Cox, W.E.

COX, MORGAN, MCKEE, LIGHT, HIGHTOWER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/29/2009 at 15:17:58

History of Poweshiek Co. Iowa (1911)
Page 605-606

W.E. COX

The name Cox is an old and prominent one in Poweshiek county, representatives of the family having lived here from 1854 to the present time, and its members have been prominently identifed with the business interests of Deep River throughout a long period. W.E. Cox, whose name introduces this review, was born in Deep River township, February 18, 1861, a son of Christopher and Mary Ellen (Morgan) Cox, the former born in Harrison county, Ohio, June 12, 1832, and the latter in Ogle county, Illinois, in 1840. They accompanied their respective parents to Poweshiek county, Iowa, at an early day, the Morgans coming here in 1856, while the Cox family had located here two years previously in 1854. It was here that the father and mother formed an acquaintanceship, which later culminated in their marriage. W.E. Cox is the eldest in a family of four children, the others being: Samuel, who died in infancy; Maggie, the wife of W.C. McKee, a resident of Montezuma; and Mary, who died in infancy. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1864. The father was married again and by his second marriage there are four sons and four daughters. He has followed farming throughout his business career and has also raised and dealt in live stock to some extent. He made his home in Poweshiek county until 1888, since which time he has resided in Gosper county, Nebraska. He is still, however, remembered by many of the older residents of this section of Iowa.

W.E. Cox was a little lad of only three years at the time of his mother's demise. He was reared on the home farm in Poweshiek county, assisting his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting through the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools near his father's home. He remained on the farm until 1883, when he came to Deep River, where he has since made his home. During the first four years of his residence here, he was employed by his uncle, George Cox, in the grain and lumber business. He then purchased an interest in the business but after four years bought his uncle's share and conducted the business alone for a few years. He eventually retired from the grain and lumber trade and has since given his time to the seed business. He is also interested in land in Canada and from this derives a good annual income.

Mr. Cox was married on the 25th of September, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss Mattie A. Light, who was born in Deep River township, June 7, 1863, a daughter of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Hightower) Light, who were natives of Kentucky but were married in Virginia. They came to Iowa in the '50s but for a time had resided in Illinois prior to their removal to Poweshiek county, and their son George was the first white child born in Deep River township. Both parents passed away here. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have a daughter and son, Glenn L., and Mary E.

Mr. Cox gives his political support to the republican party and belongs to the Presbyterian church, of which he is acting as treasurer. He is a Mason, belonging to Golden Rod Lodge, No. 512, at Deep River. Perhaps the highest tribute that can be paid Mr. Cox is that he has met with success in all his undertakings and that he has so discharged his duties as a citizen and as a business man as to merit the confidence of those who know him best.