Joseph (2) Cross, son of Samuel and Ann (Clarke) Cross, was born in Charlestown, R. I., May 19, 1775. His entire life was spent in the town, and as a young man he rose to a place of prominence in its official life, which position he retained until his death. Joseph Cross was for many years justice of the peace of Charlestown, and for a long period represented the town in the Rhode Island General Assembly. He was a prosperous farmer and land owner. He married (first) Dorcas Reynolds; (second) Bridget Browning, daughter of Stephen Browning, of Charlestown, and a lineal descendant in the sixth generation of Nathaniel Browning, founder of the family in Rhode Island. His third wife was Ruth Greene, also a member of a prominent family of the State. The child of the first marriage, Mary A., is deceased. Children of the second marriage: 1. George W., born May 12, 1821, died in South Kingston. 2. Dorcas A., born Sept. 10, 1823, died in Providence; married William C. Tucker. 3. Bridget B., born June 11, 1826, died Feb. 15, 1829. 4. Samuel J., born Jan. 6, 1828, died in Pennsylvania. 5. Stephen B., born July 13, 1830, died Feb. 7, 1889. 6. William D., mentioned below. 7. Hannah W., born March 26, 1834, died July 6, 1835.
