Columbia County GaArchives Biographies.....Ross, John Jr. 
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Author: Jesse H. Campbell
                                           JOHN ROSS, JR.

     Was born in Virginia about 1781.  His father emigrated to Georgia in 1798, 
and settled in Columbia county, where he died in 1805.  The subject of this 
notice moved into the new purchase between the Oconee and Ocmulgee in the early 
settlement of the country, say 1807.
     His preaching talents were of a very respectable order, and he began to 
exercise them about 1816.  For some years, he was moderator of the Ebenezer 
Association, and after 1830, when he removed into the bounds of the Columbus 
Association, he was the presiding officer of that body till his death in July 
1837.
     He was a man naturally of a very popular turn, beloved and confided in by 
all who knew him.  As a preacher, he accomplished more by his persuasion and 
impassioned manner, than by the strength of his arguments.  On account of  his 
great popularity, he was induced to run for the legislature in about 1728; but 
he was defeated, much to the satisfaction of his more prudent brethren.  The 
occasions are believed to be of very rare occurrence when ministers of the 
gospel are warranted in coming down from their high and holy station, to mingle 
in the strifes of party, or even to give direction to the affairs of State.  As 
men, it is their privilege and duty to stand in their place at the ballot-box.  
This they may do, without compromitting the dignity of their office, or 
neglecting its duties.  Christ has said, "My kingdom is not of this world."
     In 1825, he was messenger from the Ebenezer Missionary Society to the 
General Baptist Association at Eatonton.  Though he resided among brethren, who 
did not favor the benevolent operations of the age, he was their firm, friend 
and supporter.  He was more zealous in their behalf in the latter part of his 
life.  On this subject, his influence was commanding in the Columbus 
Association, where he spent his latter days.  His residence was in Upson, but  
his membership at Antioch, in Talbot, across the river.  When the convention 
was at Talbotton in 1836, he entered warmly into the measure of that body to 
establish a Baptist college in the State.  In the ministers' meeting at Forsyth 
in July following, he was deeply interested in all its objects, and 
instrumental in accomplishing much good.  He had gone into Marion county in 
July 1837, to attend a meeting, when he was attacked with disease, and survived 
but a few days.

"Georgia Baptists: Historical and Biographical" by Jesse H. Campbell, Twiggs 
County, Georgia.  Richmond: 1847, page 140, 141




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