River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1891-05-07
From the Santa Rosa (Cal) Daily Republican.
AGoOD MAN GONE.
Sketch of the Life of Charles B. Cox.

Charles b. Cox was born in Plymouth
Chemung county, n. Y, Jan. 18th, 1910.
lie lived three months past his Slst birth
day. While vet boy the death of his
father left the care of helpless family
largely to him, and he was both father
and brother to the young brothers and
sisters, devoting himself to them until
they were able to help themselves. In
1882 the family moved TO Ohio. Four
years later he married Miss Margaret
Lockard.
Possessing remarkable mechanical skill
he became carpenter and millwright.
in 1919 he moved to the new State of
Wisconsin and engaged in the milling
business, which he followed till 1872,
when his health falling he retired from
active business and moved to California,
settling in Santa Rosa.
In those days life on the frontier meant
an isolation difficult to realize in these
days of railroads and teIegraphs. file was
brave and courageous and oveTcame all
obstacles and made a home for himself
and family in the new country.
On the community which grew up about
him he left lasting impressions of good.
Largely through his influence it has be-
come an educational center with an en-
viable character
He amassed competence where many
another man with no better financial
ability would have made himself a
millionaire. He does not seen to have
been ambitious to amass wealth. He
held his gains with an open hand. In
his long business life no one accused him
of defrauding. No sharp practice entered
into his financial success. Many there
be who remember his helpfulness with
loving gratitude. His hand was always
open to the needy. None asked help in
vain. That his confidence was sometimes
betrayed made no difference. His heart
was not hardened, nor did he become
distrustful
He held many positions of public trust
During the turbulent years from 1s5' to
1862 he was member of the Wisconsin
State Legislature.
1t is not known that he ever attended
school. In his early life opportunities for
mental culture must have been poor.
"All things come to those who seek, and
throughout busy life, often full of press
ing cares, he found time for reading and
study, and as q result he possessed well
stored and cultured mind, that any col
lege man might be proud of.
His life was more than ordinarily sue
cessful and happy Not that he was free
from cruel griefs and disappointments,
but cheerfulness entered into his daily
life. The sunshine and shadows of his
life were fully shared by his brave and
strong hearted wife for more than fifty
five years of married life.
OF the eight children of the family only
three are now living, Arthur L. Cox of
Tucson, Arizona, Mrs. L. Burnett and
Mrs. j. ID. Barnett of Santa Rosa.
He was idolized by his children. To
them no sorer punishment than fathers
displeasure could be given, and his APP
prevail was reward enough for the most
difficult undertaking. 1t was hard ache
indeed that did not yield TO fathers
sympathetic caressing and the assurance
that 'it would be better in the morning"
All little children loved him. Animals
turned to him as a friend intsinctively.
He was intolerant of all cruelty, injus-
tice and oppression. As young man he
was firm friend of the slave when to be
an abolitionist was thought fanatical.
His nature was deep and broad and
sweet, Astounding in charity and love.
If there was no good to be said of fellow
creature he was silent, but one must be
bad indeed when he could find in him no
redeeming quality. SO perfectly was his
temper under control that very few ever
saw him angry. His was happy, cheer
full disposition, always looking at the
bright side. He was extremely modest
and retiring in his nature, but brave to
heroism none who watched in the last
long struggle for life can doubt. To face
death with every sense alert, knowing
that the remedies suggested could be of
no avail, required a brave heart. He
bore it all cheerfully, patiently, always
considerate of those around him.
AT the close of "a long life, distinguished
by integrity and honesty, shining with
deeds of unseliish kindness, he passed
into the life beyond as tired child to an
untroubled sleep. A. c. b.