My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM COX, clerk, Bloomington; son of John and Elizabeth (Walker) Cox, and grandson of Benjamin and Philena (Dye) Cox; his father was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Sept. 13, 1803; his grandfather came to McLean Co., Ill., in 1825; bought land and returned to bring his family, but soon died; in 1826, the grandmother came to McLean Co. with her family, which consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters, also a nephew, John Kimler, and settled in what was then called Key’s Grove, later known as Blooming Grove. At that time, the county was wild and desolate, and they experienced all the trials and hardships of a pioneer’s life. John Cox married Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of William Walker, a pioneer, March 18, 1828; they raised a family of six, only three of whom are now living; he died Feb. 9, 1858, and his wife, Oct. 22, 1876. The subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm, and received a common education at district school, and took charge of the home farm after the death of his father, on which he continued until 1872, since which time, he has been engaged in the grocery business. He married Miss Minnie A. Ashby, of Bloomington, July 3, 1878.