STEPHEN B. CROSS
Page 573
STEPHEN B. CROSS
Page 573
 STEPHEN B. CROSS, an early settler of Mason County, was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Mason County, and still owns one of its valuable and productive estates, which he developed from the wild prairies by well directed toil and good management. The farm is now rented, while he and his wife are living in retirement in a cozy home in Mason City, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The family of which the subject of this sketch is a member originated in Ireland, whence many years ago representatives of that name emigrated to the New World, settling in New Jersey. There Grandfather William Cross was born and there also was the birthplace of Robert Cross, our subject's father. Stephen B. was born in Somerset County, N. J., October 31, 1824, and spent the years of boyhood in the state of his nativity, acquiring a good education in its public schools. In 1839 he accompanied his father to Illinois and settled in Greene County, where he grew to manhood upon the farm. His father died in 1854, while his mother, whose maiden name was Maria D. Brown, and who was born in New Jersey, died in Mason County in 1870. Beginning his independent career as a farmer in early manhood, Mr. Cross displayed from the first keen judgment and sound common sense. As a result, success crowned his efforts. Gradually increasing his possessions, he is now the owner of seven hundred and thirty acres of fertile land, all of which is under cultivation and well improved and divided into four farms. On coming to Mason County he settled near Havana, but afterwards moved to the vicinity of Mason City, and from there came to this place, where he now resides. However, he still looks after his farming interests and superintends the management of his property. The first marriage of Mr. Cross occurring in 1852 united him with Miss Margaret McReynolds who died in August, 1856, leaving two sons, Robert I. and Albert. The estimable lady who since 1857 has been the helpmate of Mr. Cross was formerly Miss Sarah L. Appleman, and was born in Somerset County, N. J. Her father, John Appleman, came to Illinois in 1848 and settled in Mason County, where in 1866 he was killed by a runaway team. His wife, whose name was Catherine Cross, and who was a native of New Jersey, died in Mason County in April, 1872. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cross has resulted in the birth of three children, Luther W., John S. and Charles, the latter of whom died in infancy. The family is actively identified with the Presbyterian Church, to the support of which M. cross is a generous contributor. In his political views Mr. Cross supports the principles of the Republican party and uniformly casts his ballot for the candidates of the party of his choice. He has attained to his present position, socially and financially, by his own honest and energetic efforts, having started out in life without other means than his industrious and persevering disposition and integrity, which has gained for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men. He has reason to be proud of the manner in which he has overcome every obstacle to success by his excellent business management and the exercise of rare judgment. In social, business and religious circles his position is among the highest. |