W. K. Walter Cox

W. K. Cox, son of Enoch and Sarah (Drummond) Cox, was born in Ross county, O., August 20, 1832. His father and mother were natives of Ohio, the former a miller by trade, married at the age of twenty-two, in 1829. In 1S37 they moved to this county, and here he erected one of the first grist and saw mills on Indian creek, famous for fifty miles around. He built this mill outright himself, and worked it until the water failed, when he erected a larger concern at the mouth of Camp run, on Spoon river, where his desire to do what was right brought him hosts of customers and won him many friends. In 1858 Mrs. Cox died. Of her eight children, seven are living and four residents of this county. A few years Later Mr. Cox transferred the mill to W. K., the present operator. The old gentleman married a second time, his wife dying in 1880. For eight years his own health has shown signs of failure, so that now the great old pioneer miller of Indian creek is only a shadow of the strong man whom the pioneers and old settlers knew so well. W. K. Cox resided with his parents until 1850, when he became a cattle-buyer. Some years Later he resumed farming, and prior to the war took charge of his father's mill. In 1860 he married Miss J. E. Miller, born in 1842 in Hocking county, O., and came to this county with her parents in 1844. For twelve years after this marriage Mr. Cox continued milling, but owing to the radical change in machinery he discontinued this industry, and has since devoted his attention to stock growing and agriculture. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cox, five are living—Mrs. Brock way, of Duncan; Orrin W., deceased; Plessie E., Mrs. E. Miller, of Essex; Nettie M., Mrs. L. Brock way; Harley G. and Herman C. In politics Mr. Cox is Republican, and liberal in all ideas.