My second great-grandparents on my father’s side are William Ross and Martha Lay.  For years I was uncertain the location of their final resting place.  While Ritchey and I were in Kentucky in 2023, we visited the grave of my great-grandparents, Isaiah Hill and Lydia Ross, in Evergreen Cemetery in Willisburg, Washington County.  We had been there many times but decided to photograph more of the stones in the cemetery – and found those for William and Martha, Lydia’s parents – a moment of great surprise, I must say!

William Ross and Martha Lay were married before 1843, no marriage record found yet, as their first child, James R. Ross was born February 22^nd of that year.  George was born in 1849, Reuben, 1851, Lydia, April 25, 1855, and a year later, Arena, born April 25, 1856.

In the 1850 Washington County Census they are listed with the first two sons, 6 and 1.  They lived adjacent to William’s mother – Arena Kidd Ross Matherly.  Living two doors down was Martha Lay, 50, who I believe is Martha’s mother.  In 1860, all six children are listed with their parents.  In 1870 Reuben and Arena are still at home, 20 and 16.  Son James Ross lives next to his parents.  And in 1880 William and Martha are empty nesters.  So is the cycle of life. My Ross family is one of those who have few records to find.  It certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t important, most people in the early days of the state lived very simple lives.  But it means those few hints found  are precious!