Ross, David, 1739? -1817

David Ross was born in Scotland around 1739 and arrived in North America sometime in the middle of the 18th century. Before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Ross established himself as a prominent tobacco merchant in Virginia and owned a plantation outside of Richmond. During the early years of the war, Ross faced accusations of disloyalty to the patriot cause, but he successfully defended himself and became an official agent for Virginia in 1780. Following the war, Ross served in the Virginia General Assembly

From the guide to the David Ross papers, Ross, David papers, 1771-1803, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)