George Harry Cross
George H. Cross, Converse Pioneer, Dies at Douglas
With the death of George H. Cross, 92, of Douglas, Wyoming has lost another of its real pioneers whose experiences date back to the "Indian days."
Mr. Cross died Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28, from pneumonia at his ranch on the La Parele. He first came to the North Platte valley in 1875 but was driven out by hostile savages, returning the following year. He then founded the cattle business in which he has engaged for the past 68 years.
He helped to organize Converse County and served as state senator when Niobrara County was part of Converse, and was well known to the older residents of Lusk.
George H. Cross was born in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 15, 1854 of Scotch parentage and received his education in private schools, Montreal high school, Upper Canada College and Nicolet College and traveled extensively abroad. He passed up the opportunity to attend Oxford University to become a cowboy in the great "Cow Country."
He returned to Canada in 1884 and married Lea Marie Levasseur.
Mrs. Cross preceded him in 1940, also his daughters, Margaret, Julia and Elsie, the latter dying one month ago, and his son Robert, who gave his life for his country in World War I. Left to mourn him are his sons, Alexander, George, and ex-Sen. William H. Cross, and his four daughters, Mary, Alzir, Masie and Emma.
His funeral was held at the Congregational Church in Douglas on Sunday, Dec. 1, followed by cremation at Denver. Interment will be in the Douglas Park cemetery.
Edward M. Arnold of Lusk, a life-long friend, was among the honorary pallbearers.