Robert J. Cross

Robert John Cross (October 1, 1803 - February 15, 1873) was an American pioneer. He was the first permanent settler of the town of Roscoe, Illinois, the County Treasurer of Winnebago County, Illinois, and a member of the Illinois General Assembly.

Personal life Cross was born in Newburgh, New York, the third child of Scots-Irish immigrants Rev. John Cross and Margaret Hanna Cross. In 1825 he moved to Tecumseh, Michigan where he built and resided in a log cabin. In 1830 Cross moved to Coldwater, Michigan. In 1832 he was a private in the Michigan militia where he was mustered to defend Chicago during the Black Hawk War, but the brigade, commanded by General Joseph W. Brown, was mustered out before reaching Chicago. In 1835 Cross moved to Illinois and purchased the first claim made in the town or Roscoe for the purpose of permanent settlement and cultivation, making him the first town settler. His primary occupation was farmer, but he also filled several positions in local government.

Political career 1831: Appointed a member of overseers of highways by highway commissioners in Coldwater, Michigan

1836: Justice of the Peace in Winnebago County

1836: Judge of election for precinct for presidential election

1841: Vice President of the newly formed Winnebago County Agricultural Society Restoration of the home, which was built between 1831 and 1845, began in 2019 by the Roscoe Township Historical Society. The Society is raising private funds to complete the restoration of the homestead exterior.