History of Crawford and Clark Counties, Illinois, Vol. II.
William Henry Perrin, ed.
(Chicago: O.L. Basking & Co. Historical Publishers)
1883.
William R. Cox, farmer, P. O. Hutsonville, is a son of Byrant and Martha (Bradbury)
Cox, born in Wayne County, N. C., January 14, 1828. He was brought to Crawford County by
his parents when sixteen years of age. His education was limited to the subscription
schools, and never attended them until after he was twelve years old. Arriving at
his majority, he marked upon his career in life as a farmer upon his own account. He
first rented a farm of eighty acres, on Lamotte Prairie, and remained upon the same until
August, 1854, when he removed to his present residence. His farm contains 70 acres,
and was mostly in timber and brush when he removed to it. He has cleared 54 acres of
it, and erected a large and commodious residence. He
makes the raising of stock a specialty. In 1854, on the 12th of March, ha married
Miss Nancy Ann Dawson, a native of Clark County, Ill., born February 26, 1831, to Daniel
and Esther (Wells) Dawson. Her father was born in South Carolina, November 12, 1797,
and died in Crawford County, Ill., in February, 1869. He was an early settler in
Clark County. Her mother was born in North Carolina June 18, 1795, and is now
residing with her daughter, Mrs. Cox. She came to Crawford County with her parents
in 1819, and located near Hutsonville. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have four children--Martha
May, Henry W., Ella and Amanda C. Mr. Cox is an industrious man, a practical farmer,
a kind, indulgent father, and a good neighbor. He has never been farther away from
home than Terre Haute. He and family are members of the Christian Church.
Politically, he is a Democrat.
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