November 25, 1864 – December 16, 1944
Department Commander 1935
Descended from George E. Cross
Pvt. Co. B, 19th ME Inf.
Mustered in August 25, 1862

Obituary

I. Leslie Cross
Death of Rockland Man Prominent in Masonry and Patriotic Bodies

Col. I. Leslie Cross, who served as department commander of the Sons of Union Veterans in 1935, and who had been actively identified with local patriotic bodies over a long period of years, died at his home on Grace street Saturday afternoon after an illness of some weeks.  His age of 80 years attained Nov. 25 was belied by his personal appearance and physical activities which were daily familiar along the street until he was overtaken by his final illness.

Col. Cross, who rose to the head of one of Maine’s foremost patriotic organizations, was born Nov. 25, 1864, at Owl’s Head, son of George E. and Frances (Sparks) Cross.  The family came to Rockland in 1874.  The young man took up railroading, on a passenger train running between Philadelphia and Oxford Penn.  Sixteen months later he was in a bad railroad accident and returned home.  In 1894, he learned the tailoring trade, and has been in that business for himself nearly 40 years.

He became a member of Anderson Camp in 1887, by virtue of the fact that his father had served in the 19th Maine Regiment during the Civil War.  He served as commander of the Camp in 1932 and 1933 – his fine work having attracted statewide attention – he was made junior vice commander at the Bangor convention.  He was elected senior vice commander the following year, in Augusta, and in 1935 had the unusual distinction of being elected department commander by unanimous vote.

Col. Cross was a past commander of Ralph R. Ulmer Camp of Spanish War Veterans; was a 32d degree Mason, and belongs to the Baptist Men’s League.

In spite of his advancing years, Col. Cross was found daily at his place of business at The Brook dropping in for neighborly calls during the day, his genial presence compelling for him a degree of liking which will result in his being greatly missed along the street.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Percy G. Merrifield of West Somerville, Mass., a granddaughter, Miss Natalie Merrifield, four brothers, Justin L and Brook C. of Rockland, George E. of Thomaston, and Harry of Boston; and three sisters, Mrs. Annie Lamson of Waltham, Mass., Mrs. Bertha Walsh and Mrs. Etta Parker of North Cambridge, Mass.

Services will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the Burpee parlors. Find A Grave Memorial# 155572630

Burial at Sea View Cemetery, Rockland, Knox, Maine

Find A Grave Memorial# 155572630