California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


ISAAC COX. Besides the priceless heritage of a good name, and the example of work well 
done, Isaac Cox - left to Merced county three sturdy sons, who conduct his well-appointed 
dairy, and maintain the kind of character and effort which has laid the foundation of the civili- 
zation of the west. Isaac Cox. one of the upbuilders of the western part of Merced county, 
came of rugged English ancestry, and was born October 11, 1845, in Cambridgeshire, on the 
farm of his father, William Cox. He was educated in the national schools of England, and 
came to America in 1865, locating in Wisconsin, where he succeeded at farming and stock-
raising. His brother William Cox died after extended service in the Civil war. Another brother, 
Daniel Cox, came to California about 1860, and resides in Pacific Grove. 

Shortly after arriving in California in 1871, Mr. Cox engaged in farming in Los Banos val- 
ley. He later purchased eighty acres of land now owned and occupied by his widow and sons, 
and until starting his dairy made a specialty of grain and stock. His death occurred January 
12, 1903, in the fifty-eighth year of his age ; his passing from the field of activity which had 
known him so well caused profound sorrow in the hearts of his many friends. He was a man 
of sterling worth, of great industry and practical business shrewdness. A stanch upholder of 
Republicanism, he never sought or was willing to accept any office save that of school director. 
He was fraternally connected with the Foresters. Mrs. Cox, who is recognized as one of the 
ideal women and mothers of the county, was formerly Caroline Birchall, and was born in 
Manchester, England, in 1849. Her father, Joseph, and her mother, Sarah Ann (Ginn) 
Birchall, were also born in England, the former in Northampton, and the latter in Wakefield. 
Joseph Birchall was a bookkeeper and expert accountant, and his services were in demand in 
several cities in England, his death occurring in Leeds. Abram Ginn, the maternal grandfather 
of Mrs. Cox, was an oldtime character in Wakefield, and for many years owned and operated 
a flouring mill in town. Mrs. Cox is the fourth child in a family of nine children, seven of whom 
are living, and is the only one in California. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were married in Leeds, England, 
April 19, 1881, while Mr. Cox was on a visit to his home, and their married life was a par- 
ticularly happy and contented one. With her sons, William, Joe Benton and George W., she 
manages her well tilled farm, superintends a model dairy and raises fine stock and poultry. 
Her white Leghorns are not only many but famous, and a considerable income is derived from 
her extensive poultry operations. She is a genial and sympathetic woman, and a devout member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her sons are men of high ideals, excellent morals, and 
practical worth, and their standing in the community is unexcelled.