William B. Ross completed his foundational education at the Peabody Normal School in the late 1800s. He relocated to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1901 and married Nellie Davis Tayloe in 1902. Ross held the position of Laramie County's prosecuting attorney from 1906 to 1907, demonstrating his early engagement in local governance and law enforcement. He then ran for Wyoming's at-large congressional seat in 1910, signaling a focus on state-level economic issues. Additionally, Ross served on the Wyoming Board of Law Examiners from 1910 to 1922, including terms as the board's president, which underscores his dedication to legal and regulatory frameworks.

William B. Ross's political career reveals a consistent focus on state-level governance and economic issues, with a unique blend of legal expertise and regional advocacy. His tenure as Laramie County's prosecuting attorney and his leadership on the Wyoming Board of Law Examiners suggest a deep commitment to legal frameworks and regulatory oversight. Despite unsuccessful bids for higher office, his policy stances indicate a calculated approach to balancing industrial interests with environmental regulations. This juxtaposition hints at an ideologically agile strategy, adept at navigating complex regional dynamics.