Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Ross graduated from Lyon County High School, Nevada.
[1] He was in the United States Army in World War I and served in France.
[1] Upon return, he received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1923 and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1926.
[2] On May 3, 1954, Ross was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Nevada created by 68 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 13, 1954, and received his commission on May 15, 1954.