William P. Ross | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
| In office 1866–1867 | |
| Preceded by | John Ross |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Downing |
| In office 1872–1875 | |
| Preceded by | Lewis Downing |
| Succeeded by | Charles Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Potter Ross August 28, 1820 Lookout Mountain, Tennessee |
| Died | July 20, 1891 (aged 70) Fort Gibson, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | Cherokee |
| Spouse | Mary Jane Ross |
| Occupation | Lawyer, merchant, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States |
| Branch | Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles |
| Battles | |
William Potter Ross (August 28, 1820 – July 20, 1891), also known as Will Ross, was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation 1866-1867 and 1872-1875. Born to a Scottish father and a mixed-blood Cherokee mother (the sister of future chief John Ross), he was raised in a bilingual home. Ross attended English-speaking schools. He attended Princeton University, where he graduated first in his class in 1844.
Ross served in several different roles in the Cherokee Nation. By then, his uncle had been elected as principal chief. Ross became clerk of the Cherokee Senate in 1843. He became the founder and editor of the Cherokee Advocate. Later, he was appointed director of the Cherokee Male and Female seminaries, then served as Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation.
Ross was chosen to lead the Nation by the National Council on October 19, 1866, and served for several months until the election in 1867. He was later elected to succeed Lewis Downing, and served from 1872 to 1875. After his term ended, Ross retired to Fort Gibson, where he became a merchant and practiced law. He died there on July 20, 1891.