Cross Family History 2

Thomas W. Cross was born February 1, 1826, in Louden County Virginia. His father-Mr. Lee (first name unknown), came to America from England and settled in Louden county, Virginia, where he became a plantation owner. His mother, Ms. Cross (first name, unknown), was a servant on the Lee Plantation.

In 1851, at the age of 25, Thomas W. Cross moved to Hocking County, Ohio. It was said, but now substantiated, that his father took him there and gave him his freedom.

On October 7, 1852, Thomas was united in marriage to Catherine Harper. Catherine and Thomas had twelve children, eight born in Ohio, and the youngest four, born in Michigan.

On June 22, 1863, at the age of 37, Thomas enlisted into the Army in Athens, Ohio. He spent three years, with the Wagner Co. C5Reg. United States Colored Infantry of the Civil War, serving with the Ambulance detail in Virginia and the Carolina’s. He, as a person of color, received one-half the pay rate of other soldiers. Thomas mustered out of the Army on September 20, 1865. He returned to Ohio where he lived until 1869.

In 1869, the Thomas Cross Family, along with a group of families, migrated to Michigan, and settled in Wheatland Township, Mecosta, County. Because it was inexpensive virgin land, he was able to purchase 40 acres, for the price of a horse. Thomas owned a total of 60 acres.

Thomas W. Cross and Catherine Harper Cross