Born on March 9, 1878, in Hardin County, Tennessee, Ross received a Bachelor of Laws from Cumberland School of Law (then part of Cumberland University, now part of Samford University) in 1900.

Ross was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 31, 1921, and received his commission the same day.

[1] Ross was indicted on forgery and embezzlement charges on July 8, 1925, in connection with the failure of the Peoples Saving Bank of Jackson, Tennessee.

He died early the next morning when his automobile plunged off a bridge and into a creek.

[2] With his wife Sara, Ross purchased the Ross-Sewell House in Jackson, Tennessee in 1920.