James Smith Cross (1817 - 1882)

Born 14 Dec 1817 in Walmer, Kent, England

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth Ann (Smith) Cross — married 6 Mar 1838 in Walmer, Kent, England

Descendants

Died 19 Jan 1882 at age 64 in Nelson, New Zealand

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Biography

James was the 1st Harbour Master at Nelson, NZ. He built his family home overlooking the Nelson Haven. He came to NZ on the ship "Whitby" under the NZ Expeditionary Scheme. He had been a Deal Boatman from England. He became a ship owner and a highly regarded citizen of the Nelson area.

SOURCE DEATH - N.Z.Govt. B.D.M. index - 1882/1438 Cross James Smith aged 64 years

Born 18 DEC 1817. Walmer, Kent, England, United Kingdom.

Christening: 12 JAN 1818. Walmer, Kent, England, United Kingdom. ^[1]

Residence 1878–1881 Nelson, New Zealand. ^[2]

Marriage Banns of Marriage: 31 DEC 1837–14 JAN 1838. Walmer, Kent, England, United Kingdom. ^[3] Marriage 6 MAR 1838. Walmer, Kent, England, United Kingdom. ^[4]

Died 19 JAN 1882. Nelson, New Zealand. ^[5][6][7]

Note: Nelson, New Zealand. Child Mary Anne b 22 jul 1848 in Auckland. James a pilot. Merchant Seamen. 1841-1844. Reference to voyages. 21717, James Cross, 21, Walmer, S.C June 37 32/47, Das Strick, 1000, [large X]. Colonist, Volume XII, Issue 1204, 9 April 1869, Page 5. Accident—Narrow Escape—On Saturday last, as one of Mr. Cross' sons was driving a trap down the hill at the port; the horse jibbed opposite Mr. Cross' houses and backed towards the roadside smashing the rails of the fence and sending horse, cart, and the load over the cliff down on the rocks below, some; thirty or forty feet. Mr. Cross had fortunately leaped out before this occurrence. The horse was but little injured; and the trap also suffered small damage considering the height of the fall.

Buried 21 JAN 1882. Nelson District, New Zealand. ^[8]

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S166402 Page Baptism solemnized in the parish of Walmer. 1817. Jany 12th, James son of John and Mary Cross, Walmer, labourer, C Fielding Aft? Curate. Dec 18
2. ↑ Source: #S166402 Page 1878. Wairau Electorate. James Smith Cross, res Nelson, freehold Section 15 block 2 Awatere; 1881 harbourmaster, Section 45 block 2 Awatere also City of Nelson electorate, Freehold house and land section 3 Mary Ann street. 1881 Nelson electorate, James Smith Cross, Nelson, harbour master, freehold, part section 3 Nelson
3. ↑ Source: #S166402 Page he year 1837. No. 634. Banns of marriage between James Smith Cross and Elzth Smith both of this parish were published on the three Sundays underwritten 31 Dec 1837 7, 14 Jan 1838. Marr
4. ↑ Source: #S4957 Page James Smith Cross of full age, bachelor, waterman, Walmer Rd, father John Cross labourer; Elizabeth Smith of full age, spinster, Walmer Rd, father Benjamin Smith waterman. Witnesses William Heard and Eliza Heard.
5. ↑ Source: #S166402 Page Cross James S, Estate Of The Late, Nelson, Westport ₤40, 1882 Return of freeholders.
6. ↑ Source: #S259161 Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3073, 28 January 1882, Page 2 Page Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3073, 28 January 1882, Page 2 Cross.—January, 19, at Nelson, James Smith Cross, Harbor Master and Chief Pilot, aged 64 years. [Home papers please copy.]
7. ↑ Source: #S259161 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1882, Page 2 Page Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1882, Page 2 DEATH OF MR. PILOT CROSS. Yesterday afternoon there passed over to the great majority a man who was well known not only in Nelson but throughout New Zealand. James Smith Cross was at the same time a grand specimen of the brave British sailor, and of the energetic enterprising colonist, and it will be long ere he, the first, and up to the present time the only, chief pilot in Nelson will be forgotten either by his fellow settlers in the place or by the officers and seamen on the ships visiting this port. He was born at Deal on the 14th December, 1817, and had therefore just completed his 64th year. Almost from his infancy, at all events from his very early boyhood, the sea had for him attractions that were not to be resisted, and when he was yet quite a youngster he ran away from school and entered the Royal Navy as an apprentice. At 24 years of age he joined the expedition, consisting of two ships, the Whitby and Will Watch, which was despatched under the superintendence of Captain Arthur Wakefield (for whom the subject of this brief memoir always entertained a respect almost amounting to veneration) and on the 3rd November, 1841, after a passage of between six and seven months, they dropped anchor in the Astrolabe Roads. The instructions under which they were acting were to the effect that they were to found the settlement of Nelson somewhere in Blind Bay, the most fitting spot for the town being left to their selection. On arriving, their first idea was to lay out the township on the flat land at Kaiteriteri, but before coming to a decision a boat was despatched in charge of Mr Cross to take a look round, and see if a more suitable spot was to be found. Soon he discovered the Nelson Haven, with which he was destined to be so intimately associated for forty years, and having returned to the ship and reported what, he had found they sailed across, and landed the first settlers on the shores of what was known to the Maoris as Whakatu, signifying an island cliff, a name given to the district on account of what is known to us as the Arrow Rock. A few monthhs afterwards his wife arrived, and many a tale have we heard the early settlers tell of the kindness and hospitality displayed by Mr and Mrs Cross. In course of time he was duly appointed pilot and harbor master, and how well he performed the oftentimes difficult duties pertaining to the office is too well known to need any mention from us. Mr Cross, however, did not confine his attention entirely to piloting ships and generally supervising the harbor. Like all who have emigrated to the colonies he did so with a view of bettering himself, and while he was fond of the sea he shrewdly saw that there was still more to be made out of the land. He therefore invested some of his money in a run in the Awatere district, then in the province of Nelson, but now in the Marlborough district. Mr Mowatt, another well-known and highly respected old settler, was his partner, and between them they contrived to make a very good thing out of the run, his share in which Mr Cross sold to his partner a few years ago. There are many stories told of the pluck and coolness displayed by Mr Cross in connection with accidents which have occurred both inside and outside the harbor, but these were never heard from him. He would talk admiringly of gallant deeds performed by others, but with regard to his own he was reticent. In 1880 he lost his wife, and this appeared to be a terrible blow to him, many of his most intimate friends having noticed that, since that event be has never been the same man that he was before, although he himself attributed his failing health to an accident he met with in the latter part of 1880 In boarding the Penguin in rough weather. It was a long time before the brave old man would succumb, but ultimately he was compelled to give in, and for many months he has been gradually growing worse, and occasionally suffering considerably. Yesterday the end came, and there passed away, as peacefully as though he were falling asleep, the spirit of a brave man, a kind father, and as thoroughly good a colonist as ever stepped on the shores of New Zealand. To-morrow afternoon he will be laid by the side of his wife, and we doubt not that there will be hundreds who will be anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory. Marlborough Express, Volume XVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1882, Page 2. DEATH OF AN OLD COLONIST. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Nelson, January 20. Captain Cross, well knows as harbour master of this port, and who, having arrived from England in the ship Whitby in the year 1841, discovered Nelson harbour, died yesterday morning. He was the first white man who stepped ashore in Nelson, and was appointed pilot for Nelson and neighbouring coast by the New Zealand Company, in whose servant he left the Old Country as warden pilot. In 1848 he was appointed pilot at Auckland and in 1850 harbor master, pilot, etc., of Nelson, and from his first arrival was never absent from the Colony. He was the last survivor of the Expedition men who came out in the Whitby. He was greatly respected here, and by all mariners with whom he came into contact. (From Our Correspondent.) Captain Cross died at half-past two yesterday afternoon, He sailed from England in 1841 with the ships Whitby and Will Watch, and arrived off Nelson on the 5th November. He was appointed pilot in 1841, and removed to Auckland in 1848, and in 1850 returned to Nelson, where he continued to discharge the duties of harbour-master, pilot, signal man, and keeper of the magazine, till within the past few months, when failing health compelled him to apply for leave of absence. The active life pursued, and hardships experienced in early days of settlement, together with injuries received in the performance of his duty, proved too much for his strong constitution, and after a lingering illness he passed peacefully away above. Deceased was 64 years of age, and prior to his decease, was the oldest member of the Civil Service in New Zealand, having been appointed by Governor Browne, He will be buried tomorrow afternoon. Deceased was greatly respected in Nelson, and was well known not only in Marlborough, but all over the Colony. Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3066, 20 January 1882, Page 2. DEATH OF CAPTAIN CROSS. The hoisting of a flag at half-mast on the flag-staff on the Port hills yesterday; afternoon was the melancholy signal to the town that the hardy, brave man who discovered Nelson Haven, and who was the first to tread its shores, had passed away to his long rest. Captain Cross has so long been identified with the port of Nelson that his long residence here alone would cause the gap his death has created to be keenly felt; but he will he lamented for other and higher reasons than this. He will be mourned for as a brave man departed from amongst us, and as one who, by his upright; life and his ever readiness to respond to dutys call, gained the esteem of all who knew him; whilst those who, for want of opportunity, were ignorant of his better qualities cannot but miss the hale, sturdy, erect figure, and the cheery greeting which were so familiar to all, even casual, frequenters of the Port. Born on the 14th December, 1817, at Deal, the birthplace of so many hardy and fearless mariners, it was not surprising that young Cross should have experienced a love for a sea life at an early age, and so strong was his attachment; that whilst yet a school-boy he ran away and joined the Royal Navy, serving his apprenticeship oh board a man-of-war. After leaving the Navy we believe he acted as sailing master on board a yacht, and upon the New Zealand Company organising an expedition to Nelson James S. Cross was appointed on the expedition staff as warden pilot. In April, 1841, the ships Whitby and Will Watch left the Port of London, having on board the pioneer settlers for Nelson, and amongst these a staff of able-bodied officers and men; the names of the officers of the staff being: Captain Arthur Wakefield (the Company's agent), A. Bell (Private Secretary to the Company), James Howard, (Company's storekeeper), James T Smith (assistant storekeeper), Dr A. McShane (surgeon to Company), Thomas Brunner, (architect), James S. Cross (warden pilot), William Clarringbald (pilot), Tuckett (chief surveyor), Stevens (second surveyor), Brown (third surveyor), Duffy (fourth surveyor), Parkinson (fifth surveyor), Musgrave (nautical surveyor), Charles Tawliss, Wilkinson, C. F. W. Watts (survey staff), Perlisia, —,Boyes, - Arnold, and of the whole of these Captain Cross was the last survivor. On the 3rd November, 1841, the ships named anchored at Astrolabe, and it was at first intended to form and lay off the Nelson settlement at Kaiteriteri on the other side of the Bay; but Captain Cross was despatched with a boat from the ship Whitby, and he then discovered Nelson Haven, or, as it was called by the Maoris, Wakatu, signifying a safe harbor for canoes. Impressed with the advantages of the remarkable natural harbor, and also by the extent of land suitable for the site of a township, and the level plains beyond, the ships were brought into the harbor, and the work of settlement was commenced. Prior to his leaving the old country Captain Cross was married, and in accordance with the arrangements that the wives and families of the expedition men should follow them in another vessel— Mrs Cross also safely arrived in Nelson, but the mortality amongst the children on board the vessel that brought her to these shores was terribly heavy, and Captain Cross two children were numbered amongst the seventy odd who died during the passage. In April, 1842, Captain Cross received a certificate from the New Zealand Company to act as pilot for Nelson Haven, and its neighborhood, and the appointment was confirmed in March, 1843, when to his other duties was added that of keeper of the powder magazine. On the 20th October, 1848, Captain, Cross was appointed pilot at Auckland, and on the 12th April, 1850, he received the appointment of harbor master, pilot, signalman, and keeper of powder magazine at this port, and he continued to fill, the duties appertaining, to these offices,until,failing health compelled him to apply for leave of absence which he obtained some months since. From his first arrival in the Colony he: never quitted its shores, and not only was he diligent and careful in his duties, but on several occasions he was instrumental in saving life. On one occasion, whilst out in a small dingy with two of his sons, the the little craft was swamped, and Captain Cross, who was a powerful swimmer, swam ashore with his two boys. On the 15th September, 1847, whilst on board the schooner Emergency, sailing in the bay, he observed Mrs Walker, wife of Captain J. Walker, fall overboard, and he at once jumped from the vessel, and succeeded in supporting the lady, who had received injuries to her head which had rendered her unconscious, and he supported her for upwards of half an hour until the vessel could come about and rescue them, for no boat was handy. During a gale at night time in the early part of spring in the year 1853, he, hearing cries of distress from seaward, jumped into a punt with another man, named Proctor, and tried to get out of the entrance, but finding this impossible, returned, obtained a larger boat, and with the additional assistance of a Maori, rowed out to the Sands, and in the face of the gale rescued eight men from a cutter, which had filled and sank, the men holding on to the mast, which alone was out of water. At another time he went out through the surf, when the master and boats crew of a barque would not venture, and succeeded in saving the life of Constable Fagan, who, with four others, had been coming in from a ship lying outside when the boat was capsized, and of the others in this boat two drifted in and were saved by another boat, and two were drowned. In several other cases alone and aided by his boat's crew Captain Cross has been instrumental in saving life, and, though we do not remember that any public recognition of his bravery in this respect was ever made, it is not unfitting that these should be brought to mind at the present time. About 18 months ago Mrs Cross departed this life, and for the last year or two indications have not be wanting that the strength of Captain Cross was becoming exhausted, whilst for some months past his state of health was such as to cause grave fears, and, but for a most powerful constitution, he could not have held out so long as he did. He was himself in the habit of attributing his ill health to an accident he met with in attempting to board a steamer in rough weather, and when, as he leapt from the pilot boat to the ship's ladder, he was struck by a wire stay, and knocked back insensible. The illness, which has now terminated, was borne with wonderful patience, and when the end came he gradually entered upon the long sleep without a struggle, leaving a numerous family of sons and daughters to lament the Ioss of a kind indulgent parent.
8. ↑ Source: #S259161 Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3066, 20 January 1882, Page 2 Page Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3066, 20 January 1882, Page 2 FUNERAL. THE Friends of the late JAMES SMITH CROSS are respectfully informed that his Funeral will leave his late residence, the Port, for the New Cemetery, TO-MORROW (SATURDAY),at Half past Two o'clock p.m. G.FLEMING, 133 Undertaker. Also Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1882, Page 2; Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3067, 21 January 1882, Page 2 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1882, Page 2. The funeral of the late Mr Cross has been postponed on account of the weather until to-morrow afternoon at half past two. Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3067, 21 January 1882, Page 3. The Late Captain Cross.—The funeral of the late Captain Cross will leave the Port at half past two o'clock this afternoon. Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 18, 23 January 1882, Page 2. The funeral of the late Mr Cross took place yesterday afternoon, and was very numerously attended, the procession consisting of thirty-four carriages besides horsemen and pedestrians. The burial service was read by the Rev. If. I. Jones, who, at its close, delivered a brief address, in which he referred to the many good qualities of the deceased, notably his, devotion to duty and his undoubted bravery. He said that he had seen much of him during his long illness, spoke with admiration of the patience with which he had borne his sufferings, and expressed the wish that when the time came for those around him to pass away from this life they might be as well prepared for the change as was he whose mortal remains they had just placed in the grave. Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 3068, 23 January 1882, Page 3. The FUNERAL of the Late Captain CROSS.— Yesterday afternoon the funeral of the late Captain Cross took place, and it was very largely attended. The procession was of great length, there being no less than thirty four private carriages and other conveyances, eighteen horsemen, and a few pedestrians. The deceased was interred in the Wesleyan portion of the New Cemetery. The Rev F. I. Jones, the Incumbent of All Saints' Church, read the burial service, and at the grave the reverend gentleman delivered a short address. He spoke of the uprightedness of character which had always been maintained by their late and much-respected citizen, during the long lapse of time he had resided in their midst; also, of his courage and coolness in the most trying times of danger and difficulty. He had been much with deceased during the sickness which had terminated his earthly career, and it was comforting to know that deceased had placed his trust in the Saviour, and was quite prepared to die. He hoped all of them would be found equally ready at the close of life.

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