My Genealogy Hound

Willis R. Cox was born in Lincoln County, Ky., on February 29, 1828, and is a son of William B. Cox (deceased), a native of Culpeper County, Va. The latter immigrated with his family to Warren County, Mo., in 1828, afterward locating successively in Montgomery and Pike Counties. Willis R. received a fair education in the subscription schools of Missouri, and learned the cabinetmaker’s trade. When a young man he began making fanning mills, which he continued for ten years, until the separator threshers ruined his business. He afterward followed contracting and building until about 1876, since which time he has been engaged in farming. In the fall of 1852 he came to McDonald County, settling in Pineville, but located on his present farm in 1873. His marriage with Eliza DeHaven, a daughter of William DeHaven, deceased, was celebrated on April 17, 1853. She was born in Parke County, Ind., and her father was a native of Breckenridge County, Ky. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of eight children, five of whom, Albert, Lee, Belle, Leonard and Charles, are living. Albert married Margaret Teague, and now resides in Springfield, Mo. They have three children: Clarence, Clide and Blanche. Belle married Samuel L. Prater, of McDonald County, and has two children: Lillie May and Leroy. Mr. Cox owns 128 acres of land, and is engaged in farming, stock raising and fruit growing. He has never desired nor sought official honors; on the contrary he was one time elected county treasurer, but declined to serve. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, and is a Mason and an Odd Fellow.