Because of his upbringing, George Ross was a man revered for his eloquence, complimented for his wit, and loved for his conviviality. He was born on May 10, 1730 in New Castle, Delaware. His father, Rev. George Aeneas, was the 5th Laird Balblair Ross and was educated in Edinburgh and then emigrated from Scotland. In Rev. Ross’s home, George Ross and his siblings received a classical education. He read law at his brother’s law office and was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia at age 20. Subsequently, he set up his law office in Lancaster, PA. 

Mr. Ross served the British government as crown prosecutor to Carlisle for 12 years. In 1768, however, he was elected to the provincial legislature. Up to this point, he had been supportive of remaining unified with Great Britain. But as a representative, he learned of the strenuous relationship developing between the colonies and the Crown. His sympathies shifted toward the colonies and he was elected to serve in the first Continental Congress in 1774. 

George Ross was not a delegate at the time Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence was approved on July 2, 1776 by the Congress. He rejoined the governing body on July 20th and on August 2nd, he was one of six Pennsylvanians to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was joined at the signing ceremony by his brother-in-law, George Read. In 1777, Mr. Ross retired from serving in the Congress due to poor health, chronic gout.

Mr. Ross’s constituency wished to honor him and a committee passed a resolution: “Resolved, that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, out of the county stock, be forthwith transmitted to George Ross, … 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 … in the great struggle of American liberty.” He did not think his service that exceptional and declined the gift.

Another relative of Mr. Ross contributed significantly to the cause for freedom. In 1773, Betsy Griscom married his nephew, John Ross. She attended Christ Church in Philadelphia and sat near Gen. George Washington. According to Mrs. Ross’s daughter, “that it was partly owing to his friendship for her that she was chosen to make the flag" for the colonies. In late May or early June 1776, she completed the flag and on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the flag as the nation’s official banner.

George Ross also served his nation as a colonel in the Continental Army and his state as a judge of the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania. He died serving in this post on July 14, 1779.

One historian eulogized him in this manner: “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, he was characterized in the fulfilment of his domestic duties, by an uncommonly kind and affectionate disposition.”

George Ross lived to be 49 years of age.