BIO: Samuel J. CROSS, Beaver County, PA
  
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  BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES.  This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches 
  of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania.  Buffalo, N.Y., 
  Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 431-432.
  _________________________________________________________________ 
  
  SAMUEL J. CROSS, Jr., a prosperous citizen and well-known business man of
  Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., is agent for H. T. Morris of Pittsburg, with
  whom he has been identified for more than eleven years. He was born February
  5, 1865, at Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., and is a son of Samuel J., Sr., a
  grandson of Joseph, great-grandson of Samuel, and great-great-grandson of
  Samuel.
  
  Samuel J. Cross, Sr., the father of the subject hereof, was born in
  Charlestown, Washington county, R. I., January 6, 1828, and was a pupil of
  Greenwich Academy at Greenwich, R. I. He was subsequently engaged in
  teaching, which he continued until he became bookkeeper for Roland G. Hazzard
  at Peacedale, R. I. In 1855, he removed with his wife to Rochester, Pa., where
  he opened a general store on Water street, with E. S. Gardner, under the firm
  name of Cross & Gardner. At a later period he built the block where Mr. Thomas 
  conducts a clothing store, and engaged in business alone, but the firm name
  
  432  BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
  
  finally became S. J. Cross & Co. It was the leading store in the borough and
  was extensively patronized. Mr. Cross was one of the most energetic business
  men, who have ever made their homes at Rochester, and his success was due
  solely to his, own enterprise. He took an earnest interest in public affairs,
  and was connected with many business ventures as promoter and stockholder. He
  became agent of the Rochester Land Company for Samuel Signes, a company
  reported on the verge of failure. But his keen eye for business and rare
  foresight pointed out the way to success in that line, and the firm soon
  became a prosperous and influential one. He was a man of excellent standing
  in the community, and his advice, often sought, was freely given. He built a
  fine residence, known now as the Vandersliel estate. Politically, he was a
  stanch Republican and served in the state legislature in 1873-1874. He served
  as school director many years, and was instrumental in the establishment of
  first-class schools in the borough. Religiously, he was a Baptist and was a
  trustee and one of the founders of the church. His wife, whose maiden name
  was Frances Elizabeth Wells, is still living. They had the following issue:
  Julia F., the wife of B. T. Dimson; Mary E., who died in infancy; Samuel J.,
  the subject of this personal history; Emma W., the wife of C. L. Blazier;
  George H., a grocer, of Rochester; and Thomas W., who also resides at
  Rochester. Mr. Cross died September 27, 1875.
  
  Samuel J. Cross, Jr., attended the public schools, and after obtaining a good
  preliminary training took a course of study in Beaver College. He then
  attended the Iron City Business College, after which he entered the employ of
  his father, with whom he remained until January 1, 1880, when he became
  connected with the People's Institute, of Pittsburg, as clerk and agent. He
  continued in their employ until eight years later, when he became identified
  with H. T. Morris of Pittsburg. He is a thorough business man, quick to grasp
  an opportunity for advancement, and one in whom everybody has the greatest
  confidence. He has always resided at Rochester and, in 1895, erected a
  handsome home on Vermont street, where he now lives.
  
  Mr. Cross was joined in hymeneal bonds with Effie Jenkins, a daughter of
  Oscar F. Jenkins of Wellsville, Ohio, and they have had five children: Oscar
  Joseph, who died in infancy; Mary B., who died in infancy; Alpheus Jenkins;
  Samuel Joseph, who died in childhood; and Effie Letitia. Religiously, he is a
  member of the Baptist church, while his wife is a faithful member of the
  Episcopal church.