Written by Ann Robertson McConnell
Many families moved West following the American Revolution…sociologists call this “chain migration.” Even before the Revolution eastern lands were becoming crowded and expensive, while the West offered vast amounts of inexpensive property. Heavy tobacco cultivation had ruined much of the soil in central and eastern Virginia by the early 1800s, forcing farmers to look for fresh, productive land. Kentucky offered expanses of fertile western land that was much more affordable than aging Virginia properties. Pioneers used well-traveled paths like the Wilderness Road or floated down the Ohio River to reach central and northern Kentucky. Daniel Ross, Sr. was one of these pioneers and the American Revolutionary War Patriot of DAR member Margaret Underwood Butler.
Daniel Ross, Sr. was born in 1740 in Scotland and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland about 1760 along with his parents. His family settled in Virginia about the middle of the 18th century. In 1765 he married Elizabeth Rose “Betty” Garth of Spotsylvania and Orange Counties, Virginia, but who had for a few years been a resident of Louisa, Virginia. The couple had at least seven sons and at least six daughters. The family moved to Henry County, Virginia and in June 1780, Daniel was appointed Lieutenant under O. Rubell in the Virginia Militia. He not only served in the army during the war but rendered further assistance in the struggle for liberty by furnishing beef, corn and diets for the army.
Prior to 1807 Daniel, Elizabeth and their son, Churchill moved to Henry County, Kentucky. Daniel was an aging Revolutionary War veteran in his early 70s. Moving at that age was rarely done in isolation; it was always a matter of chain migration.
Several of their children had already begun moving west to Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri. Daniel owned land on both sides of the Smith River that was depreciating in value, while Kentucky land was booming and highly fertile. Moving to Henry County, Kentucky allowed him to transition with the help of his son and establish himself closer to the branches of the family expanding westward. Elizabeth Ross passed away in 1807 in Henry County, Kentucky.
The move to Kentucky was just a steppingstone for this branch of the family. While he and Churchill settled in Kentucky the westward pull didn’t stop there. Churchill later moved onward to Cooper County, Missouri. Daniel followed and in November 1822 he died and is buried there. There is a memorial for Daniel, Elizabeth and their children at Ross-Harbour Cemetery, Elamsville, Patrick County, Virginia.
Information for this article is from Fold 3, Family Search, Bassett Historical Center, WikiTree and the DAR Genealogical Research Databases.
Everyone has a story to tell. Let us help you tell yours. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. NSDAR is a non-profit, non-political women’s service organization. Help researching and proving your lineage can be provided by the Colonel Abram Penn Chapter by contacting Ann Robertson McConnell at [email protected].
