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Death of Gen’l Cox
He Passed Peacefully Away on Friday Evening.
The Record of a Remarkable Military and Political
Career.
General Robert C. Cox died at this home in this borough last Friday evening at 5:30 o’clock. He had been confined to the house for about two years and had been steadily declining in strength. Until recently he had been able to sit up for a time every day; but towards the last he had no desire to leave his bed, and when the end came his spirit glided so peacefully into the unknown that those about his bedside hardly realized the presence of the messenger. He was almost seventy-eight years of age.
Gen. Robert Corson Cox was a native of Fairfield township, Lycoming county, where he was born November 18, 1823, a son of William and Hannah (Corson) Cox, the former a native of Montour county, of Irish ancestry, and the latter of Lycoming county, of German Quaker stock. His parents removed to Delmar township, this county, when Robert was about two months old, where they lived some twelve years and then returned to their former home in Lycoming county.
In April, 1841, the family again came to this county and settled near the site of Liberty borough. Here the mother died in May, 1842, and the father in February, 1856. Robert C. was in his eighteenth year when his parents located in Liberty township, and had spent his boyhood assisting them on the farm, attending the common schools during the winter seasons and enduring the trials and hardships of those early days. On April 7, 1846, he married Lydia An Wheeland, a daughter of George and Mary K. Wheeland, of Liberty, whose ancestors were pioneers of Loyalsock township, Lycoming county, whence her parents removed to Liberty township, Tioga county, in 1827. Three children blessed this union, as follows: Henry C., of Wellsboro; Mary E., deceased wife of Jacob K. Richards, and Carrie M., deceased wife of A. P. Dartt. After his marriage Mr. Cox took charge of the homestead farm, on which his father had paid $500, but on account of a defective title Robert was compelled to repurchase the property. Here he lived, clearing the land and tilling the soil, until 1854, when he sold the farm and embarked in merchandising and lumbering at Liberty, which business he followed until entering the army in 1862. In the meantime he had served six years as orderly sergeant of a volunteer cavalry company, and was brigade inspector of militia, with the rank of Major, from 1854 up to the first year of the war.
On the breaking out of the Rebellion he at once took an active and prominent part in raising troops to defend the flag, some of which were not accepted, Pennsylvania’s quota being full. But in August, 1862, he went to Harrisburg with the drafted men from Tioga county, and on the organization of the One Hundred and Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers he was elected Major of th regiment, his commission dating November 18, 1862. This regiment served about one year, principally on garrison duty in North Carolina, and was mustered out at Harrisburg in August, 1863. In the summer of 1864 Major Cox was authorized by Adjutant General Russell to raise a regiment, and the result of his efforts in that direction was the gallant Two Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which command he was commissioned Colonel September 28, 1864. The regiment participated in the closing scenes of the war, including Hatcher’s Run, Fort Steadman, the assa****n and capture of Petersburg, and the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. In March, 1865, while in front of Petersburg, the regiment present General Cox with a horse and complete outfit, valued at $550, as a token of their appreciation of his soldierly qualities and the warm place he had in their affections. Its brave and efficient commander was brevetted Brigadier General April 9, 1865, participated with his regiment in the grand review at Washington, D. C., was mustered out with this command at Alexandria, Virginia, May 31, 1865, and was discharged at Harrisburg on June 5, following. Returning to his home at Liberty, General Cox resumed the peaceful pursuits of merchandising and lumbering, and again became a plain American citizen.
In politics, General Cox was originally a Whig, casting his first vote for Henry Clay for President, and he was a consistent Republican from the organization of that party. He served as a Justice of the Peace in Liberty from 1862 to 1867, and was Postmaster of that borough from April, 1869, until the autumn of the same year, when he was elected Treasurer of Tioga County, which office he filled one term. While still Treasurer he was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts, November 13, 1872, and was re-elected six successive terms, serving in that office a period of twenty-one consecutive years. He had been a permanent resident of Wellsboro since the fall of 1872, and was widely known in the State.
General Cox was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century and he was always a liberal contributor to church work in this community and he was faithful in the discharge of his religious duties. In 1896 the General and Mrs. Cox celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Cox is surviving. Few men were more favorably known in this section of the State than this old veteran, whose unsullied integrity and clean military and official record endeared him to the people of Tioga county. At his last election as Prothonotary he received 9,302 votes, or fifty-eight more than the combined vote cast for Pattison and Delamater, and during the closing of that term he was frequently urged by many leading men in different parts of the county to again be a candidate for the office which he had filled so long and faithfully, but he firmly declined and retired to private life in January, 1894.
The following is a list of the commissions held by General Cox, which in themselves form the record of a useful and honorable life:
Commissioned Brigade Inspector of Militia, with rank of Major, July 18, 1854 to 1859.
Also, Brigade Inspector in June, 1859 to 1864.
Justice of the Peace from February, 1862 to 1867.
Major of the 171st Regiment, Pa. Vols., November 18, 1862.
Colonel 207th Regiment, Pa. Vols., September 28, 1864.
Brevet Brigadier-General, Arpil 9, 1865.
Postmaster at Liberty, April 13, 1869.
Treasurer of Tioga county in January, 1870.
Major-General of National Guard of Pa., June 6, 1871.
Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts of Tioga county, November 13, 1872.
Prothonotary, etc., December 14, 1875.
Prothonotary, etc., December 28, 1878.
Prothonotary, etc., December 15, 1881.
Prothonotary, etc., December 16, 1884.
Prothonotary, etc., December 21, 1887.
Prothonotary, etc., December 19, 1890.
Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army Posts and the Reunion Association of Tioga county.
It is not surprising that in all the years of his political career General Cox should have had the support of all his companions in arms. He was uniformly kind and considerate as a military commander and “the boys” stuck to him like a brother. His genial disposition and kindly nature also won a wide circle of personal friends among the younger men of the county, who honored and respected him as a public servant and a private citizen.
One very remarkable incident of General Cox’s career as Prothonotary was the fact that during the twenty-one years he held the office he was able to be present at every regular term of court and at all of the adjourned and special courts. His health was uniformly good, and very few were the days in all those years that he was not able to sit at this desk in the Prothonotary’s office.
When General Cox took the responsibility of looking after the records of the county the office was located in the little old brick building on the corner near the county jail. The documents were stored in bungling wooden cupboards and constantly menaced by the danger of fire. The inestimable value of these records emphasized the importance of a safer depository, and the new county offices were built and the papers carefully arranged, indexed and stowed away in a manner most convenient for the public. It was largely through his instrumentality that the new county office building was erected.
The funeral services held from Gen. Cox’s home yesterday afternoon were very largely attended, but in their tasteful simplicity the modesty of the dead soldier was reflected. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. Joseph Dennis, Gen. Cox’s pastor, assisted by Rev. Dr. A. C. Shaw, and Rev. William Heakes. Mr. Dennis, Dr. Shaw and Col. R. T. Wood, of Elkland, made affecting addresses. Mrs. Lloyd Smith, accompanied by her daughter, Miss Helen Smith, sang four appropriate hymns.
The casket containing the General’s remains was placed in the parlor beneath the mantelpiece, which had been banked with white roses, and on the casket lit lay the sword the General had used in the civil war, and the casket was draped by the rich flag which had been presented to Major Meredith, of the 207th Regiment, by the Regimental Association, and which he had brought from Harrisburg to adorn the dead commander’s coffin.
A large number of members of Geo. Cook Post and visiting veterans of the 207th, with others, met at the G. A. R. building and marched in a body to the services at the General’s home and thence to his grave. The grave was in the General’s family plot in the cemetery, overlooking the spacious flower garden, with its many roses, and beside the graves of his daughters, Mrs. Carrie Dartt and Mrs. Mary Richards.
The burial service was rendered, according to the affecting G. A. R. ritual by Commander Campbell and Chaplain Pond, of George Cook Post, assisted by comrades in that organization, and at its conclusion, Major Meredith, of Harrisburg, made a few touching remarks. The obsequies were then over, and the many witnesses of the burial dispersed, reflecting on the great loss which the civil war veterans of Northern Pennsylvania, this community and the county had sustained.
The following were the pallbearers, all officers and members of the 207th Regiment: Capt. E. R. Backer of Elmira, Major D. B. Meredith of Steelton, Capt. J. H. Miller of Salladasburg, Col. R. T. Wood of Elkland, Major John J. Reese of Roundtop, George W. Johnson of Covington, O. P. Babcock of Elkland, J. H. Linck of Williamsport, Samuel D. Evans and D. A. Evans of Charleston, D. L. Deane and Louis Doumaux of Wellsboro.
Fifty survivors of the 207th regiment and 60 civil war veterans formed the guards of honor to the cemetery.----
At a meeting of the survivors of the 207th Regiment, held here yesterday afternoon, the following resolutions were passed:
Whereas, Death being no respecter of persons, entering the palace of the king and the lowly cottage, and
Whereas, the Grim Messenger has again entered into the ranks of the veterans of the commonwealth and taken one of our most esteemed comrades, therefore
Resolved, that in the death of General Robert C. Cox, the State of Pennsylvania has lost one of its most loyal citizens, the community in which he lived one of its most prominent and useful members, the family its honored head and protector.
Resolved, That in his death every old soldier has lost his best friend and comrade, one who by his constant urbanity and kindness to his soldier boys had become endeared to them by ties as lasting as time and his memory will be cherished by them and their children’s children, long after the marble shall have crumbled to dust.
Resolved, that to the surviving members of this family we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy in this great bereavement.
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased, also en engrossed copy to be entered on the minutes of the Third Division of the Ninth Army Corps and Regimental Association.
R. T. Wood,
D. B. Meredith,
J. H. Linck,
Committee.
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His Brilliant War Record
Interesting Sketch of the Old Commander’s Remarkable Career – His Personal Popularity in Civil Life – Whole County Greatly Mourns His Death.
Wellsboro mourns the death of a good man, a loyal son, a generous hearted, public-spirited citizen. General Robert C. Cox peacefully passed away at his home on West Main street last Friday evening just before 6 o’clock, in the 78th year of his age.
The public generally has been aware of the protracted illness of General Cox. For several months past he has been gradually failing, and all that medical aid could do was brought to bear in the hope of prolonging his life, but without avail. The night before his death he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep from which he never wakened. He died as he lived, loved and respected by all who knew him.
Few men in this section of the State were better known or possessed more of the confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens than Robert C. Cox. His scorn of everything mean or base, his disregard of consequences in the pursuit of what he thought right, his belief in the sincerity of others, being himself absolutely sincere, were qualities that bound his friends close to him. Kind, genial and possessing a heart that beat in sympathy with those in distress or burdened with trouble, his hand was ever willing to bestow upon the deserving deeds of charity and assistance. He is gone, but the fine vitality and power of his character will survive his death. In the affection of all who knew him, and their names are legion, he will live long as an endearing member and a wholesome inspiration.
The eulogy of the “Advocate” as to the true worth and character of the deceased is so well expressed that we reproduce it below:
Robert C. Cox was born in Lycoming county, of sturdy pioneer stock, and endured the trials and hardships of poverty. Provided only with the rude elementary education which the common schools of the early day furnished, he went forth to battle the world. He tilled the soil, engaged in trade at Liberty until he entered the army. There he rose rapidly by dint of his ability, integrity and popularity. He was a born soldier and led his men, not directing them. It was before Petersburg where he dismounted and led his regiment on foot over the parapet, for which bravery he received a Brigadier-General’s star. He was not a tin soldier with a strong political pull, but a loyal, patriotic defender of his country and the flag, and he achieved the most brilliant military record of any of the Northern tier men. As a citizen he took a deep interest in civic affairs, was public spirited, progressive, liberal, and he was counted upon to contribute to every object of public benefit in Wellsboro and vicinity, and he never failed to discharge that duty. As Prothonotary of the court for twenty-one years he became know to almost the entire adult population of the county, who had in him the utmost confidence, as his long term of public service shows. He was one of the most ardent members of the Methodist denomination and gave his time and money cheerfully to sustain and support the cause of the gospel. His benevolence and charitableness were proverbial and no needy one was ever turned away empty handed. If he were an old soldier he received a double portion. He maintained his erect soldierly bearing to the end. At the last reunion of the county association feeble health would not permit him to attend, so his boys paid him a visit, an affectionate, tender farewell. They realized, as he did, that they would probably never again see him alive. It was a scene that moved every eyewitness to tears. Like all brave men, he was modest and unassuming. He was a true soldier, not only of the armies of his country but of the Cross, and he bore his burden in the heat of the day uncomplainingly. His kindly face has gone out from among us forever more, but the influence of his example as patriot, citizen and Christian will long remain a benediction to those who knew and loved him. The sympathy of the community goes out to the family bereaved, in full measure to his affectionate wife, his faithful helpmate through both sunshine and storm who did everything possible, as did his son, to make the sunset of a successful patriotic noble career, one filled with a great peace.
Sketch of His Life.
Robert Corson Cox was a native of Fairfield township, Lycoming county, where he was born November 18, 1823, a son of William and Hannah (Corson) Cox, the former a native of Montour county, of Irish ancestry, and the latter of Lycoming county, of German-Quaker stock. His parents removed to Delmar township, this county, when Robert C. was but two months old, where they lived some twelve years and then returned to their former home in Lycoming county. In April, 1841, the family again came to this county and settled near the site of Liberty borough. Here the mother died in May, 1842, and the father in February, 1856. Robert C. was in his eighteenth year when his parents located in Liberty township, and had spent his boyhood in assisting them on the farm, attending the common schools during the winter seasons and enduring the trials and hardships of those early days.
On April 7, 1846, he married Lydia Ann Wheeland, a daughter of George and Mary K. Wheeland, of Liberty, whose ancestors were pioneers of Loyalsock township, Lycoming county, whence her parents moved to Liberty township, in 1827. Of the three children who blessed this union Henry C. Cox, of this village, is living.
After his marriage Mr. Cox took charge of the homestead farm on which his father had paid $500, but on account of a defective title our subject was compelled to repurchase the property. Here he lived, clearing the land and tilling the soil, until 1854, when he sold the farm and embarked in merchandising and lumbering at Liberty, which business he followed until entering the army in 1862. In the meantime he had served six years as orderly sergeant of a volunteer cavalry company, and was brigade inspector of militia, with a rank of major, from 1854 up to the first year of the war.
On the breaking out of the Rebellion he at once took an active and prominent part in raising troops to defend the flag, some of which were not accepted, Pennsylvania's quota being full. But in August, 1862, he went to Harrisburg with the drafted men from Tioga county, and on the organization of the 171st Pa. Vol. he was elected major of the regiment, his commission dating November 18, 1862. This regiment served about one year, principally on garrison duty in North Carolina and was mustered out at Harrisburg in August, 1863.
In the summer of 1864 General Cox was authorized by Adjutant General Russell to raise a regiment, and the result of his efforts in that direction was the gallant Two Hundred and Seventh Pa. Vol., of which regiment he was commissioned Colonel, Sept. 28, 1864. The regiment participated in the closing scenes of the war, including Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman, the assault on and capture of Petersburg, and the surrender of Lee at Appomattox.
In March, 1865, while in front of Petersburg, the regiment presented General Cox with a horse named General Banks and complete outfit, valued at $550, as a token of their appreciation of his soldierly qualities and the warm place he had in their affections. Its brave and efficient commander was brevetted brigadier-general April 9, 1865. His commission is signed by President Johnson and Secretary of War Stanton. He participated with his regiment in the grand review at Washington, D. C., was mustered out with his command at Alexandria, Va., May 31, 1865, and was discharged at Harrisburg, on June 5th following. Returning to his home in Liberty, Gen. Cox resumed the peaceful pursuits of merchandizing and lumbering and again became a plain American citizen.
In politics General Cox was originally a Whig, casting his first vote for Henry Clay for president, and has been a consistent Republican since the organization of that party. He served as a Justice of the Peace at Liberty from 1862 to 1867, and was the postmaster of that borough from April, 1869, until the autumn of the same year, when he was elected Treasurer of Tioga county, which office he filled one term. While still Treasurer he was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of the Court, November 13, 1872, and was re-elected six successive terms, serving in that office a period of twenty-one consecutive years.
For more than fifty years General Cox has been one of the active exponents, supporters and members of the Methodist denomination. He was one of the Board of trustees of the Wellsboro M. E. Church as long as his strength allowed it.
The funeral services were held at the late home of the deceased on Tuesday afternoon and were very largely attended, many veterans from all parts of the county being present to pay their last tribute to their loved comrade and commander. The services were conducted by Rev. Joseph Dennis, assisted by Rev. Dr. A. C. Shaw and Rev. William Heakes. Addresses were made by Revs. Dennis and Shaw and Col. R. T. Wood, of Elkland. During the course of their remarks they each paid glowing tributes to the memory of the dead hero, and in referring to his noble traits of character, together with the great love and esteem which he always manifested for his soldier boys, many of the old veterans were moved to tears.
The remains, which were viewed by a large concourse of people, were placed in the parlor beneath the mantelpiece, which had been banked with white roses. The casket was draped with a beautiful flag which had been presented to Major Meredith, of the 207th Regiment, by the Regimental Association. On the casket lid lay the sword the General had used in the civil war.
The following were the pallbearers, all officers and members of the 207 Regiment: Capt. E. R. Backer, of Elmira, Major D. B. Meredith, of Steelton, Capt. J. H. Miller, of Salladasburg, Col. R. T. Wood, of Elkland, Major John J. Reese, of Round Top, George W. Johnson, of Covington, O. P. Babcock, of Elkland, J. H. Linck, of Williamsport, Samuel D. Evans and D. A. Evans, of Charleston, D. L. Deane and Louis Doumaux, of Wellsboro.
The members of George Cook Post and the visiting veterans, which included 50 survivors of the 207th Regiment, acted as guards of honor to the cemetery.
The impressive burial service of the G. A. R. ritual was observed at
the cemetery, and at its conclusion Major Meredith, of Harrisburg, made
a few affecting remarks.
