Alexander Ross
Special constable Alexander Ross was shot on 12th Juyly 1831. Standing with other constables at the Sheddings of the road, just outside the town.
A large group of Orangemen met them and one of their number took aim with a fowling piece and only 15 yards from the constables, fired and Alexander Ross was hit in the groin area and (according to extract from Girvan's Ter-Centenary book) was reported to have fell forward exclaiming 'I am shot' and then fell on his side. Alexander died before he got carried home.
More can be read on this matter by buying a copy of Girvan 1668 - 2000 (book was reprinted) which can be bought in Girvan at some local outlets (try Anslie Books, Glendoune Street) or by going to the local library and reading the copy there.
Extracts from the Burgh Council Minutes are reproduced in this book along with many other interesting facts about Girvan.
Alexander Ross is buried in Old Street Cemetery and record of his headstone can be found by checking Carrick, Ayrshire [i]monumental inscriptions[/i] pre 1885
(which was updated and reprinted in 1997) ISBN 0 901061 34 4.
There stands a stone in memory of Alexander Ross just outside Girvan, opposite the football ground, however the original positioning of this stone would have been nearer the river, as it bends towards the bridge, on the A77 heading towards Ayr. The stone was moved when the road layout was updated in the 1980's. So the true sheddings of the road is lost now.
Hope this helps.
