John Ross (95)

Elected to the revived American Philosophical Society.

John Ross (1714–5 May 1776) was a lawyer and public officeholder, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1768. Born in New Castle, Delaware, he was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in 1735 and would go on have a successful legal practice that included defending APS member, Provost William Smith from libel charges. In addition to practicing law, Ross was involved in a number of business ventures including owning Oley Furnace; joining APS members William Allen, Benjamin Chew, and Philip Syng, Jr., in projecting a linen factory; and subscribing to the Silk Society. Ross served in public office as a representative for Berks County and later for Philadelphia County. Like his friend Benjamin Franklin, he involved himself in a variety of local institutions including the St. Andrew’s Society and the Society of Sons of St. Tammany, while also contributing to the Pennsylvania Hospital and City Tavern. Although he was a signer of the Non-Importation Agreement of 1765, Ross did not live to see the American Revolution, which would doubtlessly have been difficult given his expressed preference for moderation in confronting British policies. (PI)