George Ross, 11th Lord Ross facts for kids

George Ross, 11th Lord Ross of Halkhead (died April 1682), was an important Scottish nobleman and soldier. He inherited his title from his father and played a role in Scottish politics and military events during his time.

Who Was George Ross?

George Ross was the son of William Ross, 10th Lord Ross. His mother was Margaret, daughter of Sir James Forrester. The Ross family of Halkhead (also known as Hawkhead) lived in Renfrewshire, Scotland. They were a Lowland family, meaning they lived in the flatter, southern parts of Scotland. They were not related to the famous Earls of Ross or the Highland family of Clan Ross from Balnagown.

His Public Life and Military Career

George Ross was active in Scottish public life. He regularly attended the Parliament of Scotland, which was like the country's main governing body.

Early Roles in Government

In 1661, he was present when King Charles II's Parliament passed the Rescissory Act 1661. This act made Presbyterianism illegal, which was a big deal at the time.

He took on several important jobs:

• On October 9, 1663, he became a Justice of the Peace for Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. This meant he helped keep law and order in those areas.
• On January 23, 1667, he was made a Commissioner for collecting the Excise. The Excise was a type of tax on goods.
• On September 3, 1668, he became a Commissioner of Militia for Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. This role involved organizing local defense forces.

Military Actions

In 1674, Lord Ross helped raise three troops of horse soldiers. He did this alongside the Marquess of Douglas and the Earl of Erroll. These troops were later disbanded in 1676.

By November 1, 1677, he was a lieutenant-colonel in the Scots Guards, a famous military regiment. He was in charge of the troops in Glasgow during the Battle of Drumclog on June 1, 1679. In this battle, a royal commander named Claverhouse was defeated by the Covenanters. The Covenanters were a group of Scots who wanted to protect their Presbyterian religion.

After the battle, Lord Ross helped Claverhouse. Soon after, he successfully defended Glasgow from a strong attack by the Covenanters.

Lord Ross passed away at Halkhead in April 1682.

His Family Life

Lord Ross was married twice.

First Marriage

His first marriage was to Grizel Cochrane in October 1653. She was the daughter of William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald, who later became the first Earl of Dundonald.

With Grizel, he had two children:

• William, who took over his father's title.
• Grizel, who married Sir Alexander Gilmour of Craigmillar. She died on June 10, 1732.

Second Marriage

Lord Ross's first wife, Grizel, died in 1665. He then married Jean Ramsay, the oldest daughter of George Ramsay, 2nd Earl of Dalhousie. Jean outlived him. She later married Robert Makgill, 2nd Viscount of Oxfuird, and passed away in November 1696.

With Jean, Lord Ross had several children:

• Charles Ross of Balnagown. He inherited the Balnagown estate even though he wasn't related to the previous owner.
• Anna
• Jean, who married William Ramsay, 6th Earl of Dalhousie.
• Euphame
• Margaret