|
|
|
 |
Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 118 |
|
EDWARD COX
|
The true source of man's dominion on earth is said to be derived from the pursuit of agriculture. The calling is certainly the most independent one in which man can engage. Others may receive better remuneration for their services and pile up bigger fortunes than does the agriculturist, but his calling is the one whose success is absolutely indispensable to the world's prosperity. The subject of this review, Edward Cox, of section 36, Greenwood township, is a successful farmer, and one who has devoted nearly all the years of his life to the calling. He has been contented with his lot and the returns from his labor, without feeling envious of those in other lines of labor whose compensation seems to be so great that it is sometimes deemed wholly disproportionate to the service rendered. Edward Cox, the subject of this review, was born on a farm in Summit county, Ohio, July 15, 1845. His parents were Richard and Philena (Tibbet) Cox, both worthy and highly respected people in the region where they lived. Both are now dead, having passed away many years ago. They were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this review was the third. When he was nine years of age, in 1854, the family moved to Indiana, where they continued to reside until a short time previous to the war of the Rebellion, when they moved to Ottawa county, Michigan. In July, 1862, Edward Cox enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was during the greater part of the time of its service under the command of General William T. Sherman, served all through the Atlanta campaign and took part in most of the battles fought in that hostile section. He was still in the service at the time of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox and was not mustered out of the service until after the close of the war. On his return from the scene of hostilities Mr. Cox again took up his residence in Ottawa county, Michigan, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. October 3, 1865, he was united in marriage to Alcena Ellis, a native of Ohio, born in Summit county, July 9, 1839. She was the daughter of Jesse and Sally (McMullen) Ellis, and of a family of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, she was the youngest child. Both parents have been dead many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox six children have been born, viz.: Milton married Nellie Spears and resides in Levering, Michigan; Merton married Cora Woods, and resides in Greenwood township; Viola is the wife of Thomas Maxurd, of Cadillac; Riley married Ruth Christian, and lives in Greenwood township; Charles married Lillie Gross, and lives in Cadillac; Paulina is the wife of Robert Garrow, of Cadillac. In the autumn of 1872 the family moved from Ottawa to Wexford county, and settled on a quarter section of land in section 36, Greenwood township, entering it as a homestead. There they still reside, each year adding to the prosperity which has come to them through industry, and they are steadily accumulating a competency which will be more than sufficient to supply them with abundance for their old age. Seventy-five acres of the original homestead has been cleared and constitutes a fine, fertile farm, sufficiently productive to give them a very satisfactory income. Mr. Cox has been honored by the voters of Greenwood township, at different times, with the offices of supervisor, treasurer and clerk. Indeed, there are few offices in the township which he has not filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. The only fraternal society to which he belongs is the Oliver P. Mortoll Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Manton. He is a worthy citizen whose services to the public in the township of his residence are highly appreciated. He is a regularly commissioned correspondent in the agricultural department of the state of Michigan. |