Miles Ross
Miles Ross | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Raritan Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 1903 (aged 75) New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1859–1892 |
| Known for | U.S. Representative from New Jersey (1875–1883) |
Miles Ross (April 30, 1827 – February 22, 1903) was a prominent American businessman and Democratic politician who served four consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 3rd congressional district from 1875 through 1883.
Early life and education
Ross was born in Raritan Township, New Jersey, where he acquired a practical education in English. Early on, he engaged in the coal trade and waterborne freight transportation alongside his father.
Career
From 1859 until 1864, Ross was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders representing New Brunswick. During 1863 and 1864, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly. His professional roles extended to leadership positions on the boards of multiple banking institutions. Additionally, he was appointed to the street commissioners’ board for two years (1865–1866) and subsequently held the office of Mayor of New Brunswick between 1867 and 1869.
Congress
Ross was elected to the U.S. Congress as a Democrat in 1874 and maintained his seat until 1883. During his tenure, he chaired the Committee on Militia from 1877 to 1881. However, his attempt to secure reelection in 1882 was unsuccessful.
Later career and death
Following his congressional service, Ross remained active within the Democratic Party as a delegate at the national conventions in 1884, 1888, and 1892. Concurrently, he continued managing his wholesale and retail coal enterprises. He passed away in New Brunswick on February 22, 1903, and was laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery located in North Brunswick.