Esq., Col. George Ross II ^{1224,1225,1226,1227}

  Research Notes:

Children of the Rev. George Ross by his second wife:
GEORGE ROSS. He was born at New Castle, Del., May 10, 1730, and died in Philadelphia, Pa., July 14, 1779. He married Aug. 17, 1751, Ann Lawler. He was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence.

George Ross, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born New Castle, Delaware, May 10, 1730. Died near Philadelphia, Pa., July 14, 1779. (Mrs. Eshleman gives this date as July 16, 1779.) Note. See Obituary Penna. Evening Post, July 16, 1779. Married August 17, 1751 to Ann Lawler, (Mrs. Eshleman gives this date from the Ross Bible as August 10, 1751) daughter of Andrew and Mary Lawler. Note. Andrew Lawler, Administration granted upon Estate in 1747, Lancaster County. Mary Lawler was Administratrix and George Gibson her bondsman.
Ann Lawler was born Lancaster, Pa. Died Lancaster, Pa., May 28, 1773, (Mrs. Eshleman gives this date as May 8, 1773) Note.

See Obituary Penna Gazette June 9, 1773 ("In 40th year of her age") Note. 3/27/95 wrote Rector St. James Church, Lancaster, Pa. He answered 3/29/95 saying the Parish was founded in 1755, and the records go back that far, he has them in his possession, and will be glad to let me examine them. There is an old church yard attached to the church. The Ross family is closely related to the early history of the Parish. (sgd) Rev. Percy J. Robothan. Issue, Surname, Ross.

George born Lancaster, Pa., June 1, 1752, died, Lancaster, November 13, 1832, Married, April 5, 1773, Mary Bird.

James born Lancaster, Pa., November 28, 1753, died, Natchez, Miss., August 24, 1808 in 55th year (E. H. Bell says, died August 20, 1809), married Maria Sabina Kuhn.

Mary born Lancaster, Pa., December 23, 1765, died, Lancaster, Pa., December 20, 1838, married, William Bird, (E.H. Bell says she married first ....Willitts. Married, second, William Bird. Married, third, Joshua Scott. Had children only by second husband.)

Note - Lancaster Intelligencer started in 1794, Examiner in 1828 and Inquirer in 1848. B. Cochran says "George M. Steinman is best posted man in Lancaster County on Old Lancaster families, wrote him, 12/4/97.

Note - Will of Mary Lawler dated August 30th 1773, probated August 30th 1778, mentions daughter Ann Ross, and George, James, and Mary Ross.

Note - Marriage records of St. James' Church, Lancaster, Pa. 1796 to 1828 are lost. Matthew Clarkson, under date of Philadelphia, July 14, 1779, writes to President Reed, "We are sorry to inform you of the death of George Ross, Esqr., Judge of the Court of Admiralty, this date. His remains will be interred tomorrow morning at Nine o'clock."

Penna. Archives, Vol. VII, pg.. 555. According to this he may have died that day, July 14th, or the day before.

Penna Evening Post. Friday, July 16, 1779, says "Last Wednesday died, at his seat near this city, the Hon. George Ross, Esq., Judge of Admiralty of this State, who justly merited the character of a firm and impartial judge. And yesterday his remains were interred in Christ's Church burying ground, attended by a number of the most respectable inhabitants."

Matthew Clarkson to President Reed, Pa. Archives, Vol. 7, pg. 555, it would appear as though George Ross, the "Signer" may have died July 13th rather than the 14th. Also see Shippen Papers, pg. 278.

Supreme Executive Council in session Wednesday, July 14, 1779; (Colonial Records, Vol. X11, pg. 46) "Information was received of the death of the Honorable George Ross, Esqr., Judge of the Court of Admiralty, and an invitation to his funeral, tomorrow, at nine o'clock in the forenoon - (Council was in session the previous day) - See also Penna. Evening Post, July 16, 1779.

Wanted - Date of birth of Ann Lawler, who married George Ross, the "Signer." She died May 28, 1773, "In the 40th year of her age."

Maiden name of her mother, the latter's name was Mary; see her will proved Aug 26, 1778. She was evidently the widow of Andrew Lawler, see Administration upon his estate 1747. But Mrs. Lawler's maiden name I do not know.

George Ross III, b. June 1, 1752, d. Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 13, 1832, m. *April 5, 1773, Mary Bird, daughter of Colonel William and Brigitte (Hulings) Bird. She was b. in Birdsborough, Pa., Dec. 23, 1753**, d. Lancaster, Pa., Jan 13, 1813. George Ross was chosen a member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, in Oct 1787, and Vice President of the Council, Nov. 5, 1788, serving until Dec. 21, 1790. In 1791 he was commissioned by the Governor as Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for Lancaster Co., Pa., which office he held for eighteen years. He was known among the citizens of that County as "der Waisenvater."

Issue (surname Ross):
Ann, b. Lancaster, Pa., Jan 5, 1774, d. Lancaster, Pa., Dec 9, 1816, m. June 18, 1791, James Hopkins.
Patton, b. Lancaster, Pa., March 13, 1778, ***d. s.p. Lancaster, Pa., March 10, 1845, m. June 15, 1805, Elizabeth Witmer, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Herr) Witmer. She was born near Lancaster, Pa., Dec 23, 1770, d.s.p. Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 26, 1836. Mr. Ross was a member of the bar of Lancaster, Pa., and at one time, was Recorder of that City. William Bird, b. Lancaster, Pa., April 6, 1782, d. unm. Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 13, 1828. He was elected County Commissioner of Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1817, and in 1821 was appointed Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions for that County. (Wm. Bird and his son Mark, Hopewell Furnace, Union Township, Berks Co., Penna. Magazine, 8:60, also 8:62, also 8:64, also 8:67.)

George ROSS was born on 10 MAY 1730 in New Castle, New Castle Co., DE. He died on 14 JUL 1779 in Philadelphia, PA. He was buried on 15 JUL 1779 in Christ Church, Philadelphia, PA. George was an attorney who studied law under his older half-brother John in Philadelphia. He was admitted to the bar April 1751 and, deciding that there were too many lawyers to make a good living in Philadelphia, practiced in Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA. George was King's Prosecutor for 12 years and built a large legal practice.

From 1768 to 1775 (except 1772) George was a member of the Provincial Assembly. He served as one of seven Pennsylvania delegates to the first Continental Congress which met in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia in September 1774. George gained a reputation for his deep interest in Indian affairs and for his championship of the Assembly in disputes with the governor. He served as a Colonel of the Pennsylvania Troops in 1775.

In 1776 George assisted in negotiating a treaty to pacify the Indians in northwestern Pennsylvania. He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania state constitutional convention of 15 Jul 1776 and was so popular with his fellow legislators that he was chosen vice-president (Ben Franklin was president). He prepared the Declaration of Rights which dissolved the Proprietary Government and created the Commonwealth. Chosen by the state convention to attend the Continental Congress (he served the first and third term), George thus became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. However, he did not vote to adopt the Declaration since he did not sit in the Congress from 3 Nov 1775 to 20 Jul 1776, in which interval the vote of adoption took place.

In January 1777, George became ill with the gout as a result of his fondness for rich food and wine, and he retired from public office. By 1 Mar 1779 he was recovered sufficiently to accept an appointment as an admiralty judge for Pennsylvania. His health permitted him to serve in this office for only a few months. He died from a violent attack of gout at the age of 49. Major Edward Bird, writing to his father from Philadelphia July 25, 1779, gives a quaint account of Ross' last words. He writes: "George Ross you find is dead. He was very cheerful on his death-bed; he said he was going on a long journey, and that he was almost tired before he set off, but the place was cool, and there were most excellent wines there, and he should fare deliciously. That Mrs. Ross did not expect to see him so soon after her."

George's residence in Philadelphia was in North Alley above Fifth St., opposite the Christ Church burial ground gate. His Lancaster residence was at the corner of East King and Duke Sts., where the courthouse stands. In Lancaster he also lived at 320 Ross St., between Plum and Shippen, about nine blocks north of Rte. 30 on the east side of the Ross Street Methodist Church. The Ross Street house was demolished in 1894, however a seven-foot monument to Ross now is on this site. The monument is inscribed: Here Stood the House of George Ross Signer of the Declaration of Independence Born 1730; Died 1779 Lawyer:Statesman:Patriot.

He was married to Ann LAWLER (daughter of Andrew LAWLER and Mary UNKNOWN) on 17 AUG 1751. Ann LAWLER was born in 1731 in Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA. She died on 28 MAY 1773 in Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA. She was buried on 30 MAY 1773 in St. James Church, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA. In Egles Notes and Queries (1898), Fourth Series, Vol II, page 45 -- The Pennsylvania Chronicle for May 31 - June 7, 1773, says "On Friday the 28th ult., died at Lancaster, in the 40th year of her age, Mrs. Ann Ross, wife of George Ross, esquire, attorney-at-law, and one of the members of the General Assembly for that county." She was buried on the Sunday following in St. James Church yard, Rev. Barton delivering the sermon from Psalm XXIV:4.

In "The History of St. James' Church (Protestant-Episcopal) Lancaster, PA, 1744-1944, by H.M.J. Klein and Wm. F. Diller, 1944, pg. 48, "Mrs. Ann Lawler Ross, wife of George Ross who was subsequently a signer of the Declaration of Independence, died on May 28, 1773. Her funeral on the Sunday evening following was, up to that time, perhaps the largest ever held in Lancaster." On pg. 49, "George Ross whose name first appears June 1751, on the parochial records as a contributor of three pounds for finishing the church building, was at the time of his wife's death an active member of the vestry." Ann was said to be of Scotch-Irish descent. The administration of Andrew her father's estate was granted In Lancaster Co. PA in 1747. His wife, Mary, was Administratrix and George Gibson was her bondsman. Mary is said to have kept a store in Penn Square, Lancaster.

The will of Ann's mother, Mary, dated 30 Aug 1773 and probated 30 Aug 1778, mentions daughter Ann Ross, and George, James, and Mary Ross. George ROSS and Ann LAWLER had the following children:
+34 i. George ROSS III.
+35 ii. James ROSS.
36 iii. Mary ROSS was born on 23 DEC 1765 in Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA.

She died on 20 DEC 1838 in Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA. She married first Willitts or Willis, first name unknown or James Wilson; second, William Bird, son of Mary and Mary (Ross) Bird, and third Joshua Scott. A death notice in the Lancaster Journal, 1 Jan 1839 notes, "On Dec 20, Mrs. Mary, wife of Joshua Scott, Civil Engineer, in 73rd year of age. Mrs. Scott was the only daughter of the Hon. George Ross, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. She was buried at St. James Church, Lancaster, PA, 22 Dec 1838."

With her second husband William Bird she had the following children: a son, name unknown, who is said to have gone away to sea, and a daughter Mary Ann, who was born 2 Jul 1793 and who died 23 Dec 1858. She married 21 Apr 1821 Daniel Fuller, a member of the Philadelphia and Lancaster bars. He was born in Hampton, CT, 14 Feb 1789, and died in Philadelphia 12 Mar 1850.

From Becky Barefoot: Rebecca Barefoot, 1675 South Syracuse St., Denver, CO 80231; 303/368--5587
rjbfoot@ibm.net

Genealogy of Signers of the Declaration of Independence - Leach Manuscripts Copies, Vol. 12, 3552-3891: George Ross 1730-1779, by Frank Willing Leach FHL film #0001754

Quality of the microfilmed typewritten document was extremely poor. I have placed material under my own bold headings in order to make it more easily understandable, and rearranged some of the material to feature James Ross family, which I am researching.

FOREWORD
The original copy of the Genealogy of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence is in the possession of the Filson Club, Louisville, Kentucky. Copies are in the possession of the descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. These manuscripts were compiled by Frank Willing Leach, of Philadelphia, and were presented to the three organizations by past president General R. C. Ballard Thruston of the S. A. R. Permission to microfilm the manuscripts has been given by all three of the forenamed organizations.

ANCESTORS OF SIGNERS
GEORGE ROSS
Re. George Ross, son of David Ross, was born at Balblair, Scotland, in 1679 or 1680. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1700, and from the Divinity School in 1703. After graduating he decided to leave the Presbyterian Church and connect himself with the church of England, to the ministry of which he was ordained in London shortly afterwards. He was then appointed Chaplain in the British Navy, but soon resigned and was sent by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in 1705, as missionary to New Castle, Delaware, and he assumed charge of the work there out of which grew the Immanuel Church in June of that year. In July 1708 he left New Castle and removed to Chester, Pa., administering and preaching the mission there. For this conduct his stipend was suspended by the Society, and shortly afterwards he sailed for England. His explanation being considered satisfactory by the Society he was restored to his charge. While returning to America (one authority says it was on the voyage from America to England) he was, Feb. 9, 1711, taken prisoner by a French man-of-war, and carried into Brest. Being ultimately released he returned to Chester, but in October 1715, by direction of the Society, he again assumed charge of the mission at New Castle, where he continued until his death. During his pastorate of New Castle, he also, for a period, had charge of the parish of North Elk, or St. Mary Ann's, Cecil Co., MD.

Dr. Ross married, 1st, Joanna Williams, said to have been of Rhode Island. She died Sept. 29, 1726 (O.S.) in the 37th year of her age. Mr. Ross married, second, Catharine Van Gezel, who, it is said, was a grand-daughter of Gerritt Van Gezel, the nephew and Secretary of Jacob Alrichs, at one time the Dutch Governor or Vice Director of New Amstel (Delaware). He died at New Castle, Del., Nov. 18, 1753. Most authorities say his death occurred Nov. 17, but the Pennsylvania Gazette, Nov. 22, 1753, says he died "last Sunday," which was the 18th and not the 17th of that month. In a letter written by him in October, 1752, he says he is in the 73rd year of his age. His obituary in the Pennsylvania Gazette states that he died "in the 74th year of his age." He was, therefore, born in 1679, or 1680. The correct order of birth of his children is not known. It is believed that he had thirteen, as follows:

Children of Rev. George Ross, by his first wife:
DAVID ROSS
MARGARET ROSS
JOHN ROSS
AENEAS ROSS
ANN CATHARINE*. *On tombstone - Ann Catharine Yeates.
JACOB ROSS

Children of the Rev. George Ross by his second wife:
GEORGE ROSS
GERTRUDE ROSS
CATHARINE ROSS
ELIZABETH ROSS
SUSANNA ROSS
MARY ROSS

Notes - Edward Shippen, in a letter to James Hamilton, dated Lancaster, Pa., June 2, 1777, speaks of Mark Bird, as Adjutant General, Egle's "Notes and Queries," 4th Series, Vol. 2, pg. 292.
Mark and Mary (Ross) Bird had:
William Bird, b. Mar 18, 1765, d....
Mary Willitts, nee Ross, his 1st cousin.
John Bird, bpt. Nov. 17, 1767 (John Ross, Phila. - his god-father)
Possibly others. Ross Bird was appointed Major, Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., July 1, 1794. Note - E. H. Bell says "Mark and Mary Bird had a large family, but I cannot find out what became of them."
Mark Bird was a son of Colonel William and Brigitta (Hulings) Bird.
Said William Bird and Brigitta Hulings, were m. Oct. 28, 1735.

http://www.colonialhall.com/ross/ross.asp

George Ross
The last gentleman who belonged to the Pennsylvania delegation, at the time the members of the revolutionary congress affixed their signatures to the declaration of independence, was George Ross. He was the son of a clergyman by the same name, who presided over the Episcopal church at New Castle, in the state of Delaware, in which town he was born in the year 1730.

At an early age, he gave indications of possessing talents of a superior order. These indications induced his father to give him the advantages of a good education. At the age of eighteen he entered upon the study of law, under the superintendence of an elder brother, who was at that time in the practice of the profession,. in the city of Philadelphia.

Soon after being admitted to the bar, he established himself at Lancaster, at that time near the western limits of civilization. He soon became connected in marriage with a lady of a respectable family. For several years he continued to devote himself, with great zeal, to the duties of his profession in which, at length, he attained a high reputation, both as a counselor and an advocate.

Mr. Ross commenced his political career in 1768, in which year he was first returned as a representative to the assembly of Pennsylvania. Of this body he continued to be re-elected a member, until the year 1774, when he was chosen in connection with several other gentlemen, a delegate to the celebrated congress which met at Philadelphia. At the time he was appointed to a seat in this congress, be was also appointed to report to the assembly of the province, a set of instructions, by which the conduct of himself and colleagues were to be directed. The instructions thus drafted and reported, were accepted by the assembly. In concluding these instructions, the assembly observed: "that the trust reposed in you is of such a nature, and the modes of executing it may be so diversified in the course of your deliberations, that it is scarcely possible to give you particular instructions respecting it. We shall, therefore, only in general direct, that you are to meet in congress the committees of the several British colonies, at such time and place as shall be generally agreed on, to consult together on the present critical and alarming situation and state of the colonies, and that you, with them, exert your utmost endeavors to form and adopt a plan, which shall afford the best prospect of obtaining a redress of American grievances, ascertaining American rights, and establishing that union and harmony, which is most essential to the welfare and happiness of both countries. And in doing this, you are strictly charged to avoid every thing indecent or disrespectful to the mother state."

Mr. Ross continued to represent the state of Pennsylvania in the national legislature, until January, 1777, when, on account of indisposition, he was obliged to retire. During his congressional career, his conduct met the warmest approbation of his constituents. He was a statesman of enlarged views, and under the influence of a general patriotism, he cheerfully sacrificed his private interests for the public good. The high sense entertained by the inhabitants of the county of Lancaster, of big zeal for the good of his country, and of his constituents in particular, was expressed in the following resolution: "Resolved, that the sum of one hundred and fifty, pounds, out of the county stock, be forthwith transmitted to George Ross, one of the members of assembly for this county, and one of the delegates for this colony in the continental congress; and that he be requested to accept the same, as a testimony from this county, of their sense of his attendance on the public business, to his great private loss, and of their approbation of his conduct. Resolved, that if it be more agreeable, Mr. Ross purchase with part of the said money, a genteel piece of plate, ornamented as he thinks proper, to remain with him, as a testimony of the esteem this county has for him, by reason of his patriotic conduct, in the great struggle of American liberty." Such a testimony of respect and affection, on the part of his constituents, must have been not a little gratifying to the feelings of Mr. Ross. He felt it his duty, however, to decline accepting the present, offering as an apology for so doing, that he considered it as the duty of every man, and especially of every representative of the people, to contribute, by every means within his power, to the welfare of 'his country, without expecting pecuniary rewards.

The attendance of Mr. Ross in congress, did not prevent him from meeting with the provincial legislature. Of this latter body, he was an active, energetic, and influential member. In the summer of 1776, it was found by the general assembly, that the circumstances of the state required the adoption of some decisive measures, especially in respect to putting the city of Philadelphia, and the province, in a state of defense. A committee was accordingly appointed, of which Mr. Ross was one, to report what measures were expedient. In a few days that committee did report, recommending to the people to associate for the protection of their lives, and liberty, and property, and urging upon the several counties of the province the importance of collecting stores of ammunition and arms. A resolution was also offered, providing for the payment of all such associations as should be called out to repel any attacks made by the British troops. To carry these plans into effect, a general committee of public safety was appointed, and clothed with the necessary authority. To this committee Mr. Ross was attached, and was one of its most active and efficient members. He also belonged to another important committee, viz. that of grievances.

On the dissolution of the proprietary government in Pennsylvania, a general convention was assembled, in which Mr. Ross represented the county of Lancaster. Here, again, he was called to the discharge of most important duties, being appointed to assist in preparing a declaration of rights on behalf of the state, for forming rules of order for the convention, and for defining and settling what should be considered high treason and misprision of treason against the state, and the punishment which should be inflicted for those offenses.

In the year 1779, Mr. Ross was appointed a judge of the court of admiralty for the state of Pennsylvania. This was on the 14th of April. He was permitted to enjoy, however, the honorable station which he now filled but a short time. In the month of July following, he was suddenly and violently attacked by the gout, which terminated his useful life, in the fiftieth year of his age.

In respect to the character of Judge Ross, we have little to add to the preceding account. As a lawyer, even before the revolution, he was among the first of his profession, a rank which he continued to hold, while he practiced at the bar. As a politician, he was zealous, patriotic, and consistent. As a judge, he was learned and upright, and uncommonly skillful in the dispatch of business. He comprehended with ease causes of the greatest intricacy, and formed his decisions, which often displayed much legal knowledge, with great promptness. It is to be added to his honor, that while he was thus distinguished abroad, be was characterized in the fulfillment of his domestic duties, by an uncommonly kind and affectionate disposition.

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/pa/philadelphia/bios/cfofphil/r-1.txt

Bios: Rich-Ry SURNAME Index to "Colonial Families of Philadelphia," Philadelphia, PA

This file contains a part of the every name index to "Colonial Families in Philadelphia", edited by John W. Jordan, published by Lewis Publishers of New York in 1911 in 2 volumes.

Index compiled and © by Hamilton Computer Service in 1980, thusneld@fmtc.com
Scanning and OCR by Joy Fisher, 2000 from a bound copy donated by Hamilton Computer Service.

These books and index are available on microfiche/microfilm from the Family History Library, Salt Lake City:

Vol. 1 FHL US/CAN Film #0924483 Item 1
Vol. 2 FHL US/CAN Film #1697339 Item 2=================================================================== ¹²³⁰

George married Anne Lawler on 17 Aug 1751 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.¹⁰⁴⁹ (Anne Lawler was born on 10 Jul 1731 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA,^654,1049 died on 28 May 1773 in Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA ^654,1231 and was buried on 30 May 1773 in Saint James Church Cemetery (Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA) ⁶⁵⁴.)