COX, William M. - Putnam

WILLIAM M.COX, a pioneer of Jefferson Township, was born in Virginia, May 1, 1818, a son of John and Polly Cox. His father was a native of New Jersey and his mother of Virginia. His paternal Great-grandfather, of English descent, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mr. Cox was reared to manhood in this State, receiving an education only in the pioneer subscription schools. September 11, 1838, is the date of his marriage to Miss Hannah Powers, who was born January 22, 1816, in Lewis county, Virginia. Her father a native of the same State, was a soldier in the war of 1812; her mother was a native of Pennsylvaniia. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have had eleven children, seven of whom are living -- Sarah A., wife of Amos Evans; Adeliza, wife of Newton Reed; Melville B., Louisa, wife of Thomas Hockett; Albert, Alvin and Winfield. The deceased are -- Nancy, John, Candance and Ellen. Mr. Cos came to Putnam County with wife and one child in 1839, traveling with a one-horse wagon. Mrs. Cox rode 550 miles on horseback, and they were about three weeks making the trip. Mr. Cox bought eighty acres of land in Jefferson Township, on which was a cabin, but no clearing. After several years of hard labor he succeeded in clearing his farm and producing good crops. They endured many hardships, and worked hard. Mr. Cox split and laid up rails for 75 cents per hundred. At one time he cut and split 200 rails for a bushel of salt, carrying the same about two miles. He now owns 375 acres of land in Jefferson Township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has served as steward several years. Mrs. Cox is also a member of that church. Their son Melville served in the late war fours years. Mrs. Cox's maternal grandfather was a native of Wales, immigrated to America and settled in New Jersey, near Cooper's Ferry. Her great-grandfather was a Huguenot and fled to Wales to avoid persecution. He subsequently went to Ireland, thence to America. To her parents were born four children, Mrs. Cox being the only one now living. They came to Putnam County in 1856, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Politically Mr. Cox is a Republican.