John Cox

ADDY, ATCHINSON, BALDWIN, COX, MCDONALD, MILLS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/27/2004 at 12:22:38

John Cox, a retired farmer and carpenter of Winterset, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, February 13, 1849, and accompanied his parents to this county when but a child. He attended the Guiberson district school of Union township and also pursued his studies for a time in a log schoolhouse in Jefferson township. Upon starting out for himself he operated a part of his father's farm in Union township but in 1872 purcliased land and concentrated his energies upon its cultivation. From time to time he added to his property until he became the owner of four hundred and forty acres. He followed general farming and his labors were rewarded by a good financial return from his land. In 1900 he sold his holdings and removed to Winterset, where he has followed the carpenter's trade to some extent, although ill health compels him to live partially retired.

On the 11th of November, 1869, Mr. Cox married Miss Nancy McDonald, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in June, 1849, and died on the 31st of November, 1901. Her parents were William and Jane (Atchinson) McDonald, who in 1858 removed to this county, settling in Jefferson township, where the father owned considerable land. He was a man of progressive views and took a keen interest in public affairs. He served as supervisor for some time and in 1865 was chairman of the board. He was also active in church circles and helped to organize the United Presbyterian church of Jefferson township. He passed away upon his farm and his death was sincerely mourned. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom Mrs. Cox was the youngest. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: Harriet, who was born November 17, 1870, married M. E. Addy, a farmer of Madison township, by whom she has five children. Charles A., a farmer of Douglas township, who was born October 18, 1872, is married and has four children. William Riley, born December 15, 1877, is farming in South Dakota and has one child. LeRoy was born September 26, 1882. Beulah is the wife of C. L. Cox, of Winterset, by whom she has one child. On the 16th of January, 1904, Mr. Cox married Miss Barbara Mills, a native of Douglas township, this county, and a daughter of Enos and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Mills, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Cox is a republican and for three terms served as township clerk and for six years as assessor. His religious faith is that of the United Brethren church, in whose teachings he finds the guiding principles of his life. He is a valued citizen of Winterset and has many friends who hold him in the highest regard.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”