Lewis Ross

Lewis Ross was an American attorney, merchant, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 9th congressional district from 1863 to 1869. A member of the Democratic Party, Ross was known for his antiwar stance during the American Civil War, aligning himself with the Peace Democrats, often referred to as Copperheads. His political career included multiple terms in the Illinois House of Representatives and significant involvement in state constitutional conventions. Ross's legislative focus included issues related to agriculture and Indian affairs, reflecting his commitment to the concerns of his constituents during a tumultuous period in American history.

Early life and career

Lewis Ross was born on December 8, 1812, near Seneca Falls, New York. He was the eldest son of Ossian M. Ross and Mary Winans Ross. In 1820, the family relocated to Illinois, where his father received land in the Illinois Military Tract as a reward for his military service in the War of 1812. By 1821, the Ross family had settled in an area that would later be named Lewistown, Illinois, in honor of Lewis Ross by his father.

Ross's early education took place in the pioneer schools of Illinois, where he laid the groundwork for his future academic pursuits. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, graduating in 1838. Following his graduation, Ross studied law under Josiah Lamborn, a prominent lawyer of the time. He was admitted to the bar in 1839 and began practicing law in Lewistown.

In June 1839, Lewis Ross married Frances Mildred Simms in Lewistown. The couple had a large family, raising 12 children together. Among their children were John Wesley Ross, who became a notable attorney and served as president of the Washington, D.C., Board of Commissioners, and Ossian Reuben Ross, who tragically committed suicide while studying at the University of Michigan.

In addition to his legal career, Ross served in various military capacities. He participated in the Winnebago Indian Disturbances of 1827 as part of Captain Constant's Company and served as a sergeant during the Black Hawk War in 1832. Ross also organized a company of volunteers during the Mexican-American War, which was assigned to the 4th Illinois Infantry, where he was elected captain. His military service and leadership during these conflicts contributed to his reputation in the community.

House tenure

Lewis Ross's political career began in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served two non-consecutive terms from 1840 to 1842 and again from 1844 to 1846. During his time in the legislature, he worked alongside notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln. In 1860, he ran unsuccessfully for the office of Lieutenant Governor of Illinois on the Democratic ticket.

Ross was also involved in the Illinois State Constitutional Conventions, participating in both the 1862 and 1870 conventions. Although the proposed changes to the state constitution in 1862 were not ratified, Ross played a significant role in the development of the Illinois Constitution that was ultimately ratified in 1870.

Elected as a Democrat to the United States Congress, Ross served three terms from March 4, 1863, to March 3, 1869. Throughout his congressional tenure, he was a member of the House Committees on Agriculture and Indian Affairs. He also participated in the "Doolittle Committee," which investigated the treatment of Indian tribes by military and civil authorities, including an inquiry into the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Lewis Ross was known for his alignment with the antiwar Peace Democrats, often referred to as Copperheads, during the Civil War. He was a close associate of Stephen A. Douglas and continued to advocate for Douglas's political views after the senator's death in 1861. Ross's speeches in the House of Representatives reflected his belief in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict through compromise.

His political stance, particularly during the Civil War, led to suspicions among some of his constituents regarding his loyalty, especially during the draft riots in Fulton County, where tensions ran high. Despite these challenges, Ross was re-elected to Congress, indicating a level of support from his constituents who shared similar views.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Ross's political positions tended to align with the moderate views of President Andrew Johnson. He opposed the more radical policies promoted by the Radical Republicans during the Reconstruction Era. Ross expressed his support for Johnson's veto of the Freedmen's Bureau, arguing that it discriminated against white citizens who might also require government assistance following the war. He often reflected on the missed opportunities for compromise that could have potentially altered the course of events leading up to the Civil War.

Lewis Ross's congressional career concluded on March 3, 1869, after serving three terms. His legislative focus and political actions during a critical period in American history highlight his engagement with the pressing issues of his time, including the treatment of Native Americans and the challenges of post-war reconstruction. Following his time in Congress, Ross continued to be involved in various civic matters until his death on October 29, 1895. His life and career remain a reflection of the complexities and challenges faced by American politicians during the mid-19th century.