Scott County Arkansas Biographies

Waldron News
29 January 1976
The Scott County Bicentennial Committee Salutes:
Rev. James Cox

Grandfather of E.H. Cox, J.B. Cox, and Bessie Elliott. James Cox was born in Monroe County, Tenn. May 4, 1821; moved to Jackson County, Ala. in 1844. He was licensed to preach in September of 1845. While engaged in business he gave 25 years to the local ministry and then joined the North Alabama Conference at its organization in Gadsden, Ala. in Nov. 1870. He transferred to the Arkansas Conference and served Waldron Circuit in 1881; the Fourche Circuit in 1882-83; the Cauthron Circuit in 1884-88; the Gravelly Hill Circuit for two years, thus ending his effective ministry. He spent the remainder of his life in Cauthron, except the last few months which were spent in Waldron. In early life, Brother Cox taught school and afterwards engaged in the mercantile and coal business for a time and possessed considerable money. The Civil War swept it all away. While his partner in business took advantage of the bankruptcy law, Brother Cox turned everything that he had over to his creditors and saved his character. For thirty years, this man of God lived in plain honest, Faithful Christian life among the people of Central West Arkansas. This life has told much for God and righteousness all these years and will for years to come. At the home of his son, Dr. Goodson Cox, in Waldron on Jan. 15, 1911, he "crossed the bar" and entered into glory. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Waldron by D.H. Colquette. The body was interred with Masonic honors by the local lodge of Waldron, assisted by members of the lodge at Cauthron, of which he was a member. Thus ends the earthly career of a good man. Thanks be to God for his life and character! Happy Birthday U.S.A.

Note: The photo above is reproduced from a newspaper and the quality is not the best.