMSELF IN A STABLE
AT NORTH WOOD.
On Sunday morning the usual quiet of the Northwood district was disturbed by the news that a suicide had taken place on the farm, of Mr. John Ross, at Dairy Bend, near the Goulburn River, about nine miles from Seymour, and that the victim was a son of Mr. Ross', aged 22 years. The sad news proved too true, for some time during the previous night or early that morning John Ross, junr., had destroyed himself in a most determined manner. The. modusoperandi employed on the occasion was to securely fasten a rope to the ridge pole of the stable, doubles in such a manner that it would be almost impossible to break it.

It appears however, that with the weight of the body one of the strands did break, but the remaining three were sufficiently strong to enable the rash young man to carry out his object successfully. From the position in which the body was found also there was not the slightest doubt as to the determination with which the victim carried out his purpose, for had he felt so inclined he could have secured a good foothold on a manger near by and thus relieved the strain on his neck. The discovery was made at an early hour on Sunday morning by one of deceased's brother's entering the stable to get a horse. In quick time the body was cut down, but not in time to be of any avail. for on examination the body was found to be quite rigid and cold, showing plainly that the vital spark had fled long before the brother had entered the stable and met the horrible sight. From what we are able to glean as to the circumstances which led up to the perpetration of the rash act, it would appear that young Ross has suffered more or less from insomnia for some time past; but nothing in the evidence bore out this theory. It is probable therefore that the cause of the young man's derangement will ever remain a mystery.

The Magisterial inquiry was held on Monday at Mr. Ross' farm, before Mr. E. O'Callaghan, J.P., when the following evidence was adduced :

John Ross, farmer, residing at Northwood, said - The deceased, John Ross was my son. He was 22 years of age last birthday, and always resided with me. I last saw him alive between 9 and 10 o'clock on Saturday night, the 24th inst., when he appeared in good health. He had been working on the farm on that day. On Sunday morning I called him to get up, but got no answer. I then Awakened the girls. They got up and went out to the kitchen. They then took deceased's clothes into his bedroom, but found he was not there. The next I heard was the members of the family all crying" out ",Jack has hanged himself. I at once ran to the stable and saw deceased's body Hanging. He was quite dead. I assisted to hold the body while my son William cut it down. The body was hanging by a plough rein which was fastened to the ridge pile of the stable. On Wednesday last he complained of a bad head. He went to Seymour that day and consulted Mr. Gibbs, chemist, who prescribed for him. He returned the same day and appeared all right. There was nothing that I know of to distract his mind. He was on good terms with the whole of the family. I do not know any reason why he should have taken his life.

William Ross said the deceased, John Ross, was his brother. Deceased slept in, the same room as I did on Saturday night. My brother Thomas also occupied the same room. When I went to bed that night at 12 o'clock the deceased was in bed. He got up, went out for a few minutes and then returned. I made a remark to my brother Tom, who was sleeping in the same bed as deceased, that I would not hit the stump he was taking out. Deceased only asked what we were talking about. About 7 a.m. on Sunday my sister came into the room with our clothes, and said, "Jack's up."
Soon after my brother Tom came running down saying ,Jack had hung himself in the stable. I at once got up and ran to the stable, where I saw my brother's body hanging from the ridge pole. While the body was being held up by my father and brother I cut the rope. The body was then quite cold. I assisted in removing the body to the house. Deceased always appeared to be in good health, but last Wednesday I heard he was going to see the chemist. On Friday he said to me, " I wish I had seen the doctor instead of the chemist." He said if I only knew the pain he suffered I would not believe it. Only those who had it knew how he suffered. He did not describe the pain. I knew from his condition on Friday that he was suffering pain, as he was shedding tears, and gave me to understand that he did not feel fit for work. I advised him to take a spell, and suggested he should go to the seaside. Deceased had met with an accident caused by a falling tree, which struck him on the head. I know of no reason why he should take his life.

Thomas Ross, brother of deceased, said - I occupied the same room as deceased on Saturday night last. I last saw him alive when the last witness went to bed about 12 o'clock. Between 7 and 8 o'clock on Sunday morning my sister called me, when I found my brother John had left the bed. Immediately on getting up I went to the stable, and on looking through the opening of the door I saw the deceased hanging. I at once called my brother and sister, who, together with my father, ran to the stable. I assisted my father to hold up the body while the last witness cut it down. He appeared quite dead. Since seeing the chemist he complained to me that his previously injured check, always felt quite cold, and that he had to keep it covered when in bed. He said he could not sleep very well at night. I am not aware that he had any trouble which would cause him to take his life.

Margaret Ross said deceased was her brother. ????????????????????? kitchen, when he stated he was troubled through not being able to sleep, and that he would be better dead than alive. Previous to deceased making that statement I was not aware that he was suffering any pain.

A verdict was returned of suicide whilst suffering from temporary insanity.

The remains of the unfortunate young man were interred in the Seymour Cemetery yesterday afternoon, a large concourse of the friends of the deceased's family joining in the funeral cortege.
The Rev. J. Neville, of the Presbyterian church conducted the ceremony at the grave. Mr. Oak carried out the funeral arrangements.

The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Fri 9 May 1913 Page 15 DIVORCE COURT.
Decree granted.
MERRALL V. MERRALL.
Christina Merrall, 27, of Northwood, petitioned for divorce from William Merrall, 27, laborer, on the ground of misconduct. Mr. L. S. Woolf, instructed by Boothby and Boothby, appeared for petitioner. Evidence was given of the marriage on 1st March, 1905, and the birth of three children.
The parties ceased living together in May, 1912, and the following month petitioner received a letter from respondent, intimating that he had left Melbourne for ever. The letter went on to say, "You don't seem to care for me, so I have found the one that does, and nothing but death will part us." Respondent had gone to Brisbane with a woman named Priscilla Gort. The decree was granted, with costs against respondent, and custody of the child.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) View title info Sat 30 Oct 1920 Page 21 DIVORCE PETITIONER DIES.

DIVORCE PETITIONER DIES.
TRAGIC END TO SUIT.
Widow's Hysterical Outburst.
An announcement that the petitioner had been found dead on his premises brought a divorce suit to a sudden end before the Chief Justice (Sir William Irvine) yesterday.

The case came before the Divorce Court a week ago, when Conrad Schmidt (63), of 135 Maribyrniong road, Ascotvale, baker, petitioned for a divorce from Margaret Schmidt (54), whom he married on March 13, 1909). The ground was that respondent had deserted him since December, 1916. Petitioner stated that he did not know the whereabouts of the respondent, and that he had no means of ascertaining them. He married the respondent consequent upon seeing a matrimonial advertisement which she had inserted in a newspaper. He had never met any of her relatives. After the marriage respondent neglected her household duties, and would not be bothered with looking after his baker's shop. They had several quarrels about this, and she told him on one occasion that "a loose leg suited her better than married life."

The Chief Justice adjourned the case, and caused inquiries to be made for the where-about's of the respondent, who appeared before him yesterday. She stated that she had learnt the day before for the first time that her husband was taking divorce Proceedings against her. She lived with her brother, Thomas Ross, at Northwood, 12 miles from Seymour.

The Chief Justice.- Why did not the petitioner know where to find you?
Respondent.- He did know where I was. He has written to me several times while I have been there. Before I left him he spoke of getting a divorce as soon as he could, and asked me where I would be in three years. I told him that I would be with my brother.

Replying to petitioner's allegations, of which she then heard for the first time, respondent said that she had left him in 1912 for three months, because he was violent to her. In 1916 he locked her out of the house, and as he and his son-her stepson-were in the habit of ill-using her she left him. She had never refused to look after her husband's shop.

The Chief Justice said that the petitioner, who, although notified, had failed to attend, must be summoned to the court. He must have an opportunity of explaining his previous statements. The matter could not rest where it was.

When the Court resumed after the lunch adjournment, and while Mr. Jose, who appeared for the petitioner, was cross examining the respondent, a messenger announced that he had been to Schmidt's premises and found him Iying dead at the rear of his stable. The body had been removed to the Morgue.

The Chief Justice said that the case would be struck out of the list. Respondent broke into hysterical laughter, and left the box crying, '"I am free! I am free!"

It is stated that between 11 and half-past 11 o'clock yesterday, morning, Schmidt called at a bank in Ascotvale, and took away a sealed package. A search for the package was made, but it could not be found.


The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 29 Oct 1921 Page 11 Family Notices
ROSS - PARKER. '- On the 10th September, at Cecil street Methodist Church, South Melbourne, by Rev. R. Williams, Thomas, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Ross, Northwood, to Alice C., youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Parker, Tooboorac.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 22 Dec 1928 Page 13 Family Notices
MILLER - On the 17th December, 1928, at her residence, Woodsomlee, Northwood, Christina (Teenie), dearly beloved sister of Mrs. M. Newton (Avenel), and loving auntie of John, William, Thomas, Ivy, Eva, Grace, and Mary. Peace, perfect peace,


The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 22 Aug 1942 Page 2 Family Notices
ROSS.-On August 14, at Seymour (suddenly), Thomas, the dearly beloved son of the late Margaret and John Ross, Northwood, loved brother of Elizabeth (Mrs Cameron, Leeton). Annie (Mrs. Mitchell, deceased), Margaret (Mrs Smith deceased) Marion (Mrs. Newton Avenel), Georgina (deceased), Martha (Mrs Hay, deceased), Walter (Coreen, NSW), John (deceased). William (South Africa), Alexander (Broadford) Jeanetta (Mrs Wilson deceased), Christina (Mrs. Miller deceased) aged 59 years

The Dandenong Journal (Vic. : 1927 - 1954) Wed 21 Aug 1946 Page 4 Family Notices
Newton. - On August 10th at her residence "Fairview;"' Avenel, Marion, the beloved wife of the late William Newton, of Avenel, loving mother of Eva, and mother-in-law of Harry, dear grandma of Bernard Lane. Spring Vale. '"Treasured memories"

possible deaths
Death Certificate
Event Death Event registration number 12874 Registration year 1920
Family name ROSS Given names Jno Sex Unknown Father's name Unknown Mother's name Unknown (Unknown) Place of birth Place of death Avenel Age 86 Spouse's family name


The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 18 Mar 1954 Page 12 Advertising
ÂLEXANDER ROSS, Late of Broadford , Retired Grazier, deceased. - After 14 clear days Rona Janet McKee, of 13 Centre road. Clayton, married woman, the executrix appointed by deceased's will, (dated the 18th day of December. 1952). will APPLY to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a WILL PROBATE- of the said ERIC W. TULLOH, solicitor. Kilmore.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 29 Dec 1955 Page 13 Advertising
SARAH ANN ROSS. Formerly of Broadford, Late of 13 Centre Road, Clayton, in the State of Victoria, Widow Deceased.-After 14 clear days Rona Janet McKee, of 13 Centre road, Clayton, married woman, the executrix appointed by deceased's will (dated the 18th day of December, 1952), will APPLY to the Supreme Court for a grant of PROBATE of the said WILL.
ERIC W. TULLOH, solicitor. Kilmore.

John married Margaret PAGAN [9201] [MRIN: 2994]. (Margaret PAGAN [9201] was born about 1845 in , Haddingtonshire, Scotland and died on 5 Mar 1887 in Mooroopna, Vic, Australia.)