William Ross spent his formative years in Laurel, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, attending Laurel Academy and Claremont Academy. He established a family through his marriage to Emeline Hall and expanded his family's business interests, eventually becoming a director of the Farmers' Bank of Delaware. Ross transitioned from managing family business to public service, where he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention multiple times and later as governor. His tenure included advocating for significant infrastructure projects and constitutional reforms. Ross's views on slavery and the Civil War led him to leave the country during the conflict, returning only after its conclusion.

William Ross's political identity is marked by a surprising blend of regional economic advocacy and a staunch defense of pro-slavery sentiments. His support for the north-south Delaware Railroad and constitutional reform reveals a calculated approach to economic development, while his stance on slavery and subsequent departure to England during the Civil War underscore a deeply entrenched ideological position. This juxtaposition of progressive economic policies with regressive social views creates a compelling tension in Ross's political persona.