John B. Ross (1780 - 1813)

Born 1780 in Kilmuir, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Died 4 Mar 1813 at about age 33 in Flat River, Queens Co., Prince Edward Island

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Biography

Came over with his mother on the ship (POLLY) in 1803, from Isle of Skye, Scotland to Prince Edward Island, John was murdered by John and Samuel Nicholson outside his home.The Nicholsons were relatives of his wife.They were sentenced to death and were hung on May 13 , 1813.The story of the murder is found in the book " In the Shadow of the Gallows" written by Jim Hornby.The story has also been featured in "The Island Magazine".

The next reference to him concerns the murder of a John Ross. The accused was John Nicolson. Petitions were circulated in the Flat River, Great Belfast and Wood Islands areas requesting clemency for Nicolson; the date is March 13/1813 and Sarah and Donald, plus John, Nancy, Charles, Margaret and Archibald, all McEacherns, made their mark.

Nicholson, John 1813 May 15 hanged Charlottetown Cambridge, Sheriff Lemuel; Beat John Ross to death with musket and fists on 03 Mar 1813. Hanged with his son Samuel.

Sources

• " In the Shadow of the Gallows" written by Jim Hornby

• The Humble Petition of the Undersigned Most Respectfully Showeth...Author Holman, H. T. Date 1993 Island Magazine

• Administration papers for the estate of John Ross, farmer Lot 57, filed by Mary Ross of Lot 49, widow. Ross died without a will, leaving his widow and 5 children. Dated February 1844. Summary in "Early Prince Edward Island Probate Records" by Linda Jean Nicholson, pg 232-233. Actual papers are in Estate R-5 and R6, mixed with another John Ross who died unmarried.