Franklin

CROSS, Joel Bradley

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, pp 158-159

Joel Bradley CROSS, Highgate Center [Franklin County, Vermont], retired 
merchant, was born 14 July 1821 at Highgate [Franklin County, Vermont], son 
of Nathan and Betsey (HAMMOND) CROSS. Educated at Highgate public schools, 
and Enosburg Center Academy [Franklin County]. Began business life as clerk 
in Highgate and Swanton [both in Franklin County]; in 1846 removed to Dubuque 
[Dubuque County], Iowa, traveling by way of Lake Champlain, Erie Canal, the 
Great Lakes, and by stage coach from Chicago to Dubuque, there being no 
railroad nearer Chicago than Marshall [Calhoun County], Michigan; remained in 
Dubuque two years, returning East in 1848; engaged in general merchandise 
business in Bakersfield [Franklin County, Vermont], and later in East 
Highgate; in 1864 purchased store at Highgate Center where he was in business 
for over forty years; at the age of ninety years is still active; went to 
California for the winter 1910; spends part of each year in Nebraska and 
Colorado. Republican; has held many town and county offices; was postmaster 
twelve years. In 1850 he [Joel Bradley CROSS] married [Miss?] Elizabeth B. 
DILLON, of Burlington [Chittenden County, Vermont], who died in 1892; they 
had three children: Lizzie A. (Mrs. OLDS, deceased); Frank B., of Highgate 
Center; and Fred W., of North Platte [Lincoln County], Nebraska.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly