John Ross (hatter)

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Non notable 19th century businessman

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John Ross was a hatter in Falkirk whose fortune was stolen by a lawyer on his death. Ross had been a member of the local Volunteer Company since its formation in 1859, and had attained the rank of colour-sergeant by his death. He also owned a successful grocer's shop on the High Street. He was also a dedicated Freemason, a successful member of the Curling, Bowling and Chess Clubs in the area (as his numerous prizes testified) and was a member of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners. He died suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday 26 November 1876, and was interred with full military honours. His funeral was a grand occasion with a full march, followed by several carriages and with a band, through the town and a gun salute. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets of Falkirk as the coffin was carried past, his remains followed by what the local newspaper deemed 'one of the largest company of mourners ever seen at a funeral in Falkirk'. Captain Nimmo of the Volunteers commented:

"We have lost one of our best - one whose unerring eye, steady hand, and unfaltering heart have often helped us on to victory in many a bloodless encounter - one whose enthusiasm has animated us to continued zeal in the discharge of our duties as Volunteers, and whose genial presence on our more festive occasions, when with song or story he has cheered and charmed us, will long be missed and mourned by every member of this Company."

At only 36, Ross's death came as a great shock to the family, and his wife Jean was left to bring up his two sons and three daughters. His estate was valued at £11,000 on his death (£6.6 million in today's terms) but the lawyer entrusted to administer the estate escaped to America with the majority of the fortune, leaving the family with just over £1000 (£620,000 today). Such a huge fortune would have placed the children very well indeed, at about 25th richest family in Britain in today's terms had it not been stolen. However, four of the children never married in order to save money, and as a result the family was comfortably placed in their later years.

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