Stephen A. Cross was born 12 May 1801. He was raised on a farm and in the fall of 1861 he came to Michigan. He remained until the spring of 1864 teaching school.
In April, 1864 he was appointed to a position in the Quartermaster’s department in the Army of the Cumberland during the was of the Rebellion, and was stationed at Chattanooga, TN where he served until disabled; returned to New York and followed railroading until 1872.

He then returned to Byron township and married Ellen L. Boynton, daughter of Jerry A. and Harriet (Wilson) Boynton, born 2 Nov 1852. They had three children.

Mr. Cross was Superintendent of Schools one year. They both belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church.