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Ross, Hon. William, Collector of Customs, Halifax, was born at Boulardarie, Victoria county, Cape Breton, on the 27th December, 1825. His parents, John Ross and Robina Mackenzie, emigrated from Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1816, and settled in Pictou, Nova Scotia, and after remaining there five years removed to Boulardarie, Cape Breton. William received his primary education in the public school of his native place, and afterwards was sent to Halifax, where he completed his studies in the Normal School of that city. In 1848 he began business as a merchant in Englishtown, Cape Breton, and in this he continued until 1874. During this period he was extensively engaged in prosecuting the mackarel, herring, cod, and salmon fisheries, and also did a large business in the cattle trade between Cape Breton and Newfoundland. For several years he was postmaster of Englishtown. In 1861 he passed his military examination, and was appointed colonel of the 30th regiment Victoria Militia of Nova Scotia, and retired from active service in 1874. In 1859 Mr. Ross entered politics as a Liberal, and was returned, under universal suffrage law, as a member of the Nova Scotian legislature by a majority of 516. Again, in 1863, when the property qualification law came into force, he was elected by a large majority, and conscientiously opposed the Johnstone-Tupper government from that time up to 1867, when he retired from local politics, and was elected by acclamation for the county of Victoria, Cape Breton, to the House of Commons at Ottawa, after having sat for eight years in the Nova Scotian legislature. In 1872, on the occasion of a general election, he was again returned by acclamation by his native county; and on the downfall of the Sir John A. Macdonald administration in November, 1873, and on the Hon. Alexander Mackenzie assuming the government, Mr. Ross was made Minister of Militia. After his acceptance of this responsible office, and on his presenting himself for re-election, he was stoutly opposed by the Conservatives in his county, but, nevertheless, he was returned for the third time, in February, 1874, to the Dominion parliament by acclamation. Shortly afterwards the Hon. Mr. Ross retired from active political life, and was appointed collector of customs for the port of Halifax, and this important and responsible position he still continues to fill. In 1852 he joined the Masonic fraternity, and for two years was worshipful master of Virgin lodge, No. 3, Halifax; and was also twice in succession elected high priest of Royal Union Chapter of Halifax. He is now past deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia; and although he has been repeatedly nominated as grand master, he has refused the honour. He has occupied the position of vice-president and president of the North British Society. He has travelled through Newfoundland, part of the United States, and has visited every important point in Canada as far west as Lake Harno. Hon. Mr. Ross is an adherent of the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a Liberal. In March, 1855, he was married to Eliza H. Moore, daughter of P. H. Moore, of the firm of Gammell and Moore, of North Sydney. The fruit of this marriage was eight children, six of whom now survive.