Cross Family History
This is my Grandfather, Thomas Bailey McFarland (1907-1947)
The earliest Crosses we find are Benjamin and Eliza.
Benjamin Cross and Eliza Busswell are married May 10, 1807 in New Hampshire.
Benjamin Cross and Eliza Busswell are married May 10, 1807 in New Hampshire.
The History of Clinton County Iowa, published in 1879 contains a biography written about Bailey Jonathon Cross and describes him as being born in 1814, the son of Benjamin and Eliza Cross. It continues to chronicle the Cross family as having started in New Hampshire before moving to Vermont in 1818 and then to Essex County New York in 1819. The family then move to Lawrence County New York in 1822. The biography states and Benjamin died in 1840. I have not found any further details of Benjamin's life.
The biography informs us that in 1840, Bailey married Sabrina Jackson. Together they had three children who survived:
Edgar Cross 1842-1863
Martha Cross 1845- ?
Adeline Cross 1848-1906
The biography informs us that in 1840, Bailey married Sabrina Jackson. Together they had three children who survived:
Edgar Cross 1842-1863
Martha Cross 1845- ?
Adeline Cross 1848-1906
1850 Federal Census
The 1850 Federal Census shows us Bailey J. Cross, his wife, Sabrina and their children, Edgar, Martha and Aledine. We also see that Bailey's mother, Eliza is living with them in Parishville, Saint Lawrence, New York.
The afore mentioned biography of Bailey Cross informs us that the Cross family relocated to Clinton County Iowa in November, 1852.
1860 Federal Census
The 1860 Federal Census shows the Cross family in Clinton County, Iowa and that Bailey is a farmer. Eliza is not listed on this census indicating that she died between 1850 and 1860. I have not found record of her death or burial.
Edgar enlisted in the Union Army on August 14, 1862. The records indicate that Edgar died of disease on March 6, 1863.
Edgar enlisted in the Union Army on August 14, 1862. The records indicate that Edgar died of disease on March 6, 1863.
1870 Federal Census
The 1870 Federal Census shows the family in Clinton County. Bailey is still successfully farming. The census shows his personal wealth as being $2100 (approximately $47,000 in current value) and that his real estate is worth $9000 ($200,000 in current value.)
Adeline is still living with the family. Martha is gone, having married a man named Miller and possibly moving to New Mexico. They also list Emma Johnson, age 12 who is attending school. We don't know any more about her. The listing of William Hamson, a native of Denmark, who listed his profession as carpenter, was, likely, a roomer they took in.
In 1873 Sabrina dies. In 1877, sixity three year old Bailey married 37 year old Mary Jane McIntrye in Clinton County, Iowa.
In 1879 The History of Clinton County, Iowa is published. Bailey Cross, as we can see from the 1870 Census, is a successful farmer, and a man of sufficient means to have his biography included.
Adeline is still living with the family. Martha is gone, having married a man named Miller and possibly moving to New Mexico. They also list Emma Johnson, age 12 who is attending school. We don't know any more about her. The listing of William Hamson, a native of Denmark, who listed his profession as carpenter, was, likely, a roomer they took in.
In 1873 Sabrina dies. In 1877, sixity three year old Bailey married 37 year old Mary Jane McIntrye in Clinton County, Iowa.
In 1879 The History of Clinton County, Iowa is published. Bailey Cross, as we can see from the 1870 Census, is a successful farmer, and a man of sufficient means to have his biography included.
1880 Federal Census
In 1880 we find Bailey and Sabrina still farming. This census doesn't inform us as to personal wealth any real estate held.
July 5, 1882
On July 5, 1882, Mary Jane gives birth to Arthur Benjamin Cross in Malone, Iowa.
On April 28, 1898 Bailey dies and is buried in Clinton, Iowa next to the grave of Sabrina Cross.
There is no record of Arthur Bailey Cross or his mother, Mary Jane McIntyre in the 1900 census.
On April 1, 1902, Arthur marries sixteen year old Hazel K. Fuller (1886 - 1974.) We know Mary Jane Cross is the affiant on this document, establishing that she is still alive and connected to Arthur. Interestingly, there is no occupation given for Arthur.
On April 28, 1898 Bailey dies and is buried in Clinton, Iowa next to the grave of Sabrina Cross.
There is no record of Arthur Bailey Cross or his mother, Mary Jane McIntyre in the 1900 census.
On April 1, 1902, Arthur marries sixteen year old Hazel K. Fuller (1886 - 1974.) We know Mary Jane Cross is the affiant on this document, establishing that she is still alive and connected to Arthur. Interestingly, there is no occupation given for Arthur.
That marriage doesn't last very long. Hazel goes on to live a long life and is married an additional four times.
On October 27, 1906 Arthur married nineteen year old Helen Felicia Coffin. This time the affiant is Russel E. Huffman. Also this record shows Arthur's occupation as being a "fireman."
On October 27, 1906 Arthur married nineteen year old Helen Felicia Coffin. This time the affiant is Russel E. Huffman. Also this record shows Arthur's occupation as being a "fireman."
We can't be certain that Arthur wasn't a fire fighter but we do know that his obituary documented him as having been an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad for forty years.
Originally, the term “Railroad Fireman” referred to the train crewman who shoveled coal into the furnace and tended the boiler on an old-fashioned steam locomotive. In some ways more important than the Engineer, the Railroad Fireman was responsible for making sure that the train had the power necessary to negotiate hills and turns, and most of all, didn’t explode.
On June 22nd, 1907 Thomas Bailey Cross was born. Given the time span between the wedding and his birth, it is most likely that Helen was pregnant when they married.
The birth certificate below was filed in 1940. The filing of delayed birth certificates was very common. At this time, most births occurred in homes instead of hospitals. It is interesting to note that thirty four years later, Helen listed Arthur's occupation as being "confectionary manufacture."
Originally, the term “Railroad Fireman” referred to the train crewman who shoveled coal into the furnace and tended the boiler on an old-fashioned steam locomotive. In some ways more important than the Engineer, the Railroad Fireman was responsible for making sure that the train had the power necessary to negotiate hills and turns, and most of all, didn’t explode.
On June 22nd, 1907 Thomas Bailey Cross was born. Given the time span between the wedding and his birth, it is most likely that Helen was pregnant when they married.
The birth certificate below was filed in 1940. The filing of delayed birth certificates was very common. At this time, most births occurred in homes instead of hospitals. It is interesting to note that thirty four years later, Helen listed Arthur's occupation as being "confectionary manufacture."
On September 10, 1909 Emmett Carl Cross was born to Arthur and Helen. Emmett was born in Mahaska, Iowa.
1910 Federal Census
The 1910 Federal Census shows Helen, Thomas and Emmett living with her parents, at 416 North 10th Street, in Mahaska, Iowa. Helen is listed as being married.
This is 416 N. 10 Street, Mahaska, Iowa today. The records indicate that it was built in 1900. By the look of the front door, there have been significant changes made to the structure.
On September 7, 1915, Helen Coffin filed a petition for divorce int he Mahaska County Court in Iowa. On January 11, 1916, Judgement was entered in the case and the marriage was dissolved. The information in the "Return of Service" box indicate that Arthur was personally served in Minnesota on July 28, 1915.
In 1918, Arthur registers for the draft. He is 36 years old, living in St. Paul Minnesota. He lists his occupation as "loco fireman" in St. Paul. He also lists his nearest relative as MJ McIntyre. The name seems to be misspelled on the card but they appear to be living at the same address, 1034 W. 7th in St. Paul.
Thomas Bailey and Emmett Carl Cross, unknown dates.
Thomas Bailey and Emmett Carl Cross, unknown dates.
On June 27, 1918, Arthur Cross marries twenty two year old Dorothy D. Cowan in St. Paul, Minnesota. Unfortunately, the record below has the names of the witnesses covered up so we don't know if Mary Jane McIntyre was there.
On May 9, 1919, Dorothy gives birth to Audrey Mary Cross in Le Sueur, Minnesota. Unfortunately, Audrey dies on September 12, 1919.
On September 9, 1920 Dorothy gives birth to Melvin James Cross in Le Sueur, Minnesota.
On September 9, 1920 Dorothy gives birth to Melvin James Cross in Le Sueur, Minnesota.
1920 Federal Census
The 1920 Census now finds Arthur living in Le Sueur Minnesota with Dorothy, his mother Mary Jane and a man named Frank Sanford. Sanford's relationship is listed as being "uncle." Curiously, Melvin is not listed. We have sufficient records to show Melvin surviving until 1952 so it doesn't seem he died in childhood.
Also interestingly, Arthur has given up work on the railroad and is now the proprietor of a "summer resort."
Also interestingly, Arthur has given up work on the railroad and is now the proprietor of a "summer resort."
1920 Federal Census
This 1920 Census shows us Helen with her husband, 39 year old Emmett Harrison McFarland living with Thomas and Emmett in St. Charles, Missouri. They are renting a place at 325 Adams Street. Emmett indicates that his occupation is that of a "scene painter" and his industry as being "artist." Emmett must make sufficient money as Helen indicates that she does not have a job. This is interesting because, at least in January, when the data was recorded, Thomas and Emmett were still referred to as Cross.
The house below is 325 S. Adams Street, St. Charles, Missouri today. The records show that it was built in 1920.
The house below is 325 S. Adams Street, St. Charles, Missouri today. The records show that it was built in 1920.
Helen filed for divorce from Emmett McFarland in 1923 in Jefferson County Arkansas. Emmett did not contest the matter and failed to respond. The final judgement was entered on June 12, 1923 dissolving the marriage.
1925 Iowa State Census
The 1925 Iowa State Census finds Arthur, Dorothy and Melvin living in Waterloo, Iowa. The Iowa census focuses on citizenship and education so we don't know what sort of work Arthur was doing this year.
By 1928, Arthur and Dorothy at living at 807 Newton Street, Waterloo, Iowa. The city directory for that year indicates that Arthur was back working as a fireman.
By 1928, Arthur and Dorothy at living at 807 Newton Street, Waterloo, Iowa. The city directory for that year indicates that Arthur was back working as a fireman.
807 Newton Street, Waterloo, Iowa. Records indicate that this home was built in 1922.
The 1927 city directory for Pine Bluff Arkansas shows Helen, twenty year old Thomas and eighteen year old Emmett living at 617 W. 4th Ave. Emmett is working at PB Iron Works. Thomas's occupation is listed at a "fitter" for the Arkansas National Gas Company. His daughter, my mother, always told us that her father had worked for the gas company his entire life. This is the first record we have of Thomas and Emmett using the name McFarland.
Undated photos of Thomas McFarland and his friends. I chose to position the photos here because he looks like he's around twenty years old.
Undated photos of Thomas McFarland and a friends.
The 1929 Pine Bluff city directory has them living at the same place. Thomas's occupation is listed as "meterman" for the Arkansas National Gas Company. Emmett's occupation is machinist apprentice.
On June 22nd, 1929, Thomas Bailey McFarland married Mabel Irene Johnston in Conway County, Arkansas. Both bride and groom were twenty-two years old. The marriage license indicates that Thomas was "of" Morrilton, Arkansas, which suggests that he had moved from Pine Bluff at some time prior to the marriage.
1930 Federal Census
The 1930 Federal Census finds Arthur, Dorothy and Melvin living in a house they own in Waterloo, Iowa. Arthur is still working as a fireman on the railroad. The census taker did not list the house number of their home. Interestingly, the 1930 census recorded which house holds owned radios. Theirs did.
There is no 1930 Census record for Helen or Emmett McFarland.
The 1930 Federal Census shows us the newlyweds, Thomas Bailey and Mabel McFarland living in rental home on Oak Street in Morrilton, Arkansas. Thomas' occupation isn't readable but the industry is "public utilities," so it's reasonable to assume it's with another gas company. Mabel is employed as a public school teacher. They paid $15 a month in rent. The box to indicate if they owned a "radio set" is blank.
There is no 1930 Census record for Helen or Emmett McFarland.
The 1930 Federal Census shows us the newlyweds, Thomas Bailey and Mabel McFarland living in rental home on Oak Street in Morrilton, Arkansas. Thomas' occupation isn't readable but the industry is "public utilities," so it's reasonable to assume it's with another gas company. Mabel is employed as a public school teacher. They paid $15 a month in rent. The box to indicate if they owned a "radio set" is blank.
February 19, 1933
February 19, 1933 Thomas and Mabel McFarland welcome the birth of Tommye Janet McFarland.
This birth certificate tells us that Tommye Janet McFarland was not born in a hospital, but it was a full term pregnancy attended by a physician. Most importantly the birth certificate specifies that it was a legitimate birth! Thomas' occupation is "gas fitter" while Mabel's was a housewife. This was the first child for both of them.
Mabel and Tommye Janet McFarland, 1933.
Tommye and Thomas McFarland.
1934 Finds Melvin James Cross attending Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa.
The 1935 Yearbook for Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa include a very hanesome, fifteen year old Melvin Cross
On October 9, 1937, Emmett Carl McFarland married Eugenia J. Minoret in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Eugenia Minoret was born in Louisiana. By 1920 her family had relocated to Pine Bluff where her father was a carpenter. By 1930, Eugenia, still in Pine Bluff, is working as a stenographer. Based on the city directories, it appears that Emmett kept himself employed as a pipe fitter and/or a machinist.
1938 Finds Thomas and Mabel living at 1034 E. McLemore Avenue is Memphis. Thomas is working for the National Butane Gas Company.
On June 17, 1939, fifty-eight year old Arthur Cross married fifty-seven year old Nettie Thompson Carney in Waterloo, Iowa. It was the second marriage for both of them.
1940 Federal Census
The 1940 Federal Census finds thirty-two year old Thomas, Mabel and seven year old Tommye McFarland living at a rental house at 102 S. Strawberry, Demopolis, Alabama. This census tells us that Thomas is now classified as a 'fireman" and working in the "butane gas" industry. This census also tells us some other interesting facts. Thomas completed fours years of high school. Mabel completed three years of college. Mabel was not employed and Thomas was earning $1200 per year.
The 1940 Federal Census finds Emmett, Eugenia and Helen living together at rental house at 1612 18th Street, in Pine Bluff. For unknown reasons, Emmett is recorded as Edward McFarland. Eugenia is recorded as Mary McFarland. All of the other facts are consistent with what we know about Emmett and Helen. Both are listed as being born in Iowa. Eugenia is listed as being born in Louisiana and her occupation is a stenographer. Emmett's is now listed as being a welder. Emmett's school history indicates that he attended school only to the eighth grade. Eugenia attended four years of high school. Emmett's yearly income is $1500. Eugenia's is $1200. $2700 in equivalent to approximately $57,000 in today's dollars. This census information was taken on April 16, 1940.
The 1940 draft registration card for Emmett, dated October 16, 1940. This corroborates that the he and Helen were residing at 1612 W. 18th Street in Pine Bluff regardless of what the census taker recorded their names as in April, 1940. As you can see from the draft card, Emmett was 5'11" 164 lbs.
The 1940 Census finds Arthur and Nettie Cross in Waterloo, Iowa. The are living at 1015 Randolph Street which they own. Arthur is still working for the rail road and Nettie is unemployed. Arthur attended two years of high school. Nettie got as far as eighth grade. Arthur is earning $2160 per year.
Also listed in the household are three other people who are classified as lodgers, except for one who is listed as "maid." Pearl Cross describes her occupation as "maid" in a "local home." I do not believe that Pearl was a relative of Arthur's. Pearl, most likely, descended from William and Hannah Cross. William was a native of Pennsylvania and Hannah was from Ireland. The family resided in Fayette Township, which is the same as the information she provided the census taker.
Also listed in the household are three other people who are classified as lodgers, except for one who is listed as "maid." Pearl Cross describes her occupation as "maid" in a "local home." I do not believe that Pearl was a relative of Arthur's. Pearl, most likely, descended from William and Hannah Cross. William was a native of Pennsylvania and Hannah was from Ireland. The family resided in Fayette Township, which is the same as the information she provided the census taker.
1015 Randolph Street, Waterloo, Iowa. This is a 5 bedroom, 2 bath house, built in 1902.
This picture show work being done on the home. Other real estate websites showed pictures of the home in decaying condition.
This picture show work being done on the home. Other real estate websites showed pictures of the home in decaying condition.
The 1940 Census shows us Melvin James Cross, Arthur's, late in life child with Dorothy Cowan, living in Chicago, working as a laborer at a factory where he earns $400 per year. He is renting a room in a house.
Draft registration: Thomas McFarland registers in November of 1940. Arthur Cross registers in April of 1942. Melvin Cross registers February 16, 1942. It is interesting to note that Melvin's card indicates a "Rita Cross" as the his nearest contact.
December 11, 1941 the United States declared war on German and Japan. I recall my mother, Tommye Janet McFarland, telling me that she had just walked out of a movie in Morrilton when her father came up to her and told her that the U.S. was at war. Based on that, I am going to assume that the McFarland family was still intact as of that date.
On September 5, 1942, Melvin James Cross enlisted in the Military. He was discharged on October 15, 1943 for unknown reasons.
On April 3, 1945, the Garland County Court in Arkansas grated Mabel's petition for divorce from Thomas Bailey McFarland. The coupon below lists the cause of the petition as being "indignities." What this means is that Thomas took off with another woman, whom we will learn about below. The court's decision indicates that Mabel and Thomas agreed to child support in the amount of $50 per month, which was approved by the judge and made part of the order. Based on the data in the 1940 census, Thomas was making $1200 per year or $100 per month. Hopefully, by 1945, he was earning more than $100 per month since he was going to be paying $50 per month in child support.
On June 21, 1945, Thomas Bailey McFarland married Rowena Barger in Demopolis, Marengo County, Alabama. Rowena was born in Ohio in 1898. By 1920 she was living in Demopolis and working as a stenographer and notary, a occupation she maintained throughout her life. It appears that her family eventually joined her in Demopolis. The marriage to Thomas McFarland was her first and last.
1945 to 1950 Finds Emmett and Eugenia living and working in Pine Bluff. They are living at 1810 South Cedar Street, Pine Bluff. Emmett is now working as a foreman at the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal, which is a installation that was originally founded in 1941 for the manufacture of incendiary grenades and bombs. The mission was expanded to include the storage of chemical weapons. Eugenia is a office secretary at Standard Lumber.
Helen McFarland is living on her own and working as a maid. She lives at 901 W. 17th Street, Pine Bluff.
On may 1, 1947 Thomas Bailey McFarland dies in Demopolis, Alabama from lung cancer.
1945 to 1950 Finds Emmett and Eugenia living and working in Pine Bluff. They are living at 1810 South Cedar Street, Pine Bluff. Emmett is now working as a foreman at the U.S. Army Pine Bluff Arsenal, which is a installation that was originally founded in 1941 for the manufacture of incendiary grenades and bombs. The mission was expanded to include the storage of chemical weapons. Eugenia is a office secretary at Standard Lumber.
Helen McFarland is living on her own and working as a maid. She lives at 901 W. 17th Street, Pine Bluff.
On may 1, 1947 Thomas Bailey McFarland dies in Demopolis, Alabama from lung cancer.
Photos of the funeral for Thomas Bailey McFarland
Rowena is, most likely, the person who provided the facts for the obituary. We know that Thomas McFarland is the son of Arthur Benjamin Cross, who gave him, his father's name, Bailey.
1950 Federal Census
The 1950 Census finds Arthur and Nettie still at 1015 Randolph Street, Waterloo, Iowa. Arthur is still working for the railroad. Nettie is unemployed. They have four lodgers listed as living with them. None of them appear to be related. Two of them, who work in the meat packing industry indicate their job is "beef kill."
The 1950 Census finds Emmett and Eugenia living in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The census taker's hand writing is terrible and it's difficult to make out. It appears that Emmett's job is a foreman and the industry might have the word chemical in it, leading us to believe that he is still working at the Pine Bluff Arsenal Army facility. Eugenia is still a secretary in the lumber industry.
The 1950 Census find Rowen McFarland living with her sister Lucile and brother-in-law, Malley Tilley in Demopolis, Alabama. Also living with them is Rowena and Lucile's brother Fred. Malley is the proprietor of a local barber shop. Lucile is a bookkeeper for a real estate business. Rowena is a stenographer and Fred is a manager of a pool parlour.
On March 9, 1952, Melvin James Cross, age thirty-eight, dies in Forth Worth Texas. The cause of death was coronary occlusion (heart attack.) The death certificate indicates that he was never married. If the Rita Cross that we see on his 1942 Draft Registration was his wife, his father, Arthur Cross, who provided the information on the death certificate, never knew. This document also tells us he was a salesman. His obituary tells us he sold electrical equipment.
From 1952 to to 1962 life is, seemingly, boring for the surviving Cross family. The City Directories for Pine Bluff document Emmett and Eugenia living at 1810 Hickory until 1958 when they moved to 1727 S. Hickory.
Helen moved to 1723 S. Hickory in 1958. It would appear that the family was close, at least in proximity to one another. Emmett appears to have worked at the Pine Bluff Arsenal until retirement. The same appears to be true of Eugenia working as a secretary.
In 1962 Arthur and Nettie Cross are married, seemingly, again. According to the newspaper article, they were married while visiting Nettie's daughter in Walla Walla, Washington. Notice that the newspaper article places Nettie at the 1015 Randolph St in Waterloo, Iowa. Notice that Arthur is reportedly living at 707 1/2 Hall Street. According to the real estate websites, 707 Hall Street is 353 square feet (see photo below.) It appears that, sometime between 1950 and 1962, Arthur and Nettie separated and/or Divorced.
In 1962 Arthur and Nettie Cross are married, seemingly, again. According to the newspaper article, they were married while visiting Nettie's daughter in Walla Walla, Washington. Notice that the newspaper article places Nettie at the 1015 Randolph St in Waterloo, Iowa. Notice that Arthur is reportedly living at 707 1/2 Hall Street. According to the real estate websites, 707 Hall Street is 353 square feet (see photo below.) It appears that, sometime between 1950 and 1962, Arthur and Nettie separated and/or Divorced.
707 Hall Street, Waterloo, Iowa
On Sunday, March 26, 1967 Arthur Benjamin Cross died in Waterloo, Iowa. The obituary makes note only of being preceded in death by one son. No mention of Emmett is found. Arthur is buried at Willow Lawn Cemetery in Plainfield, Iowa. May of that year, Nettie was named executor of his estate.
On August 16,1968, Nettie Cross dies at home, 1015 Randolph Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
On May 16, 1971, Emmett Carl McFarland dies, presumably, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I could not find any record of an obituary for Emmett. He is buried at Memorial Park cemetery in Pine Bluff.
On October 2, 1972 Rowena Barger McFarland died in Demopolis, Alabama. She is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Demopolis, Alabama. No obituary was found for her.
On October 1, 1974 Helen Felicia McFarland dies in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Pine Bluff. No obituary was found.
On March 26, 1999, Eugenia Minoret McFarland dies in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
On March 26, 1999, Eugenia Minoret McFarland dies in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Ancestry doesn't have many city directories after 1960 so it was hard to track people past that date. But this seems to bring us to the end of Cross family.