Friends of Hastings Cemetery


Thomas Ross & Family p.3

Hannah Ross - Hannah Adams was born in Marden, Kent in 1850 and was the daughter of a farmer from Girsby in Lincolnshire. She married Thomas Ross (3) in 1870.  They had a daughter, Alice, in 1872, and a son, Percy in 1873. It was not until after the death of her husband in 1896 that newspaper articles showed the extent of her work raising money for, and actually visiting, the injured and dying on the battlefields during the Boer War.

After Thomas’s death, she donated money and artefacts to the Hastings Museum.  "A great many contents of the museum are gifts or loans from Mrs Ross of Tudor House and similar public spirited ladies and gentlemen."  


Hannah continued to live at ‘Tudor House’, no.69 St Helens Rd, 1887, 1903, 1920. 1931. See more at http://branchesofmytree.weebly.com/100-ancestors/w26-hannah-ross-nee-adams-1844-1932


Thomas George Ross - organised the first dramatic performances on the pier, in collaboration with Charlie  Brown; entertainment given by a Mr Offord, Miss Susannah Cole & others.  Director & shareholder, Hastings St Leonards & Eastbourne Steamboat Coy. Ltd, 1888-1905; chartered steam launch ‘Blanche’ for HStL&E Steamboat Coy, 1888.  He was also connected with the Hastings Rowing Club.  He was one of the best amateurs of his day and won numerous cups. The Club was kept afloat through his energy and pecuniary support.  One of the galleys possessed by the Club was named Captain Ross, after him.


Mr Ross took an active part in the formation of the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers, and was offered the first commission of the Hastings Battery, but he did not see his way clear to accept it.  He was connected with the force for some time, and attended the Royal Naval Review, held at Windsor.


HSLO, February 1896 "We regret to have to record the death of Mr Thomas George Ross, of Tudor House, St. Helens Road, which sad event occurred suddenly Saturday last, at his residence, at the age of 51 years, from heart disease.

The deceased gentleman had been confined to his home a considerable time, and had been a great sufferer.  He was the son of the late Mr Thomas Ross, whom many of our older readers will remember was Mayor of Hastings for five times, Justice of the Peace, etc.  

The Hastings Rowing Club have sent a handsome wreath, in the shape of an anchor, and a letter of condolence, and the flag at the Club House has been hoisted half-mast high.   Mr J. C. Miller, as captain of the Rowing Club, has also sent a wreath."


Residences - The Alders, St Helens Rd, 1874; ‘Tudor House’, St Helens Road afterwards.   See also http://branchesofmytree.weebly.com/100-ancestors/w34-thomas-ross-1845-1896



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