JAMES COX, 1883-1909, b. England, lived in Pennsylvania; The dawn of 1909 ushered the soul of James Cox into the spirit world, and the home times of over a half century that had become cemented through love and tender associations were ruthlessly broken. Mr. Cox's demise was not unexpected, he had been ailing for over three years from the effects of a fall down a flight of steps at his home. The result of the shock to his system incapacitated him although it did not render himi entirely helpless until several weeks ago. The faithful and tender ministrations of his wife and children were beautiful and fitting tributes to the aged Veteran during the weeks of his suffering. The deceased was a son of the late Samuel & Hannah Podmore Cox and was born Nov 15, 1833 at Abersychan, Monmouthshere, England. Four years later he emigrated to America with his parents, settling at Minersville. The family subsequently removed to York Tunnel and later to New Mines and Swatara, respectively. June 25, fifty-six years ago he united in marriage with Miss Ann Jones. The deceased had a spendid military record, such as any soldier might be proud of. In August 1861, inspired by love for his adopted country, he being a resident of Schuylkill county at the time, enlisted in Captain J Claude White's company which eventually became attached to the 34rd PA Cavalry whose Colonel was W.H. Averill, a West Point graduate and an officer of commanding ability. The company originally enrolled numbered 108, all residents of Schuylkill County and numbered, amongst others, many who after the war became residents of Williamstown amongst them David Challenger, Holden Chester, Daniel Jones and others. The company L uner its brilliant and dashing commander, J. Claude White, a native of England and a son of an Episcopalian minister, soon made itself conspicuous for its dash and daring and soon was recognized at Headquarters as the "Old Reliable" No man in the company shone more resplendent than the deceased and whether on scout,skirmish, or the charge of battle, he was always prominent, his actions winning the plaudits of his comrades and the enconiums of his officers. His services throughout his term of enlistment, his hair breath escapes from desperate situations, his horse on one occasion having been shot dead from under him, his coolness under fire, his various soldiery escapes some of them ludicrous in the extreme, would, if collected together fill a volume of no mean proportion, but now he is gone, and like a knight of old his body is entombed, his sword is rust, and his soul has gone to the God who gave it. Upon his return from active service he became outside foreman of the Swatara Schuylkill County colliery and later had charge of the inside workings. In July, 1875, he removed with his family to Williamstown where he secured employment at the colliery. His knowledge and experience inmining brought him to the notice of the Summit Branch mine officials and upon the resignation of the late William Thomas who left at that time for Colorado, Mr. Cox was made inside foreman. For twelve years he served the company most efficiently and would no doubt have remained in its emply for a much longer period had he not resigned in order to devote his entire attention to the general store business which he had established several years prior to this. His business career like that of his war and mine record was honorable. Honest and reasonable in his dealings with his fellow men he held the confidence and esteem of all. As a husband and father, those who know him best, love him most. Mr. Cox, in his palmy days was a skilled marksman and for a number of years was acknowledged as the champion wing shot of Schuylkill and Dauphin Counties. Always active in all that pertained to the welfare of his home and town, Mr. Cox made no pretentions toward a religious live until three years ago, when, in the presence of a large congregation in the M.E Church one Sunday morning he deliberately walked to the alter and affiliated himself with that denomination. The writer well remembers the incident and the effect it had upon the audience as the gray haired veteran gave the responses in a clear soldiery manner. From that time on he became an earnest seeker after the truth and rarely absented himself from the services. He was a close friend of the pastor's. Rev. A.M. Witwer, and the able and masterly sermon preached by the latter at the obsequies bore evidence of the ove he felt for the aged father in Israel. His deep religious faith, his manly principles, his liberal and broad-minded policies, his natural gentleness, his lack of vindictiveness, his moral strength, his domestic virtues and his upright, sturdy qualities caused him to be respected and admired by all who know him. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.M. Witwer on Monday afternoon. His body, clothed in his Grand Army suit, in his richly arrayed couch casket surrounded by floral tributes was viewed by hundreds of friends who had assembled in the lecture room of the M.E. Church to pay the last sad rites. The choir sang most effectively, the following favorite hymns of the deceased: "By Cool Silome's Shady Hill", "Close to Thee" and "Precious Name" after which the cortege proceeded to the Evangelical cemetery, The pall bearers were selected from Chester Post as follows: William Martz, Robert Pennel, James Baird, Adam Row, William Young, Jacob Clonser. Following is the order procession: A riderless black steed from the saddle of which hung a pair of cavalry boots and a sword. Thos McCord bearing craped colors and bugler, William Raudenbush: the Citizen's Band: a firing squad of twelve members of the Sons of Veterans: members of the Chester Post and other Veterans, Ladies Relief Corps: mourners, followed by a large array of persons of both sexes. Ath the grave the rituals of the G.A.R. ans the Ladies aid the rendering of "Nearer my God to Thee" by the band, the firing over the grave by the firing squad and th mournful taps, closed the impressive service. Mr. Cox is survived by one son, Sam'l Cox of Lykens and the following daughters: Mrs. Hannah Jones; Annie, Mrs. (Aaron) Ralph; Evelyn, Mrs. (Edgar) Moss; Mercy, Mrs. (Chas) Nash; Phoebe, Mrs. (Henry) Stinner of town; Mollie (Mrs. (Chas) Allen of Towe City. Eighteen grandchildren and one great grand child also survive. Mrs. Cox and members of the family desire to thank Thos Bond and other friends who rendered valuable assistance during their bereavement. FLoral offerings were presented by the following persons: Pillow, by Sam'l Cox and Mrs. Chas. Allen; Pillow, Mrs. Benj. Cox, children and Uriah Wenrich casket boquet, Sam'l Cox, Mrs. A. Ralph, Mrs. Edgar Moss, MRs. Chas Nash, Mrs. Henry Stinner, Jas Cox Thompason and Mrs. Geo. Hawk; casket bouquet, Engineer Corps, Lykens: Casket boquet, Mrs. Peter Smith; Sheath of wheat Relief Corps; Bouquet, Mrs. David Law: Slumber Robe, Mrs. Hannah Jones: The following persons were in attendance from a distance: Miss Jenet Weir, Mrs. George Hawk, Philadelphia; Mrs. John Weir, Mt. Carmel; Mr. & Mrs. Wm Kuehn, Minersville; Sam'l Cox, Uriah Wenrich, Jennie Cox, J.C. Thompason, Mrs. Jane Cox, Harrisburg; Mr & Mrs Sam'l Cox, Mrs. Ellen Motter, Mr & Mrs William Evans, Mr and MRs VanHorn, Mrs. Fred Kniley, Mrs. William Trout, Mr and Mrs Wentxler, Morgan Edwards, William Harper, Robert Swab, Mrs. Sarah Fotheringall, Lykens: John Murphy, Job White, of Wisconsin; Mrs. George Hancock, Northumberland; Miss Eva Hancock, DAniel Harris and wife, Shamokin; Charles Allen and wife, Isaac Thompson, Herbert and Bessie Stephens, Mrs. Blackmand and Mrs. Luther Kaufman of Tower city.