TRUMAN CROSS, a farmer of Waddams Township, was born in the town of Winslow Dec. 7, 1839. His father, Daniel Cross, was a native of Hanover, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., born Nov. 6, 1812, being the son of Ebenezer Cross, who spent his last years on a farm in that county. Daniel grew to manhood in his native county, where he remained until 1838, when he started for the far West. A great part of the journey was made on foot. He first located in Oneco Township, stopping with his sister, who is the wife of Lyman Hulbert. Daniel, who was at that time a single man, worked about by the day and month until Dec. 16, 1838, when he was married to Mariam Lowell, who was born in Genesee County, N. Y., March 29, 1819. Her father, John Lowell, was a native of Vermont, where he was born Feb. 7, 1797, being married on June 21, 1818, to Parcy Cumwell, a native of Munson, Mass., born April 28, 1794. Mr. and Mrs. John Lowell settled in Genesee County, N. Y., afterward removing to Chautauqua, where the husband died March 20, 1826. The widow was married the second time, to Barney T. Stowell, and in 1837 came with him to Stephenson County, settling in Waddams Township. She died in Cadiz, Wis.

When Daniel Cross was first married he sub-rented land in Winslow Township. At that time the nearest market was at Galena Mines, and frequently he made a trip to Chicago. He farmed until 1846, when he went to the mines in Wisconsin, remaining there five years, when he returned to Illinois and settled in Waddams Township, upon rented land, where he followed farming for many years. He now resides with his children, having reached the advanced age of seventy-five years. He was the father of eight children, seven of whom still survive.

Truman Cross, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest son of Daniel Cross. From the time he first became large enough to do manual labor, he faithfully assisted his parents in their farm work, remaining at home, a faithful and industrious son, until his marriage, when he bought a farm in Oneco Township, and there lived until the year 1869. He then settled upon the land which he now occupies, being a tract of 103 acres, containing most excellent buildings and improved to a very high degree. He was married, Mary 22, 1864, to Miss Magdeline Jonas, a native of Erie County, N. Y., where she was born Feb. 11, 1842, being the daughter of Thomas and Saloma Jonas.

Mr. and Mrs. Truman Cross are the parents of six interesting children, who in the order of their birth are as follows: Mary J., Emma A., George Thomas, John F., Helen S. and Luella E. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cross is one of the most interesting in Waddams Township. The father and mother are intelligent and kind-hearted people, well beloved by their neighbors and associates. By their own labors they have built one of the finest homes in Stephenson County, and it is a pleasure to visit the home of such a clever and accommodating citizen.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888