Following Arizona statehood, he served on the state's highest bench for 33 years and was selected chief justice on six occasions.

[3] After graduation, Ross taught at a school in Arkansas before moving to Flagstaff, Arizona Territory in 1886.

[4] Admission to the bar led Ross to begin practicing law in Flagstaff and Prescott.

[2] During his time on the court, Ross was noted for his work effort, averaging 50 decisions a year over a five-year period at a time when a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States averaged ten to twelve rulings a year.

The stroke occurred 8 days prior to his death and Ross failed to recover consciousness in the intervening time.