Mike Ross was born on November 8, 1937. His father, originally from Italy, migrated to the United States with his brothers, recruited by a coal company to work in West Virginia. Settling in the Weaver/Colton area, his father met and married his mother, whose family also hailed from Italy. Ross grew up in a large family with 14 children, nine boys and five girls, learning the values of competition and hard work from an early age. His father worked as a coal miner, and the family lived in a company house, managing a garden to supplement their food supply. Ross graduated from Colton High School in 1955 as valedictorian of his class. He briefly attended Davis & Elkins College before pursuing a career in heavy equipment operation and later in the gas industry. Over the years, he gained extensive knowledge in geology and gas well operations, leading to a successful career supervising projects and managing his own business interests in natural resources and land management.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Mike Ross, conducted by Michael and Carrie Kline on March 3, 2014, in Buckhannon, West Virginia, provides a detailed account of Ross's life experiences from his early childhood to his career in the gas industry. The discussion covers his family's immigration history, the dynamics of growing up in a large family, and the community life in Colton, West Virginia. Ross describes his father's role as a coal miner and operator of a local beer joint, illustrating the social and economic environment of the time. He recounts his own educational journey, early work experiences, and transition into the gas industry. The interview highlights Ross's self-education in geology and his practical experiences in drilling and managing gas wells. Additionally, Ross discusses the changes in the industry, including technological advancements and environmental considerations. The interview also touches on his current activities in land and wildlife management, his involvement in community events like Colton Days, and his views on land ownership and resource management. The content provides valuable insights into the personal and professional life of Mike Ross, reflecting broader themes of immigration, community, and industrial development in rural West Virginia.