James Ross

Photographer and Property Owner

Thank you to George T Smith, British Columbia, Canada for giving me the following details about the Edinburgh professional photogrpaher, James Ross.

George wrote:

Stockbridge Colonies

"I received today a book * . It mentions that Nos 1-12 Hugh Miller Place (built 1862) were bought James Ross, Photographer then living at West Powderhall for £3,440.

There is some indication that each property was duplex. The book mentions "Ross's 24 properties" and refers to the average cost being about £150."

Yes: There are several streets of Colonies houses, all parallel to each other. There are separate houses 'downstairs' and 'upstairs'. On one side of each street there are entrances to lower houses; on the other side are entrances to the upper houses. So if you want to visit your upstairs or downstairs neighbour, you have to walk around into the next street to do so. - Peter Stubbs: March 16, 2007

George added

"James Ross rented these homes to a variety of honest hard working people, ranging from a teacher, clerks, silversmith and a couple of railway employees.

From this I surmise that either Ross was from inherited wealth or that photography was very profitable in those days."

George T Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: March 13, 2007

* "The Colonies of Stockbridge" - Rosemary J Pipes, Lomond Books 2nd edition 1998
ISBN 0947782-222.