James Cross (1829-1894)
1865 James Cross, Locomotive Engine Works, Sutton, near St. Helen's.[1]
1894 October 15th. Died.
1894 Obituary [2]
JAMES Cross was born at Uddingston, near Glasgow, on 22nd February. 1829.
He was a civil engineer by profession, and in 1853 became managing engineer of the old St. Helen's Railway and Canal Co.
In 1864 however the railway and canal were sold to the London and North Western Railway, and his connection with the undertaking then ceased.
He was also owner of a locomotive works at St. Helen's Junction.
In March 1865, on the death of Mr. John Hutchinson, one of the founders of Widnes, he became one of the three trustees of the estate, which consisted of chemical works, land, and the West Bank Dock. Shortly afterwards he gave up his works at St. Helen's Junction, and became managing trustee and personal superintendent of the estate.
He took an active part in public affairs at Widnes, being a member of the local board for many years, and chairman from 1875 to 1882. He was also chairman of the highway committee, and as an engineer took a great interest in drainage matters, and in the gas and water undertakings of the board. He was chairman of the Upper Mersey Conservancy.
He constructed the railway from Widnes to Hough Green for the Sheffield and Midland Companies.
Having been a major of the 47th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, he was permitted to retain this rank on his retirement from the corps; and received the Queen's decoration for long service.
He was also a justice of the peace for Denbighshire, residing latterly in North Wales, at Mold and afterwards at Llangollen, where his death took place on 15th October 1894, at the age of sixty-five.
He became a Member of this Institution in 1865.
1895 Obituary [3]
JAMES CROSS was born at Uddingston, near Glasgow, on the 22nd of February, 1829. He was trained for the profession under the late Alexander Adie, and in 1854 was appointed Engineer to the St. Helen’s Canal and Railway Co.
That post he held for ten years, when the undertaking was purchased by the London and North Western Railway Company.
In 1865 Mr. Cross became managing trustee and superintendent of the estate of the late Mr. John Hutchinson - one of the founders of Widnes - which consisted of the West Bank Dock, a considerable extent of land, and important chemical works. With those undertakings he remained connected until his death....[more]