William HH Ross

William Henry Harrison Ross (born June 2, 1814 in Laurel , Delaware , † June 29, 1877 in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Delaware from 1851 to 1855 .

Early years

William Ross attended the public schools in his home country and the Friend's School in Pennsylvania. Then he worked in his father's business. He also started growing peaches on his family's farm. A few years later he opened his own shop in Seaford . Later, like his father, he was to become President of the Farmer's Bank .

Political advancement and governor of Delaware

William Ross became a member of the Democratic Party . In 1844, 1848, 1856 and 1860 he was a delegate to the respective Democratic National Conventions . Until 1850, Ross did not hold any public office. After he had been nominated by his party as a candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election, he managed to win the elections of November 12, 1850 with 23 votes ahead of Thomas Lockwood . He began his four-year term on January 21, 1851 as the youngest governor of Delaware.

The main theme of his reign was a constitutional reform, which was rejected by a referendum in 1853. The construction of a railroad that would cross the state from north to south began. Governor Ross, who employed slaves himself, was a slave to slavery and sympathized with the southern states . Due to a constitutional clause, Ross was not allowed to run for direct re-election in 1854. Therefore, he had to resign on January 16, 1855 from his office.

Another résumé

He stayed true to his line during the American Civil War . After the state joined the north, Ross emigrated to England for some time . One of his sons joined the Confederate Army . After the war he returned to his homeland. There he had lost part of his wealth because of the war. He became a senior partner at WM Ross and Company . William Ross died in June 1877. He had ten children with his wife, Emeline Hall.

literature

Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 1, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

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personal data
SURNAME	Ross, William HH
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Ross, William Henry Harrison (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	June 2, 1814
PLACE OF BIRTH	Laurel , Delaware
DATE OF DEATH	June 29, 1877
Place of death	Philadelphia , Pennsylvania