Rao Bahadur Cruz Fernandez was born on 15 November 1869. He was the longest serving chairman of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) Municipality and is considered the father and architect of Modern Tuticorin.He is from Paravar caste He had one child Named Joseph Innocent Fernandez. And his eldest grandson was Regis Cruz Fernandez. who was working as A Headmaster in a village school from 1987. Regis Had Three children Named Bennita angile Fernandez, Regitta Filhppena Fernandez And Joseph Innocent Fernandez. He was elected to the chairmanship of Tuticorin municipality five times between 1909 and 1927. He was awarded the title of RAO BAHADUR by the Government and was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly. The Municipality building (Rao Bahadur Cruz Fernandez Building) is named after him. His statue