His grandfather Ossian Ross was a pioneer settler in Illinois, and founder of the towns of Lewistown and Havana.

Their oldest son, Col. Tenney Ross, served as U.S. Army Chief of Staff, 79th Division, in World War I.

[7] The dispute concerned the students' freedom to address issues related to the American Civil War.

[9][11] In April 1873, Ross was admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and he then practiced law in Washington, D.C., for several years.

In October 1883, Ross was appointed as a lecturer at Georgetown University on subjects of common law, torts, and domestic relations.

[6] In general, however, Ross' conservative administration of the affairs of the District of Columbia received support from members of both political parties.

[18] Ross was "one of the most universally popular men that has ever been a member of the District's governing triumvirate,"[2] highly regarded for his kind heart, great integrity, dedicated service, and respect for D.C. residents.

[19] The school's mission statement is R: Rigorous Academics; O: Open-minded, Respectful Community; S: Strong Sense of Self; S: Service to Others.