Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania (1730–1779). Rare ALS signed “G. Ross,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.5, no date. Letter incorporated into a manuscript document regarding an agreement made between the widow Mary Prater and Anthony Ellmaker, the gentleman with whom her husband had begun a land transaction before he died. The extract indicates that Mary Prater, widow of Anthony Prater, in keeping with his wishes, agrees to sell the said property to Anthony Ellmaker; Prater died before a will could be made out, wherein lies the complication of the case. It seems that Ross was engaged by one of the parties involved to straighten out the situation, which Prater's heirs were contesting. Ross’s letter to Mr. Galloway reads, in full: “After Anthony Prater died Mary his widow took out letters of admin[istrati]on & afterwards gave a deed of the plantation to Anthony Ellmaker from which the above is extracted; at the taking out letters of adminon. both the wido. & Anthony Ellmaker inform'd the Deputy Regr. there was no will. You may observe by the above extract that they recite a device by a will but that Anthony Prater died before the execution of it. Now from their own testimony it appears that Anthony Prater died before he made any mention how he would dispose of his estate. And if the will was whole after Prater's death I am surprised they should not take out letters testamentary & recite in the deed the device of Anthony Prater to his wife for without Mary had a will Anthony can take nothing by the deed (except her 3d). The deed was drawn in Mr. Cookson's office & I make no doubt Mr. Cookson enquired particularly in the title before the deed was drawn as it was so extraordinary a one, but I suppose Ellmaker was content to take a deed of any sort from the wido. thinking none of Anthony Prater's heirs would ever lay claim. This will was never mentioned till about 6 months since.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, professionally reinforced on the reverse, scattered light toning and soiling, and a couple small pencil notations. Letter is housed in a blue half-morocco and cloth clamshell case. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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