William Ross, 12th Lord Ross facts for kids

William Ross, 12th Lord Ross (born around 1656 – died March 15, 1738), was an important Scottish nobleman, soldier, and politician.

Who Was William Ross?

William Ross was born in Scotland around the year 1656. His father was George Ross, who was the 11th Lord Ross. William's mother was Grizel, the daughter of William Cochrane, the 1st Earl of Dundonald.

The Ross family lived in a place called Hawkhead in Renfrewshire, which is in the Lowlands of Scotland. It's interesting to know that this Ross family was not connected to the famous Earls of Ross or the Highland Clan Ross from Balnagown.

His Time as a Soldier

William Ross had a career in the military. He became a lieutenant in 1678 and a captain in 1680 in a group called Lord Home's troop of horse. Later, he became a captain in 1682 and a major in 1686 in Claverhouse's regiment of horse soldiers. He left this last position shortly after.

In 1685, he was injured during a chase involving the Earl of Argyll. William Ross seemed to be a good friend of Claverhouse, his commander. He even attended Claverhouse's wedding in 1684. Later, when an army was formed against Claverhouse, William Ross said he couldn't join because he was busy with his duties in Parliament.

His Political Life

In 1689, William Ross was part of the first Parliament held by King William III. He was chosen by a group called the Convention of Estates to travel to London. His job was to tell the King what they had decided. He was also asked to be a commissioner, which meant he would help think about the idea of Scotland joining with England. On May 18, 1689, he became a member of the Privy Council of Scotland. The Privy Council was a group of important advisors to the King.

Later, William Ross became involved with a group of people who disagreed with the government. He was even sent to the Tower of London in July 1690. However, he was eventually released without facing any charges.

On February 29, 1704, William Ross was given an important role. He was appointed as the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This meant he represented the King at the Church's main meeting.

William Ross passed away in Edinburgh on March 15, 1738.

His Family

William Ross was married four times:

• First, on February 7, 1679, he married Agnes Wilkie.
• Second, he married Margaret Wharton.
• Third, he married Lady Anne Hay.
• Fourth, on June 16, 1731, he married Henrietta Scott.

With his first wife, Agnes, Lord Ross had several children:

• George Ross, who became the 13th Lord Ross (born 1681 – died 1754).
• John Ross (born 1687), who died when he was young.
• Euphame Ross (born 1684 – died 1729), who married William Boyd and later John Murray.
• Mary Ross (born 1687), who married John Murray, the 1st Duke of Atholl.
• Grizel Ross (died 1749), who married Sir James Lockhart.