Happy Birthday to Robert Baldwin Ross (May 25 1869-October 5 1918)! He was the friend, lover, and literary executor of Oscar Wilde. When Wilde was sent to prison, Robbie stood at the end of the hall with his hat raised. In De Profundis, Oscar wrote “men have gone to heaven for smaller things.” In his letters, he nicknamed Robbie “Saint Robert.” When he was in prison, no one visited and wrote more frequently than Robbie. On the day of his release, Robbie met him and brought him clothes paid for from pocket when most wouldn’t dare to lower themselves by speaking to him. In the end of his life, Robbie was his truest friend and stayed by his side until his final days. On his deathbed, Oscar broke down crying that he would miss Robbie when he was gone. Without Robert Ross’ efforts and loyalty, it is possible we would not have heard of Oscar Wilde today. He was the sole defender of his legacy. History reflects on him as a good, kind and loyal friend. His ashes are located in Oscar Wilde’s grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France.
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