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Cross Family History

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.

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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 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 farmed and was in the lumbering business. Although he could not read or write, neither add for subtract, he had the ability to accurately figure amounts. It was well known throughout the community, as a man who governed his finances well, making a comfortable living for his family.



Thomas and Catherine's children attended the Gingrich School. The first church services were also conducted in the Gingrich School. Later the "Cross School" was built, on the north-west corner of M-66, and State Road. This school doubled as a church until the church was built.



As time passed, Thomas felt the need for a more appropriate place of worship. The men of the community, in a short time, erected a new structure. The church was built on the south-west corner of State Road and M-66.

 



Louden County, VA

1826

Remus, MI

1869

Hockings County, OH

1851

From Louden County, Virginia to Hockings County, Ohio to  Remus, Michigan

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