Thomas Ross (minister) facts for kids

Thomas Ross was a Scottish minister who lived in the 1600s. He was born around 1614 in a place called Nether Pitkerrie. His father was George Ross. Thomas Ross was a Presbyterian minister, which means he followed a certain type of Christian faith.

Thomas Ross's Life and Work

Thomas Ross served as a minister in Kincardine, a town in Sutherland, Scotland. He started his work there before August 28, 1655.

Challenges for Ministers

In 1662, a new law was passed. This law meant that ministers like Thomas Ross, who did not agree with the new church rules, were removed from their positions. So, on October 1, 1662, Thomas Ross lost his job as a minister in Kincardine.

After leaving Kincardine, he moved to Tain. There, he continued to help people with their faith. He was known for being very dedicated to his beliefs.

Secret Meetings and Arrests

During the 1670s, many Presbyterians held secret religious meetings called conventicles. These meetings were against the law at the time. Thomas Ross was involved in these gatherings.

In 1669, he was accused of holding these meetings in Moray. In 1675, he was arrested. He was held in the Tolbooth (a type of prison) in Nairn.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1676, Thomas Ross was moved to the prison in Tain. He stayed there until October 9, 1677. He was then set free, but he had to promise to appear in court if he was called. He also had to pay a large sum of money as a guarantee.

Some historical records suggest that Thomas Ross might have also been held in the famous Bass Rock prison. This prison was known for holding people who disagreed with the government's religious policies.

Later Life and Family

Thomas Ross passed away at his home in Tain on January 13, 1679. He had been ill for a long time with a throat problem that made it hard for him to speak.

A minister named James Fraser of Brea wrote a book called "Memoirs" and dedicated it to Thomas Ross. He called Ross a "singularly pious minister," meaning he was very religious and good.

Thomas Ross married a woman named Lilias Dunbar. They had two sons:

• Alexander, who became a minister in Fearn.
• George, who became a minister in Kincardine, just like his father.

Lilias Dunbar's Story

Lilias Dunbar had a difficult childhood because she lost her parents when she was young. She was raised by Sir Hugh Campbell.

Lilias was a very religious person. She had an important religious experience about two years before Thomas Ross became sick in prison. This happened during one of his sermons at Kilraick Old Town (Kilravock).

When Thomas Ross was sick in prison, Lilias Dunbar visited him. She went with another woman named Jean Taylor. This shows how much she cared about him and his teachings.

In the summer of 1679, when she was 22 years old, Lilias Dunbar married Mr. Alexander Campbell of Torrich. He was a young man who was also related to her family. Their wedding was performed by Mr. John Stewart, who was also a minister who had been removed from his church for not following the new rules.