Stephen I. Cox 1851-1912

COX, KITE, WATTS, LARSEN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 09:05:53

Stephen I. Cox.

Stephen I. Cox was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, Oct. 19, 1851, and died Feb. 9, 1912, being sixty years, three months and twenty days old. He was the second son of Joshua and Mary Cox.

He was united in marriage to Nancy F. Kite, Dec. 31, 1867, and to this union were born ten children, six boys and four girls, all of whom are living except one son and one daughter who died in infancy. The living children are: -- Lee A. Cox of Vernon Center, Minn.; N. M. Cox of Kirkville, Iowa; Milton D. of Mt. Zion, Iowa; Mrs. Elmer Watts of Optima, Okla.; Mrs. Norman Larsen of Chicago; Mrs. Otto Perkins, Joseph H. and Roger of Bonaparte, all of whom with his beloved companion were with him in his last hours, which fact was comforting to the deceased.

Mr. Cox was a section foreman for forty years previous to his death. He served thirteen years on the Wabash in Missouri, and twenty-seven years for the Rock Island Co. at Bonaparte, where he was a valued employee his continued long service entitling him and his wife to an annual pass over the entire Rock Island system. Having served the required continuous length of time, he was entitled to retirement pension by the railroad company and he had but a short time before his death asked for a release and been put on the pension list, the necessary papers for which are now at the head office of the company.

He was a member of three fraternal orders, the Masons, Independent order of Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen of America. He was made a Master Mason at Kilwining, Mo., Jan. 8, 1876, and was demitted to Bonaparte Lodge No. 74, Jan. 3, 1893, and was exalted in Lafayette Chapter No. 61 Royal Arch Masons, May 5, 1911. He joined Bonaparte Lodge No. 22, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, April 13, 1889. He was charter member of Bonaparte Camp 1949 M. W. A. having joined March 23, 1893.

In addition to his wife and eight children there survive him seventeen grandchildren and host of friends.

Brother Cox was an honorable and upright citizen and on this account was held in high esteem by his large circle of acquaintances. He will be greatly missed in lodge circles and among his friends as well as by his family.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Sunday afternoon with Rev. J. H. Taylor presiding, the Masons having charge of the service at the grave in the Bonaparte cemetery. The pall bearers were V. B. Bill, Wm. Lackey. S. P. Miller, Carl Meek, John Matlock, and F. J. Watts.
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Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.