BIO:  Thomas G. CROSS, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Chanceford Township, Pg 89

THOMAS G. CROSS, son of James and Elizabeth (Grove) Cross, was born on the old homestead in 
Windsor Township, York County, August 14, 1818.  His grandfather, James Cross, was a native of 
the “Emerald Isle,” and came to America at twelve years of age with his parents, who were among 
the first settlers of York County.  Several of the older members of the Cross family were 
soldiers in the early wars, and held some of the first civil official positions in York County.  
Thomas Cross, great-grandfather of our subject, came from Ireland to the United States about 
1752, locating in Windsor Township, where he took up about 500 acres of land.  He died in 1776, 
leaving three sons:  John, who served in the Revolution, settled in the West; James, who 
remained upon the old homestead and followed farming, served in the French and Indian wars and 
the whisky insurrection, died in 1845, leaving six children – three sons and three daughters – 
James, the father of our subject, being the eldest.  He followed farming, and served as justice 
of the peace for twenty-five years.  He died in June, 1872, leaving two sons and four daughters.  
Thomas G. Cross was educated at the common schools and York County Academy.  At seventeen years 
of age he began teaching, and followed that occupation for thirteen years, and for four years 
was engaged in mercantile business.  In 1851 he settled where he now resides and engaged in 
surveying and general farming.  He served as justice of the peace for ten years, and 1857 was 
director of the poor for York County, serving until 1860, during which period the county 
hospital was erected.  In 1866 he was elected county prothonotary, and served three years.  In 
1872 he returned to his farm, where he now lives.  He was married, in 1849, to Miss Martha J. 
Campbell, daughter of John S. Campbell, of Lower Chanceford Township.  Seven children have 
blessed this union:  Almira A., Elizabeth J., Maggie E., Emma M., Nettie S., Otho W. and Thomas 
C.  Mr. and Mrs. Cross and all their children are members of the United Presbyterian Church.