James Hamilton Ross

James Hamilton Ross (May 12 1856 - December 14 1932) was a Canadian politician, the Yukon Territory's third Commissioner, and an ardent defender of territorial rights. He is also considered to be the first resident of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

On January 2, 1882, Ross, a western Canadian rancher born in London, Canada West, and four other men were scouting the location for the Canadian Pacific Railway divisional point when they became the first residents of the modern-day town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Four days later, Ross established a homestead on the site, becoming the town's first permanent resident.

Soon after, Ross became an active participant in territorial government. He continuously campaigned for responsible government and was active in the negotiations to create the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Ross sat in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories between 1883 and 1901, and was Speaker from 1891 to 1894 and a member of the Executive Council between 1895 and 1897. Ross also served as treasurer and then became the Commissioner of the Yukon Territory on March 11, 1901, becoming the first Yukon Commissioner to reside in Government House in Dawson City.

On August 15, 1901 his wife and daughter were lost in the sinking of the S.S. Islander near Juneau.

He was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1902, becoming the Yukon's first Member of Parliament (MP), and appointed to the Senate in 1904. Between 1904 and 1905, Ross represented Regina, Northwest Territories and after 1905 until his death, he continued to represent Regina after the creation of the province of Saskatchewan. From 1902 until his death, Ross was a member of the Liberal Party caucus.

James Hamilton Ross died in 1932 in Victoria, British Columbia.

External links

* [http://www.canadianencyclopedia.ca/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0006937 James Hamilton Ross] Encyclopedia of Canada
* [http://www.collectionscanada.ca/confederation/023001-2401-e.html James Hamilton Ross - Canadian Confederation ] at www.collectionscanada.ca