Lawrence Sullivan Ross

Lawrence Sullivan Ross ("Sul" Ross) (September 27, 1838 – January 3, 1898) was a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War. He served as governor of the state of Texas from January 18, 1887 to January 20, 1891.

Related Topics:
September 27 - 1838 - January 3 - 1898 - Confederate States Army - American Civil War - Texas - January 18 - 1887 - January 20 - 1891

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Ross was born in Bentonsport, Iowa Territory, on September 27, 1838, to Catherine and Shapley Prince Ross. He graduated from Florence Wesleyan College (now the University of North Alabama), spending his vacations assisting the military in operations against Native Americans. In 1859, he would earn praise as a member of the U.S. Army's Indian auxiliaries for his efforts in fighting the Comanche tribe in the Indian Territory.

Related Topics:
Iowa Territory - September 27 - 1838 - University of North Alabama - Native Americans - 1859 - U.S. Army - Comanche - Indian Territory

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Sam Houston appointed Ross as a captain in the Texas Rangers, where he led the Waco Company against hostile Native American tribes. In 1860, his pursuit of a Comanche raiding party would result in the recapture of Cynthia Ann Parker. He declined an offer from General Winfield Scott of a formal commission in the U.S. Army.

Related Topics:
Sam Houston - Texas Rangers - 1860 - Cynthia Ann Parker - Winfield Scott - U.S. Army

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In 1861, he joined the Confederate Army when Texas seceded, and by 1864 had been promoted to brigadier general and commander of the Texas Cavalry Brigade (aka Ross's Brigade). Ross distinguished himself during the Atlanta Campaign, fighting several successful smaller actions. He also capably led his brigade during the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. He was in Texas on furlough when his men surrendered to Union forces at Jackson, Mississippi, in May of 1865. By some estimations, he participated in 135 battles and skirmishes during his career as a Confederate officer.

Related Topics:
1861 - Seceded - 1864 - Brigadier general - Atlanta Campaign - Franklin-Nashville Campaign - Jackson, Mississippi - 1865

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After the surrender of the Confederacy, Ross retired to farming in Texas with his wife, Elizabeth Dorothy Tinsley. In 1873, he was elected sheriff of McLennan County, and he would later serve as a constitutional delegate in the writing of the Constitution of 1876.

Related Topics:
Confederacy - 1873 - Sheriff - McLennan County - 1876

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In 1880, Ross was elected to the Texas State Senate, and in 1886, he ran for the position of governor, and was elected. After his second term as governor ended in 1891, he took over the presidency of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). Ross would return public confidence in the troubled school, and served as its president until his death, which was caused by exposure during a hunting expedition along the Trinity River. He was buried in Waco.

Related Topics:
1880 - Texas State Senate - 1886 - 1891 - Texas A&M University - Trinity River - Waco

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Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, was named in his honor.

Related Topics:
Sul Ross State University - Alpine, Texas

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