The Ross family had many business interests, and William added to them by beginning to grow peaches on their property.

In his only attempt at public office, Ross ran for governor in 1850, against Thomas Lockwood of Frederica.

Using methods that were probably unconstitutional, the Democrats managed to get the convention convened in December 1852, but the majority of the delegates were Whigs.

"[2] As if to agree with his point, the General Assembly again refused proposals to allow African Americans to testify in courts of law, or to travel freely.

While he was in exile he wrote, "Not that I am guilty of any act against the government of the U.S., but I am considered to entertain opinions which are pronounced by some people as disloyal.

Most of his peers and neighbors felt the same way, and the strength of their pro-slavery feelings was matched only by awareness that the very existence of Delaware required its membership in a strong Union.

Ross died at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 29, 1887,[4] and is buried in the St. Luke's Episcopal Churchyard at Seaford.