Joseph Franklin Cox (1840 - 1925)

Born 16 Jan 1840 in Hampton, Rock Island, Illinois, United States

Husband of Jane Wilhelmina Sutton — married 6 Dec 1864 in Oxford, IL, USA

Descendants

Died 16 Mar 1925 at age 85 in Alpha, Henry, Illinois, United States

Biography

Joseph was born on 16 Jan 1840 in Hampton, Rock Island Co., IL. He died 2 on 16 Mar 1925 in Alpha, Oxford Township, Henry Co., IL.

1. Son of John Washington Cox and Julia Etta Williamson. - COX, JULIA ETTA Mrs. P.O. Alpha; Sec. 16; widow of John W. Cox, who was born in Wayne Co. Indiana, Jan. 12, 1807; settled in this county in the Spring of 1849, he died March 2, 1869, being one of the oldest settlers in the county; left family of five children, Eliza, Joseph F., John W., Saml. K., and Eorald S.; Mrs. C.'s maiden name was Julia Etta Williamson, born in Jefferson Co. Ky. April 22, 1812; has 124 acres, value $10,000; Meth.(p. 339, The History of Henry County, Illinois: its tax-payers and voters: containing also a biographical directory, a condensed history of the state, map of the county, a business directory, an abstract of every-day laws, war record of Henry County, officers of societies, lodges, etc., etc. Chicago: H.F. Kett & Co., 1877)

2. Jn W. Cox found in the 1840 U.S Census Illinois, Rock Island Co., Port Byron, page 3, his family consist of 1 male age 20-30, 1 male under 5, 1 female 5-10, and 1 female 20-30.

3. "Cox, J.F. P.O. Alpha; Sec. 20; Farmer and Stock Raiser; born in Rock Island Co. IL. Jan. 16, 1840; came to this county in 1850, and is among the oldest settlers; has family, four children living, Wilhelmina G., Elmer S., Clinton and Walter K.; one dead, Carlton F.; wife was Jane W. Sutton, born in Canada, Dec 31, 1843; married Dec. 6 1864; has 160 acres, value $10,000; Rep; member Masonic Lodge, No. 367." (p. 339, The History of Henry County, Illinois: its tax-payers and voters: containing also a biographical directory, a condensed history of the state, map of the county, a business directory, an abstract of every-day laws, war record of Henry County, officers of societies, lodges, etc., etc. Chicago: H.F. Kett & Co., 1877)

4. Found in the 1850 U.S Census Illinois, Mercer Co., Twnshp 14 N R 1 W, age 12 at home with his parents; John W. and Juliett.

5. " Joseph F. Cox, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 20, Oxford Township, was born in Port Byron, Rock Island County, this State, Jan. 16, 1840. His parents were John W. and Juliett (Williamson) Cox, natives of Kentucky. Joseph Cox remained at home until he became 21 years of age, when he enlisted in the war for the Union, Sept. 3, 1861, in Co. M, Fourth Ill. Cav. He remained in the service for three years and a month, perticipating in the following battles: Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, and many smaller engagements. He was sick at the hospotal in Keokuk, Iowa, for a year. After returning home he immediately engaged in farming. He purchased 80 acres of good land on section 16, Oxford Township, and 80 acres on section 15, which he put under good cultivation and then sold. In 1875 he purchased the land that he is now residing upon, being 160 acres; upon this he entered vigorously and energetically on the task of improvement, and later added to his original purchase by buying land in Pawnee Co., Neb., where he has 320 acres of good farming land. Dec 6, 1864, Mr. Joseph Cox chose for his wife Miss Jane W. Sutton, a native of Canada. Of their union have been born six children, living, namely: Wilhelmina G., Elmer S., Clinton C., Walter K., Daisy M. and Treva. Mr. C. in politics is a Republican. Socially, he is a member of the Order of Masons. He has been Supervisor, and is considered one of the solid and reliable men of Oxford Township." (p. 384, Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Illinois, and of the presidents of the United States : also containing a history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1885)

6. "As a furniture dealer and undertaker this gentleman has become an important factor in the business circles of Alpha, and as a public-spirited citizen is thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, social or material welfare of the community. A native of Illinois, he was born in Rock Island County, January 16, 1840, and is a son of John W. and Juliette (Williamson) Cox, both natives of Indiana, of which state the grandfather, Joseph Cox, was an early settler. The father was born in 1807, and came to Illinois in 1835, becoming one of the pioneers of Rock Island county.He opened up a farm in Hampton township, where he made his home until 1848, when he removed to Mercer county, this state, and two years later came to Henry county, settling in what is now known as Oxford township. From a tract of wild land he developed a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Alpha, and also owned other property, being one of the most prosperous farmers of his community. He died upon his farm in Oxford township, March 2, 1869, and his wife, who survived him for some years, passed away in January, 1888. Amid pioneer scenes Frank Cox grew to manhood, his time being passed in attending the district schools for about three months during the winter, and in working upon the farm during the remainder of the year. At the inauguration of the Civil war he joined the boys in blue, enlisting August 3, 1861, in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Franklin, after which he was taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. After his recovery he was placed on detached duty as clerk in the office of the general hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, and for a time served as ward master. When his term of enlistment expired he was honorably discharged in October, 1864, and returned to his home in this county. Here Mr. Cox was married, December 6, 1864, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane W. Sutton, who was born in Canada, but was reared in Wisconsin and Illinois. Her father, William B. Sutton, died in the Badger state, after which her mother married R.M. Wilber and removed to Illinois, making her home for a time in Warren county, and later in Henry county. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of the following children; Minnie, a professional trained nurse; Elmer who is married and now lives on a farm in Nebraska; Clinton C., who is married and engaged in the grain and coal business in Alpha; Walter, also a business man of that place; Daisy and Treva, both at home; Lyle, who is attending the Alpha school; and Carlton, the second born, died at the age of two years. After his marriage Mr. Cox located on a farm a mile and a half from Alpha, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres, and to its improvement and cultivation devoted his energies until 1890, when he rented the place and removed to Alpha. Here he opened a furniture store and two years later added to it an undertaking business. He carries a well assorted stock, and by fair and honorable dealing has built up an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing. Since attaining his majority Mr. Cox has affiliated with the Republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and for every nominee of the party since that time. He has taken quite an active part in local politics; has been a delegate to county, state and congressional conventions; and has been honored with a number of official positions of trust and responsibility, having served as collector, road commissioner, township clerk and supervisor. He was an influential member of the county board for twelve years; was chairman of the equalization committee some years; and a member of other important committees. he proved a very competent and faithful officer. He is also an official member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Alpha, and holds membership in Oxford Lodge, No. 367, F.&A.M.; Horeb Chapter, at Rio, No. 4, R.A.M.; and Sherman Post, No. 479, G.A.R., of Woodhull."(p. 563-564, The Biographical Record of Henry County, Illinois (Chicago, 1901)).

7. F. J. Cox and Elizabeth, his wife, settled in Henry County in 1851 (p. 701-703, Portrait & Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois, Originally published 1885, Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL.)

8. Frank enrolled as a private in Captain J.E. Hitt's Company (M) of the 4th Regiment of Illinois Cavalry on 5 September 1861 at Port Byron, Illinois and was discharged on 30 September 1864 at Springfield, Illinois. At enlistment he was 5 feet 8: inches tall, with a dark complexion and hair and hazel eyes. He was then by occupation a farmer. On 6 September 1883, Frank applied for a pension due to his Civil War service. He was rated 6/18 disabled by chronic diarrhea, 2/18 for rheumatism, especially with respect to his right foot, which was crippled, and 2/18 for chronic pharyngitis. (Joseph F. Cox pension file, cert. #807720)

9. 1864; FRANK'S WEDDING TRIP by J. Frank Cox �"I was married on December 6, 1864 at 12 o'clock noon, to Jane Sutton. The Methodist minister married us. My father and mother and my wife's mother and a few friends were at the wedding, but I don't remember who all were there. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, we started on our wedding trip. �When we got to Oneida, the snow was four inches deep. We got supper, took the train at 8 p.m. for Chicago. On arriving at Chicago, the snow was two feet deep and the temperature was 40 degrees below zero. Our train arrived two hours too late to catch the Milwaukee train. We remained in Chicago all day, took the night train for Milwaukee, Wis. and got there at 12 o'clock at night, changed cars for Rolling Prairie. When we got off the train, it was snowing and blowing like a hurricane, and no hotel in sight. We saw a light a little way off and we went to the light and found an old man watching with his soldier son. He came to the door when we rapped, and said: "Come on in, this is a terrible night to be out." We went in and found an old friend of my wife's father's. He made us welcome. We stayed with him all night and till night the next day. Then we went to meet a friend by the name of Sawyer, and we remained there with them two months. During all that time it never thawed on the south side of the house. My brother Sam took us to the train when we left for our trip, and it got so stormy and cold he nearly froze getting home. In April, we came back to Oxford, or Alpha, and lived there with my wife's mother for two years."

10. Found in the 1865 Illinois state census; Henry Co., Oxford; J.F. Cox, 1 white male, 1 white female The previous line line is that of Martha S. Wilber

11. Joseph F. Cox patented the SE4 of section 30 in T2N, R10E in Pawnee County, Nebraska on 25 Feb 1867 (Pawnee Co. Deeds 5:18). His wife Jane had patented the adjacent SW4 of section 29 on 1 Feb 1867 (5:17). They must have also acquired the N2 of NE4 of section 31, originally patented by John Washington Cox, since they sold that land to John Henderson on 14 Dec 1874 (5:289). They sold the two quarter sections on 21 Sep 1900 and 20 Nov 1901 for a total of $11,500

12. Found in the 1870 U.S Census, Illinois Henry Co., Oxford, M593 Roll: 230 p. 118, age 30.

13. 1875; Plat map for Oxford Township shows J.F. Cox 80 acres in section 15.

14. Found in the 1880 U.S Census Illinois, Henry Co., Oxford, (T9-0213, p. 438A), p. 1, age 40, b. Illinois, with wife Jane W. (36) and children Minnie G. (14), Elmer S. (11) Clinton F. (9), Walter K. (6), Daisie (3) and baby girl (6/12). Farm hand Frank Bobbit (21) (note: Joseph F. Cox is the enumerator for this census. His family is number one on page 438 of T9-0213, page 1.)

15. On 6 September 1883, Frank applied for a pension due to his Civil War service. He was rated 6/18 disabled by chronic diarrhea, 2/18 for rheumatism, especially with respect to his right foot, which was crippled, and 2/18 for chronic pharyngitis.

16. Found in the 1900 U.S Census, Illinois Henry Co., Oxford Township, Alpha village, T623 Roll: 306 p. 266, age 60, owns home

17. Found in the 1910 U.S Census, Illinois Henry Co., Oxford Township, Alpha village, T624 Roll: 291 p. 231, age 70, "J. Frank Cox"

18. Found in the 1920 U.S Census, Illinois Henry Co., Oxford Township, Alpha village, T625 Roll: 371 p. 216, sheet 3B, age 79, "Frank Cox"

19. ALPHA LOCALS Mrs. R. Earl Knox Friday January 16th was the 80th birthday of J. F. Cox and in honor of the occasion his daughters Misses Minnie and Daisy entertained at dinner seventeen relatives. Mr. Cox's friends and relatives also gave him a p0st card shower and he received in all 136 cards, 44 of these coming from Burchard, Neb. During the afternoon letters were read from his absent children and other relatives and also one from the Oxford Masonic Lodge at New Windsor of which Mr. Cox is now tbe oldest member. Mrs. Elton Mc Laughlin also gave two splendid, readings. It was a day long to be remembered by those present and the many friends of Mr. Cox wish him many more happy birthdays. Those, present were Mrs. Jennie McLaughlin, Cleo McLaughlin, #### McLaughlin, wife and son, Joe Chester, W. T. S. Henderson, Mrs. Harriett Cox, Miss Myrtle Cox. W. A. Cox, Clint Cox, Marjorie Cox, Leroy Cox and wife, Mrs. Kate Huey, W. V. Huey, Mary Foster, Mr. Engel of Viola. (Woodhull Dispatch, Jan. 22, 1920, p. 1)

20. PASSING OF JOSEPH F. COX, PIONEER OF ALPHA Joseph F. Cox, aged eighty-five years and father of Walter Cox, of Geneseo, resident of Oxford township for the last 77 years, pioneer businessman, veteran of the civil war, and with many years of public service to his credit, died at his home at 4:30 o’clock Monday morning, death resulting from infirmities. He had been in poor health all winter, but was not bedfast at any time. He was born January 16, 1840, near Rapids City, in Rock Island county, and moved with his parents to a farm in Oxford township, Henry county, when he was eight years old. He was reared and educated there and had lived in that township ever since. He was married in December, 1864, to Jennie Sutton. She preceded him in death 11 years. After retiring from the farm, they moved into Alpha, where the home had been made. For 20 years Mr. Cox was in the furniture and undertaking business there. At one time or another, he had held practically every office in the township and village, including mayor, supervisor, town clerk and school director. He was a member of Omega lodge of Masons, the Holden post of the G. A. R. and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is survived by four sons and two daughters, Elmer of Burchard, Neb., Clint of Alpha, Walter of Geneseo, T. Lyle of Chicago, Miss Minnie Cox at home, and Mrs. J. E. Sparbel of Claire, Mich. A daughter, Daisy, preceded him in death. He also leaves a brother. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon. Interment was in the Alpha cemetery. (Geneseo Republic, Mar. 20, 1925, p. 12)

21. Joseph F. Cox, deceased - Clinton C. Cox et al make proof of death and present petition for appointment of administrators. Petition granted. Bond or $14,000 given and approved. Ordered that letters of administration be issued to Clinton C. Cox and Walter K. Cox. (Geneseo Republic, April 10, 1925, p. 14)

22. County Court Joseph F. Cox, deceased—Clinton C. Cox and Walter K. Cox, administrators, present final report. Hearing set for April 4, 192T, at 9 o'clock a. m. (The Galva News, Mar. 24, 1927)

Notes: 1. Civil War Pension Index Joseph Cox Co. M 4 Regt Ill Cav Date of filing: 14 Sept 1883 Application: 495214; Invalid cert. 807720

2.Civil War: He participated in the following battles, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Cornith and many smaller battles.

Sources

• [Descendants of Philpot John Sutton, Fourth Generation]