William H. COX 1844 - 1937

COX, BIRD, NATTRESS

Posted By: Laurel Nattress (email)
Date: 5/9/2003 at 20:13:31

Obituary from the Alta Advisor, Iowa Newspaper, March 04, 1937

W.H. COX, Civil War Veteran, Laid to Rest with Masonic Honors Sunday

William H. COX, pioneer Alta resident and Civil War Veteran, was laid to rest in Woodlawn cemetery on Sunday afternoon of this week. Mr. COX was just past 92 years of age, and passed away at the Soldier's Home in Marshaltown, on Thursday of last week. He had been in his usual good health until a few months ago, when his health began to fail. His three sons, all of Alta, spent considerable time with him during his last illness and his son Charles was at his side when the end came.

Funeral services were held from the home of his son William H. COX in Alta Sunday afternoon. A short service was held at the home with Rev. BLOOMQUIST and Rev. OSBORN in charge. A full Masonic service was given at the grave, with Charley BUSH of Watshta delivering the lecture. Although Mr. COX had been gone from Alta for nearly 20 years, the home was filled to capacity with old friends and relatives.

Mr. COX came to Buena Vista County in 1868 and his life was closed lined with the growth and development of the territory near Alta. The COX family located on a farm about six miles south of Alta, and for a number of years Mr. COX was Postmaster at what was then known as Blaine. This is near what is now known as the PATTEN farm. They later moved to Alta where Mr. COX was engaged as a rural mail carrier for more than 15 years. Some 20 years ago he entered the Soldiers home at Marshalltown, where he spent his remaining years. For some time he was engaged as Librarian at the Home. He was unusually active, he read a lot and took much interest in public affairs. Mr. COX was active in Masonic circles and served the Alta lodge as Worshipful Master for eight years, which was the longest period any Master ever served the Alta lodge. He joined the Alta lodge soon after it was organized and for several years has been recognized as a Fifty Year Mason. Following is the obituary as read at the services:

Wm. H. COX was born in North Woolton, Somersetshire, England, October 12, 1844, and passed away at the Old Soldiers' Home, Marshalltown, Iowa, February 25, 1937 at the age of ninety-two years, four months and fifteen days.

Mr. COX came to the United States April, 1861. He enlisted in Company H, 25th Iowa Infantry and saw active war service until taken prisoner at Shilah, April 6, 1862. He was paroled at Richmond on October 18, 1863. He was wounded at Nashville, Tennessee, December 16, 1864, and was mustered out as a sergeant in 1866. He then returned to Dubuque County, Iowa, and was married to Anna BIRD in 1868. They then moved to Buena Vista County, Iowa. To this union were born three children: Charles C., William H., and Allen B., all living in Alta, Iowa. Mrs. COX passed away in 1911.

Mr. COX was Postmaster at Blaine, Iowa for some time. He then was a rural mail carrier for fifteen years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church at Marshalltown, Iowa, and a charter member, holding a fifty year membership certificate, of Pomegranate Lodge, No 408, A.F. & A.M.

Up to the last, Mr. COX had a very bright and active mind, and was very much interested in all daily activities.

Additional information regarding this family: W.H. COX'S son Allen B. COX, married Claribel NATTRESS