My Genealogy Hound

John M. Cox, merchant, and son of Lloyd A. and Sarah (English) Cox, was born June 12, 1831, in Greene County, Tenn. The father was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., though the Cox family originally came from Maryland. The mother was born in the same State, and was of English descent. After their marriage, which occurred in Sullivan County, Tenn., they moved to Rheatown, Greene County, in the same State, and here passed their last days. He died at the age of fifty-five, and she at the age of sixty-two. The father was a merchant by occupation and held the office of sheriff of Greene County, Tenn., one term. Both were members of the Methodist Church, and he was a Democrat in his political principles. Their family consisted of seven children, all sons. The eldest of this family, John M. Cox, grew to manhood and received a good education in the academy at Strawberry Plains. He assisted his father in the store until 1852, when he married Miss Mary E. Powell, daughter of Dr. Samuel Powell, and a native of Washington County, Tenn., born in 1831. After marriage they moved to Florida, and four years later came to Cincinnati, this county. He then engaged in merchandising with William H. Rhea, with whom he continued until 1862. During the fall of 1863 he received the appointment of purchasing agent for the transportation department of the Confederacy. After returning he again engaged in merchandising, which occupation he has since continued. In 1862 be opened a tan-yard in Cincinnati, which lay idle until 1867, when he and a partner put it into operation again, but since then Mr. Cox has disposed of his interest in the same, and made merchandising his main business, though he is the owner of 220 acres of land. He has but one child, Charles M., who has grown up in the store, and now has charge of the business. Mrs. Cox died in February, 1882. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Cox is a Democrat in politics, and is a Master Mason. A month before he was twenty-one years of age he applied to the lodge to be admitted as a member, but the master proposed to reject it on the grounds of his age. Andrew Johnson, afterward President of the United States, made a speech in his favor, and as a result Mr. Cox was admitted as a member. He is liberal toward schools, churches and other worthy enterprises, and is a good citizen. He has made the most of his property by his own industry.