Since the year 1882 the name of L. A. Ross has been connected with the lumber business in Cornwall. In that year Mr. Ross assumed the business founded by the late P. E. Adams and has conducted it continuously ever since.
      Although a planing mill is decidedly subject to fire, Mr. Ross has been singularly fortunate all these years, but on March 9, 1906, his premises were completely destroyed. Such a blow would have prostrated many a man, but Mr. Ross is made of good stuff and the ashes were hardly cool when he was busying himself about rebuilding. In a surprisingly short space of time, the walls were up and new machinery in place. In six weeks and three days from the morning of the fire, business was going on as usual. Surely nothing can bear stronger testimony to the indomitable energy of the proprietor.
      The new mill is thoroughly up-to-date in every particular, every machine having been renewed. There is a well equipped saw mill; sash, doors, blinds, moulding, builder's supplies generally and packing boxes are manufactured, and the excellent quality of the product keeps the mill busy all the time. The mill is operated by a powerful engine; from 75 to 100 skilled workmen are constantly employed. There is a large drying kiln, in which all the lumber used in the sash and door business is seasoned. The premises are illuminated throughout with electric light.
      The mills are situated on the banks of the old canal, and are connected by a spur with the street railway tracks, providing accomodation for the loading of freight cars with finished materials. The cars are hauled over the street railway line to connect with the Grand Trunk and New York Central lines.
      Mr. Ross has extensive limits, and the cutting and hauling of logs to the mill is a considerable industry each winter. He keeps always on hand a full assortment of lumber, raw and manufactured, including building timber, laths, shingles, posts, etc. which are invariably found to be just as represented by Mr. Ross or his salesmen. Prices are always as reasonable and moderate as they can lie made.
      As a contractor, Mr. Ross has built up an enviable reputation. The Cornwall Post Office and the Rossmore are samples of the building he has constructed, with hundreds of others less pretentious.
      Mr. Ross is personally a popular citizen, whose integrity and business methods are above reproach. After serving seven or eight years in the Town Council, he was honored by being elected as Mayor, and was for several years a member of the Board and Water Works Commissioners.