Sul Ross State University - Brand Yearbook (Alpine, TX)

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cAdministration Nineteen

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c a Bridge Qanyon

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Lawrence Sullivan r Ross (1 N 1838 in the state of Iowa, Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born. In 1839 his (L family moved to Texas where he grew to manhood, and as a man was instrumental in shaping Texas ’ destiny. He was educated at the University of Alabama. An interesting story is told of Ross’ winning distinction while he was at home for the summer vacation from college. He is said to have raised a group of friendly Indians and joined General Van Dorn in a campaign against the Comanches. At the battle fought at Wichita Mountains, Ross’ men, thinking that they were being mistaken by Van Dorn’s men for Comanches, fell back out of the smoke of battle. ‘‘The Boy Captain vvith three companions, was left surrounded by the Comanches. As a result, Ross was seriously wounded, and barely escaped with his life. He refused military honors offered him on this occasion and returned to Alabama to finish his education. Later, however, he won lasting distinction by his defeat of the Comanches. It was during this campaign that he rescued Cynthia Ann Parker, who, when a child of nine, was captured by this hostile tribe, and for twenty-five years was lost to the white world. When the Civil War broke out, Ross entered the Confederate Army as a private. When the war ended, he left the army a Brigadier General, having distinguished himself for his unfaltering courage and bravery. After the war he returned to Texas to enter the public life of the state. He was a member of tbe Constitutional Convention and of the State Senate. Twice he was elected governor by a large majority. At the expiration of his second term he was appointed president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. During this time he refused a place on the Railroad Commission. In 1898 his death occurred. Perhaps no man, active in public life in Texas, has held higher ideals of education than has Lawrence Sullivan Ross. He himself was a product of an education, gained not only through a college, but through life’s greatest ex¬ periences. While no man ever reaches the highest goal in life, some men through their worth, their strength, their nobility, go far ahead of their brothers. Such a one was this man. His courage is an inspiration to youth; his outstanding faith in humanity places him among the noblest of men; his achievements make him an inspiration to all young people. In Southwest Texas, in the Davis Mountains, in a country still young, very rich in beauty and material wealth, the people of Texas have erected a building, a memorial to this man. We are making a college in this building — one that we hope will always be worthy to bear the name it now holds, a college founded upon the dauntless spirit, the high faith, the relentless courage, and the noble aspirations of Sul Ross.