Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania (1730–1779). Manuscript DS, signed “Geo Ross,” one page, 26 x 14, March 11, 1767. Indenture document recording the sale of 14 acres of land and buildings by John Musser and his wife Margaret to James Ralse. Signed twice at the bottom by Ross, and also signed by the parties involved. Three of the four wax seals are present and partially intact. In good condition, with Ross’s signatures and text a bit light, but completely legible, paper loss along moderate intersecting storage folds, a couple other areas of paper loss, several repairs on reverse, and an approximately 2” repaired tear affecting ending of text.
At the time he attended the Continental Congress in 1774, Ross leaned toward the Loyalist cause. By the following year, however, he was so firmly allied with the Revolutionaries that he ultimately became a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Routine attorney’s duties of the day are enlivened by the extensive verbiage, elaborate style of penmanship, and multiple seals included in this document. In addition to tasks like these, however, Ross made a long-lasting mark on legal history: He was one of the first judges to support the authority of the state over that of the Congressional Court of Appeals. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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