She was married about 1867 to W. Jasper Owens who was born in Kentucky in 1845 to William Owens and Frances Owens. Williams Owens appeared as the head of Household 78-78 in the 1860 census of Lampasas County rendered as:
"Owens, William 45, born in Virginia, $700 personal property
Frances 37, born in Kentucky, wife
John 20, born in Kentucky, son
Jane 19, born in Kentucky, daughter
Mary 18, born in Kentucky, daughter
Jasper 16, born in Kentucky, son
Wayne 15, born in Kentucky, son
Newton 9, born in Kentucky, son
Nancey A. 7, born in Arkansas, daughter
Russell 4, born in Arkansas, son"
W. Jasper Owens appeared as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Lampasas County in an adjoining entry with that of James Christopher Cox. The family was rendered as:
"Owens, Jasper 35, born in Kentucky, father born in Virginia,
mother born in Kentucky,
farmer
Mary 30, born in Arkansas, father
born in Indiana
mother born in Missouri,
wife
Anthony 12, born in Texas, father born in Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
son
Lucinda 11, born in Texas, father born in
Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
daughter
Sarah 9, born in Texas, father born
in Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
daughter
Mary 8, born in Texas, father born
in Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
daughter
James 5, born in Texas, father born in Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
son
Lottie 3, born in Texas, father born in
Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
daughter
Martha 6/12, born in Texas, father born
in Kentucky,
mother born in Missouri,
daughter
W. Jasper Owens died in Texas in 1908, and Mary E. Cox Owens died July 17, 1917 at age 68.
Children born to them include:
Anthony Wayne Owens born in 1868
Lucinda Owens born in 1869
Sarah Owens born in 1871
Mary Owens born in 1872
James Owens born in 1875
Lottie Owens born in 1877
Martha Owens born in December 1879
Abb Owens born about 1882
Andy Owens born about 1885
Foster Owens born about 1888
Foster Owens, son of W. Jasper Owens and Mary E. Cox Owens, was born in Texas in 1888. He lived in Del Rio, Texas about 1955.
Julia Ann Cox, daughter of James Christopher Cox and Lucinda Wright Cox, was born about 1851, probably in Missouri, and was brought to Texas by her father about that time. She did not appear in his household in the 1860 census, but she appeared as a 13-year-old [?] in his household in the 1870 census of Lampasas County. She was married January 2, 1875 in Lampasas County to Newton Owens, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book A, page 53. He is believed to be a brother to W. Jasper Owens. They continued to live in Lampasas County in 1890. One reports that Newton Owens became a preacher in Kempner, Texas. She died in Oklahoma.
Children born to them include:
James Walter Owens born about 1871
William Owens born about 1872
Claude Owens born about 1874
T. Arvil Owens born February 23, 1890
Lloyd Owens born about 1892
Myrtle Owens born about 1894
May Owens born about 1897
James Walter Owens, son of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1871 in Lampasas County. In 1960 he lived in Long Beach, California.
William Owens, son of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1872 in Lampasas County. Of this individual nothing more is known.
Claude Owens, son of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1874. Of this individual nothing more is known.
Arvil Owens, son of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born February 23, 1890 in Lampasas County. In 1960 he lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Lloyd Owens, son of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1892 in Edwards County, Texas. In 1960 he continued there.
Myrtle Owens, daughter of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1894. Of this individual nothing more is known.
May Owens, daughter of Newton Owens and Julia Cox Owens, was born about 1897. She was married about 1914 to Cicero Childers. In 1960 they lived in Los Angeles, California.
Absalom Franklin Cox, son of James Christopher Cox and Lucinda Wright Cox, was born in 1852, probably in Bell County. He appeared in the 1860 census of Lampasas as a five-year-old in his father's household. He reappeared as an 18-year-old in the 1870 census of Lampasas County.
He was married about 1872 to Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer, who was born in 1857 in Texas to James M. Greer and Amanda Stewart Greer. James M. Greer appeared as the head of a household in the 1880 census of Mohamet, Burnet County, Texas. He was born May 25, 1830 in Tennessee of parents born in Virginia. Amanda Stewart Greer was born August 11, 1830 in Tennessee of parents born in Tennessee. Their first child, Maggie Greer was born on the river steamer "Robert E. Lee" while the couple was coming down the Mississippi River to Texas, according to Talley Houston Greer, their grandson who lived in Sweetwater, Texas in 1959. Hattie Greer, another daughter, was married to Ben Stewart. Amanda Stewart Greer died September 17, 1903, and James M. Greer died April 11, 1906.
Absalom Franklin Cox received a deed to 80 acres on the North San Gabriel River, located 20 miles northeast of Burnet, Texas April 10, 1891 from John C. Greer and S. R. Greer, for $500, according to Burnet County Deed Book Y, page 484. On the following day he sold the property back to John C. Greer. In 1893 he was listed as a "rock mason" living in Bertram.
Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox died of cancer in 1898 and was buried in Mohamet Cemetery. He was remarried July 3, 1900 to Mrs. N. E. Wade, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book F, page 115. On October 26, 1903 he, a resident of Burnet County, sold an interest in 80 acres there to W. H. Greer for $1,000, according to Burnet County Deed Book 40, page 525.
He was married a third time March 24, 1921 to Mrs. Mary Jane Newton, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book J, page 96. Absalom Franklin Cox, nearly blind in his later years, was run down and killed August 20, 1925 by a railyard switch-engine in Sweetwater, Texas, according to Concho County, Texas Probate Book 32, page 466. Mary Jane Newton Cox lived in Sweetwater in 1927. No children were born to them.
Children born to Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox include:
Brance Cox born about 1874
Samuel Christopher Cox born February 7, 1880
Lee Cox born about 1881
Howard Thadevick Cox born about 1882
Florence Lillian Cox born May 25, 1893
Brance Cox, son of Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox, was born about 1874. He was married about 1897 to Ann McAndrews who died soon after their marriage. Brance Cox accompanied his brother-in-law Homer Hutto, who had married a sister to Ann McAndrews to Vernon, Texas where they became involved in a gunfight. In the fight Hutto was killed, but before he died he was able to kill one of the assailants. Brance Cox immediately disappeared and was never heard from again by his family.
Children born to Brance Cox and Ann McAndrews Cox include:
Raymond Cox born about 1899
Raymond Cox, son of Brance Cox and Ann McAndrews Cox was born about 1899. It was reported that he was employed in the post office in Amarillo, Texas in 1959.
Samuel Christopher Cox, son of Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox, was born February 7, 1880 at Mohamet, according to Burnet County Probate Birth Book P5, page 290. Talley Houston Greer and S. C. Glass, both of Nolan County, Texas, attested to his birth certificate dated July 10, 1942. He lived in Concho County until 1927 when he removed to Sweetwater where he lived in 1959. He died there of cancer about 1961.
Lee Cox, daughter of Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox, was born about 1881. On March 8, 1909 she, a resident of McCullough County, Texas, joined her sister Florence Lillian Cox Anderson in conveying their interests in the estate of their mother to I. J. Clark for 200, according to Burnet County Deed Book 49, page 121. Included was 409 acres of land which was partitioned by James Greer and Bowlin B. Perry. She reportedly remained unmarried, and her place of residence was unknown in 1959.
Howard Thadevick Cox, son of Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox, was born about 1882. Later he lived in Travis County, Texas. He was deceased in Travis County before the death of his father, according to Concho County Probate Book 32, page 466.
Florence Lillian Cox, daughter of Absalom Franklin Cox and Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox, was born May 25, 1893 at Bertram, Texas, according to Burnet County Probate Birth Book 8, page 449. Her birth certificate issued in 1955, was certified by Mary J. Kendrick, Eden, Texas and Mattie Leatherwood, Concho County.
She was married about 1905, husband's name Anderson. Florence Cox Anderson lived in Concho County in 1925 and in San Angelo, Texas in 1959.
Martha J. Cox, daughter of James Christopher Cox and Lucinda Wright Cox, was born January 11, 1855 in Lampasas County. She appeared in the 1860 census of her father's household as a three-year-old. She reappeared in the 1870 census of his family as a 15-year-old.
She was married in Lampasas December 17, 1874 to Samuel Elliott, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book A, page 32. He was born July 15, 1854. It is believed that they moved to Eddy County, New Mexico about 1885, perhaps with members of the Van Winkle family, and settled in Eddy, [now Carlsbad] New Mexico. She was remarried December 2, 1890 to Amos Hammond. He died January 25, 1917 at age 74. She died August 8, 1938 at Carlsbad.
Children born to Samuel Elliott and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott include:
James R. Elliott born January 17, 1876
Frank Elliott born May 11, 1878
Kate Augusta Elliott born March 6, 1880
Brice Samuel Elliott born November 14, 1882
Charley M. Elliott (twin) born August 13, 1889
Maga M. Elliott (twin) born August 13, 1889
Children born to Amos Hammond and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott Hammond include:
Gilbert Vernon Hammond born about 1892
Tennie Hammond born about 1894
James R. Elliott, son of Samuel Elliott and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott, was born May 11, 1878. In 1960 he lived in New Mexico.
Brice Samuel Elliott, son of Samuel Elliott and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott, was born November 14, 1882. In 1960 he lived in New Mexico.
Gilbert Vernon Hammond, son of Amos Hammond and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott Hammonds, was born about 1892. He was married January 26, 1916 to Bertha Bodie.
Tennie Hammond, daughter of Amos Hammond and Martha L. Cox Owens Sutton Elliott Hammonds, was born about 1894. She was married to J. C. Lawrence February 10, 1921.
Samuel Andrew Cox, son of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born May 3, 1862 in Lampasas County, Texas while his father was in Tennessee in Confederate service. He appeared in the 1870 census of his father's household as an eight-year-old named "John Cox." In honor of her brother Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox named her first son "John." However, because of some disagreement between the two families between the 1870 and the 1880 census enumerations she changed the name of her son to Samuel Andrew Cox, perhaps in honor of Andrew Jackson Van Winkle, another brother.
He registered his cattle brand "ANDY" September 17, 1886 and his horse brand "AC" April 26, 1881 in Lampasas County. He was married December 28, 1881 to Mary Alice [or Ellen] Greer, sister to Charlotte J. "Lottie" Greer Cox in Burnet County, Texas. She was born at Lampasas in 1861.
Samuel Andrew Cox died in Lampasas County December 27, 1890. Following winning a horserace in Lampasas and collecting his prizemoney [and some side bets] he was on his way home at night when he was ambushed by outlaws. He was shot in the back and robbed. After his assailants departed he remounted his horse and rode to a nearby creek for water where he apparently collapsed. Spencer Howell and Hulda Margaretta Cox Howell heard the shots and ran to him. They took him to their home, and he died there with his sister cradling his head in her arms.
He was buried in nearby Old Rock Church cemetery. Mary Alice Greer Cox died in Burnet County February 29, 1908.
Children born Samuel Andrew Cox and Mary Alice Greer Cox include:
Della Cox born about 1883
Thomas Weatherstone Cox born September 29, 1886
James Wilson Cox born about 1887
Allie Cox born about
1890
Della Cox, daughter of Samuel Andrew Cox and Mary Alice Greer Cox, was born about 1883 in Lampasas County. She was married about 1902 to Nath Edde who died in Beaumont, Texas February 8, 1909. She died before 1960.
One child was born to them:
Beatrice Edde born about 1905
Beatrice Edde, daughter of Nath Edde and Dellie Cox Edde, was born about 1905. She was married about 1923, husband's name Brown.
Thomas Weatherstone Cox, son of Samuel Andrew Cox and Mary Alice Greer Cox, was born September 9, 1886 near Bertram, according to Burnet County probate birth records. His birth certificate was certified by Mrs. Mattie Greer McAndrew, 1114 Main Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and W. J. Williams, Burnet County, in 1945. in Lampasas County. He was married about 1908 to Nannie Williams who was born in Lampasas County about 1887. On June 24, 1938, while a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he filed proof of heirship, according to Concho County Deed Book 48, page 424, and received $171.42 from his grandmother's estate in 1938. He was remarried to "a wealthy woman in New Orleans" in 1940, according to his cousins. A daughter of Thomas W. Cox and Nannie Williams Cox, name unknown, was married in 1953 at Baton Rouge to Walter H. Silver. Thomas W. Cox died before 1960.
James Wilson Cox, son of Samuel Andrew Cox and Mary Alice Greer Cox, was born about 1887 in Lampasas County. He was married about 1910 to Eva Tulley. In 1938 James Wilson Cox and Eva Tulley Cox lived in Burnet County when they received $171.42 from his grandmother's estate. In 1960 he lived in Jonva Tulley Cox lived in Burnet County when they received $171.42 from his grandmother's estate. In 1960 he lived in Jonut 1890 in Lampasas County. She was married about 1910 to Dock Williams. She received $171.42 from the estate of her grandmother. She died before 1960. ______________________________________________________________________
Jehu Thomas Cox, son of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born April 23, 1863. He appeared in the 1870 census of his father's household as a 16-year-old.
According to Williamson County Marriage Book 8, page 31 he was married February 9, 1893 at Georgetown, Texas to Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward who was born April 23, 1863. In 1898 he moved to Pecos, Texas seeking a healthier climate for his sickly wife. Later they moved to Nolan County, Texas where he leased a ranch from Sam Neff, brother to Gov. Pat Neff.
He was employed as a Texas state sheep inspector in Junction, Texas and was shot and killed there December 31, 1913 by A. S. Etheridge whom he suspected of violating the sheep-dipping law. Although he sustained gunshot wounds to the knee, groin, hip and back he was able to untie his horses and get into his buggy before he lost consciousness. Cowboys on the range nearby saw his team racing across the grassland in a runaway and overtook the buggy. They took him to Junction and called a doctor who was not able to repair the damage of his grave wounds.
Etheridge was leaving the area and passed a buggy on the road coming from Rock Springs, Texas to Junction. The buggy was occupied by Wayne Anthony Owens and his cousin, Linnie Alpha Cox Smith, daughter of the deceased, who recognized the murderer.
With information from the daughter Etheridge was quickly apprehended and indicted for murder. Feelings ran high in Junction when it was learned that the popular sheep inspector had been killed. The sheriff and his deputies left the jail unattended, hoping that the prisoner would be lynched by the townspeople, it was reported. Jehu Thomas Cox was buried in Junction. Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox died April 15, 1956 at Stephenville, Texas.
Children born to Jehu Thomas Cox and Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox include:
Lennie Alpha Cox born in 1894
Minnie Beatrice Cox born in 1896
Harless Houston Cox born in 1898
Leslie William Cox born in 1900
Lennie Alpha Cox, daughter of Jehu Thomas Cox and Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox, was born in 1894. She was brought to Junction from near Ozona, Texas where she was teaching by her cousin Anthony Wayne Owens when news of her father's murder came to them. She was graduated from Texas Christian University and became a schoolteacher. She taught at Ft. McKavitt, Tyler, Wichita Falls and Ft. Worth, Texas. She was married about 1914 at Jacksboro, Texas to Henry Phillips. She was later remarried, husband's name Smith. In 1960 she was a teacher at John Tarleton College in Stephenville.
Children born to her include:
Eunice Joanna Smith born about 1920
Minnie Beatrice Cox, daughter of Jehu Thomas Cox and Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox, was born about 1886. A "Beatrice Cox" was married December 19, 1925 to Creed Oney, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book K, page 38. In 1960 she was an unmarried teacher at John Tarleton College, Stephenville, Texas.
Harless Houston Cox, son of Jehu Thomas Cox and Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox, was born in 1898 in Sweetwater. In adult life he owned a ranch betweeen Junction and Menard, Texas. Later he moved to Orange, Texas.
Leslie William Cox, son of Jehu Thomas Cox and Martha Johanna "Jodie" Ward Cox, was born about 1899 at Bertram. He was married December 19, 1927 to Lillian Hayden, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book K, page 159. She was born in 1905 at Florence. He became a professional baseball player with the Chicago White Sox at a salary of $16,000. He remarked that in his first game with the team he had to pitch to Babe Ruth. In 1939 they lived in Lampasas, Texas. He died in San Angelo, Texas. He was interested in Cox family history and had an accumulation of Coxana at the time of his death.
Children born to Leslie William Cox and Lillian Hayden Cox include:
(child) born about 1930
James Hayden Cox born September 1, 1939
William Ray Cox born September 2, 1940
John Tom Cox born about 1943
A child was born to Leslie William Cox and Lillian Hayden Cox about 1930 and is presumed to have died in infancy.
James Hayden Cox, son of Leslie William Cox and Lillian Hayden Cox, was born September 1, 1939, according to Lampasas County Birth Book 5, page 99.
William Ray Cox, son of Leslie William Cox and Lillian Hayden Cox, was born September 2, 1940 at Lampasas, according to Burnet County Birth Book 5, page 218.
Deida Jane Cox, daughter of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born January 20, 1865 in Lampasas County. She appeared in the 1870 census of her father's household as a four-year-old. She reappeared in the 1880 census there as a 14-year-old.
She was married August 18, 1883 to Bowlin Christopher Stewart, who was born August 19, 1865 to William Jefferson "Buff" Stewart, a Texas Ranger, and Sarah Catherine "Sally" Perry Stewart. Sarah Catherine "Sally" Perry Stewart was a sister to Bowlin B. Perry who served in Confederate service with James Christopher Cox. Bowlin B. Perry was married August 9, 1855 to Sarah Melissa "Sally" Stewart. She was born June 28, 1835 in Overton County, Tennessee to John Gilbert Stewart and Martha Copeland Stewart. The genealogy of John Gilbert Stewart is given in "History of Burnet County, Texas." It is reported that William Jefferson "Buff" Stewart died in the state penitentiary.
Once William Henry "Will" Whitley, his brother-in-law, fleeing bounty hunters, rode to the Stewart farm. His horse had a chipped shoe which left a unique track, clearly marking his trail to the pursuers. While at the Stewart farm he reshod the horse, discarding the chipped shoe. After his departure Bowlin Christopher Stewart placed the discarded horseshoe on one of his horses and turned him loose on the open range. This strategem sent the bounty hunters in pursuit of a riderless horse. Once in Austin he was arrested by sheriff's deputies as a confederate of William Henry "Will" Whitley. It took the intervention of U.S. Marshall Greer father of Tally Houston Greer, to effect his release.
Leaving Lampasas Bowlin Christopher Stewart bought five sections of land for $1,000 in Nolan County, near Hylton, Texas, where they operated a farm and ranch.
When Deida Jane Cox Stewart was interviewed at age 88 she remarked, "All of my brothers died with their boots on," indicating that each died a violent death.
He died at Hylton at age 88, and she died there October 31, 1953, also age 88.
Children born to them include:
William James Stewart born November 20, 1885
Otto Arlie Stewart born November 11, 1890
Sally Elizabeth Stewart born February 13, 1892
Amy Frances Stewart born about 1893
Rosetta Margaret Stewart born December 23, 1891
Barton Christopher Stewart born August 22, 1895
William James Stewart, son of Bowlin Christopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born November 20, 1895. He was married about 1906 to Lydia Conner Nunnally. He made a visit to Ora Ethel Cox Gowen in Lamesa, Texas about 1930.
Otto Arlie Stewart, son of Bowlin Christopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born November 11, 1890. He was married about 1911, wife's name Clara. He died June 20, 1959 in Danville, Arkansas, shortly after a visit from Ora Ethel Cox Gowen and Arlee Claud Gowen.
Sally Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of Bowlin Christopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born February 13, 1892. She was married about 1910 to Charles Jefferson Ake.
Amy Frances Stewart, daughter of Bowlin Christopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born about 1893. She was married about 1910 to T. D. Owens. She died in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1966.
Rosetta Margaret Stewart, daughter of Bowlin Christopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born December 23, 1891. She was married about 1918 to Morris Taylor, son of William Arlie Taylor. She died in 1955.
Children born to them include:
Arlie Taylor born about 1920
Barton Christopher Stewart, son of Bowlin Chistopher Stewart and Deida Jane Cox Stewart, was born August 22, 1895 and died in childhood.
Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox, daughter of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born November 8, 1866 in Lampasas County. She appeared in her father's household in the 1870 census as a two-year-old. She reappeared there in the 1880 census of Lampasas County as a 13-year-old.
Descendants report that in her childhood Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox had a severe illness. To effect her recovery her mother, renowned for her curative herb recipes, prescribed a diet of bearmeat. Her father obligingly went out and killed a bear for her, and the little girl recovered--in spite of all her parents were doing for her.
According to Williamson County Marriage Book 5, page 423, she was married in Williamson County December 16, 1883 to William Henry "Will" Whitley who was born September 7, 1864 in Itawamba County, Missisippi. He was the youngest child of William Taylor Whitley and Elizabeth Henry Whitley--a product of the wild and violent lawlessness that swirled through central Texas after the Civil War. His older brothers Marion Whitley and Joe Whitley served in the Confederacy in a Mississippi regiment. Elizabeth Henry Whitley died May 30, 1898 and was buried in Mohamet Cemetery. William Taylor Whitley died November 29, 1898 at the home of a daughter in Coryell County, Texas.
Newton Jasper Whitley, a brother of William Henry Whitley was killed about 1884 by a lawman, and this event launched William Henry "Will" Whitley on a career of violence in which he would kill eight men before his own life would be taken by a bullet at age 24.
Some descendants stoutly defend the reputation of William Henry "Will" Whitley, claiming that the legend greatly maligns a good man. Others claim that he participated in at least eight bank robberies and a train robbery.
William Henry "Will" Whitley is reported to have notified the bank at Cisco, Texas that he would rob it on a certain date and then made good on his boast by appearing on the day named and cleaning out all the bank's cash. Descendants claim that he with his partner, John Barber, successfully robbed the bank at Round Rock, Texas. Later, it is alleged, he went back to Round Rock to rob a train with another confederate, John Barber having decided to "sit this one out." Train guards thwarted the attempt, and they barely escaped with their lives. To escape the pursuit William Henry "Will" Whitley and his partner went to the home of John Barber who outfitted them in women's clothing borrowed from his sisters' wardrobes. When the officers arrived shortly behind them John Barber calmly escorted the "ladies" to a buggy and drove them away to safety. Perhaps it was at this time that William Henry "Will" Whitley with a price on his head went to the England. Upon his return some time later he brought a pair of silver cufflinks to his brother-in-law Jehu Thomas Cox to show his appreciation for his caring for Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley in his absence.
While William Henry "Will" Whitley was "running from the law" Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley was employed by Park Hotel in Lampasas. The hotel was built in 1882, and contained 200 guest rooms, according to "Lamp Light of Lampasas County." An orchestra was retained throughout the year.
The robberies of William Henry "Will" Whitley frequently made problems for his relatives. Once he stayed at the home of his brother-in-law Bowlin Christopher Stewart. Stewart was arrested and jailed for harboring a criminal. Later Jehu Thomas Cox and his brother Samuel Andrew Cox were arrested and charged with being his confederates. They spent 30 days in jail at San Antonio, Texas before they were released.
At this time Jehu Thomas Cox moved Cordelia Lucinda Cox Whitley to Coryell County, Texas to escape the wrath of the community. A sheriff had just been killed, thought to have met his end at the hands of William Hentry "Will" Whitley.
One of the victims of William Henry "Will" Whitley was a man who remarked that the babies of William Henry "Will" Whitley and Cordelia Lucinda Cox Whitley "looked like papooses." He was immediately shot.
Once John Barber and a confederate robbed a bank at Galveston, Texas. During the robbery one of the gunmen vaulted into a teller's cage and broke three ribs in the fall. After effecting their escape the two made their way to a creekbank where they spent the night. The authorities immediately boosted the reward for them to $50,000, dead or alive. The two were surprised at breakfast and killed by peace officers or perhaps bounty hunters. A report was published in the "Galveston News" that William Henry "Will" Whitley was the confederate who was killed with John Barber. Joe Whitley was obliged to point out to the "Galveston News" that his brother was in England at the time of the crime.
Willie Mae "Billie" Smith Price related the events of her grandfather's death on September 25, 1888:
"My Grandpa Will Whitley was framed by his cousins Will Harrell and Eli Harrell. They made a deal with Sheriff John Rankin to kill Grandpa. Will Harrell took him to his house at Floresville. Rankin and four others hid in the kitchen. When Grandpa came in and sat on the bed they shot him in the back of the head. His body was carried to San Antonio, and for more than a day crowds came by to view the body. His fancy yellow legging boots hung at the foot of his bier."
A request was made of Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley and Jehu Thomas Cox to come to San Antonio to identify the body before the reward was paid. Upon their arrival in San Antonio they "could not positively identify the body"--thus the killers were denied the reward. William Henry "Will" Whitley was buried in the cemetery in Mohamet Community in Lampasas County.
Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley was remarried November 22, 1889 to John Wilson Swinney, according to Lampasas County Marriage Book D, page 172. He who was born September 8, 1867. In 1914 they lived at Bertram, Texas. She died at Mohamet August 18, 1946, and he died at Bertram in 1948.
Children born to William Henry "Will" Whitley and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley include:
Minnie Margaret Whitley born November 18, 1884
Temperance Alice Whitley born March 15, 1886
Children born to John Wilson Swinney and her include:
Dempsie Swinney born in 1890
Sadie Swinney born November 18, 1892
William Hanson Swinney born December 15, 1893
Bessie Swinney born May 1, 1896
Clayton Clifford Swinney born August 8, 1898
Minnie Margaret Whitley, daughter of William Henry "Will" Whitley and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley, was born November 18, 1884 in Lampasas. She was married July 2, 1902 to Johnnie Albert Smith, son of William Taylor Smith and Sarah Truie Williams Smith. He was born March 19, 1882. He died June 13, 1957, and she died April 7, 1965 in Bertram.
Children born to Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith include:
Michael Elzie Smith born September 7, 1903
Dossie Estes Smith born February 5, 1905
Harvie Ray Smith born December 25, 1906
Sadie Bell Smith born March 4, 1910
Gladys Ann Smith born September 20, 1914
Willie Mae "Billie" Smith born August 1, 1918
Michael Elzie Smith, son of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born in September 1903. He was married October 29, 1922 to Gladys Irene Brizendine who was born February 23, 1903.
Children born to them include:
Valda Magdalen Smith born April 4, 1925
Mark Earle Smith born August 17, 1931
Keith Arnold Smith born October 21, 1939
Valda Magdalen Smith, daughter of Michael Elzie Smith and Gladys Irene Brizendine Smith, was born April 4, 1925. She was married November 2, 1944 to George Barrington who was born June 27, 1924.
Children born to them include:
George Randolph Barrington born August 17, 1949
Andrea Barrington born December 5,
1950
Mark Earle Smith, son of Michael Elzie Smith and Gladys Irene Brizendine Smith, was born August 17, 1931. He was married December 19, 1956 to Mary Louise Smith who was born September 6, 1937.
Children born to them include:
Tina Marie Smith born April 2, 1957
Mark Earl Smith (twin) born February 12, 1959
Karen Denise Smith (twin) born February 12, 1959
Kathy Annette Smith born June 30, 1960
Terri Lynn Smith born May 30, 1963
Keith Arnold Smith, son of Michael Elzie Smith and Gladys Irene Brizendine Smith, was born October 21, 1939. He was married February 10, 1940 to Ruby Aldeen McDaniel.
Children born to them include:
Michael Clay Smith born November 21, 1961
Tracy La Juan Smith born November 12, 1962
Dossie Estes Smith, son of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born September 7, 1905. She was married June 20, 1929 to Willie Lucille Smith.
Children born to them include:
Norma Jean Smith born September 1, 1933
Norma Jean Smith, daughter of Dossie Estes Smith and Willie Lucille Smith Smith, was born September 1, 1933. She was married June 5, 1957 to Clarence Dale Buck.
Children born to them include:
Steve Dale Buck born November 20, 1960
Michael Buck born about 1962
Harvey Ray Smith, son of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born December 25, 1906. He was married August 23, 1907 to Lora Mae Kinchloe.
Children born to them include:
Johnnie Louis Smith born April 6, 1926
Doyle Ray Smith born March 27, 1931
Bobby Gene Smith born January 27, 1933
Tommy Allen Smith born November 2, 1936
Sadie Bell Smith, daughter of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born March 4, 1910. She was married October 10, 1936 to William Taylor Garner who was born October 5, 1909.
Children born to them include:
Billie Ann Garner born August 7, 1940
Gladys Ann Smith, son of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born September 20, 1914. She was married to James Langford Garner, believed to be a brother to William Taylor Garner.
Children born to them include:
Jimmie Langford Garner born May 18, 1936
Johnnie Garner born May 21, 1947
Jimmie Langford Garner, son of James Langford Garner and Gladys Ann Smith Garner, was born May 18, 1936. He was married March 1, 1957 to Winola Dean Adams.
Children born to them include:
James Lee Garner born April 17, 1958
Gena Lynn Garner born October 17, 1959
Jackie Lane Garner born December 13, 1960
Jan Garner born February 25, 1965
Willie Mae "Billie" Smith, daughter of Johnnie Albert Smith and Minnie Margaret Whitley Smith, was born August 1, 1918. She was married October 31, 1939 to Raymon Dale Price who was born August 29, 1917. In 1983 they lived at Bertram, Texas.
Children adopted by them include:
William Dale Price born July 11, 1949
Temperance Alice Whitley, daughter of William Henry "Will" Whitley and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley, was born March 15, 1886. She was married July 23, 1902 to George Washington Wooten, a farmer who was born April 12, 1882. He died February 11, 1946. She died February 18, 1976 in Bertram.
Children born to them include:
Elgin Delmer Wooten born November 7, 1904
Chester Lee Wooten born March 15, 1910
Odell Oscar Wooten born November 1, 1921
Elgin Delmer Wooten, son of George Washington Wooten and Temperance Alice Whitley, was born November 7, 1904. He was married about 1926 to Augusta Powell.
Children born to them include:
Dick Dorman Wooten born about 1928
Dick Dorman Wooten, son of Elgin Delmer Wooten and Augusta Powell Wooten, was born about 1928. He was married about 1950 to Annie Virginia Sandlin.
Children born to them include:
Cheryl Wooten born about 1952
Terry Wooten born about 1954
Gregory Sandlin Wooten born about 1957
Martha Jorene Wooten born about 1959
Chester Lee Wooten, son of George Washington Wooten and Temperance Alice Whitley, was born March 15, 1910. He was married January 12, 1930 to Nelda Inman.
Children born to them include:
Dorothy Dale Wooten born about 1932
Dorothy Dale Wooten, daughter of Chester Lee Wooten and Nelda Inman Wooten, was born about 1932. She was married about 1950 to Douglas Palmer.
Children born to them include:
David Palmer born about 1952
Drew Palmer born about 1955
Odell Oscar Wooten, son of George Washington Wooten and Temperance Alice Whitley, was born November 1, 1921.
Dempsie Swinney, son of John Wilson Swinney and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley Swinney, was born in 1890 and died at age four months.
Sadie Swinney, daughter of John Wilson Swinney and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley Swinney, was born November 18, 1892. She was married about 1911 to Carroll Smith.
William Ransom Swinney, son of John Wilson Swinney and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley Swinney, was born December 15, 1893. He was married January 23, 1921 to Clara Reed. He died January 11, 1933.
Clayton Clifton Swinney, son of John Wilson Swinney and Cordelia Lucinda "Cord" Cox Whitley Swinney, was born August 8, 1898. He was married about 1920 to Leslie Warden. In 1959 he lived in Austin.
A descendant of John Wilson Swinney became the administrator of Tipton's Orphan Home.
Laura Etta Cox, daughter of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born May 23, 1868 in Lampasas County. She appeared in the 1870 census of Lampasas County as a one-year-old living in her father's household. She reappeared there in the 1880 census as a 12-year-old.
She was married May 12, 1907 to J. E. Will Truelove in Nolan County, Texas. He later deserted her, and she lived with her mother on her farm until her death. Laura Etta Cox died February 22, 1950 and was buried in Concho County Cemetery.
Children born to J. E. Will Truelove and Laura Etta Cox Truelove include:
Lee Truelove born about 1908
Bobby Truelove born about 1910
Lee Truelove, son of J. E. Will Truelove and Laura Etta Cox Truelove, was born about 1908. In 1942 he lived in Paint Rock, Texas.
Children born to Lee Truelove include:
Carlie Dean Truelove born in 1933
Bobby Ray Truelove born in 1936
James Madison Cox, son of James Christopher Cox and Elizabeth T. "Betsy" Van Winkle Cox, was born March 15, 1870 on the family farm six miles northeast of Lampasas. He appeared in the 1880 census as a 10-year-old living in his father's household. He so disliked his middle name that he changed it, taking his father's name, "James Christopher Cox," and throughout his life his signature read "James C. Cox."
In 1890 he met at church Amanda Lucinda "Cindy" McCall who was to become his bride October 13, 1892, according to Williamson County Marriage Book 7, page 545. They were married by Elder G. D. Teevan at the home of her parents, Oliver Hazard Perry McCall and Nancy Almeda Whitmire McCall.
James Madison Cox was a farmer, a mason and a carpenter. In 1893 they lived at Leander, Texas in Williamson County. In 1896 they lived on a farm four miles north of Georgetown, Texas. In 1897 they lived with his mother on a farm at Hylton, Texas. In 1898 he lived on the farm of his father-in-law in Williamson County. While living there he took care of Sam Mullins, a smallpox victim, after other members of the family had died from the disease. Having a natural immunity to smallpox he was able to nurse him back to health without overly exposing himself. While quarantined he would wave to his family across the creek at dusk each night to let them know he was all right.
In 1898 James Madison Cox made a wagontrip to visit cousins in Otero County, New Mexico. While there he was hired by a railroad construction company laying track. Following his tour as a gandy-dancer he sold his wagon and team and returned to his family in Texas.
In 1900 James Madison Cox was enumerated as the head of Household 382-389 in Williamson County, Precinct 5, Enumeration District 130, page 22. The family was rendered as:
"Cox, James 28, born March 1872 in Texas, father born in Indiana,
mother born in Missouri, farm
laborer, married 3
[sic] years, farm laborer,
renting a house
Lucinda 25, born in February 1875 in Texas, father
born in
in Texas, mother born in Texas,
mother of 3 child-
ren, all living.
Ora 5, born in November 1894 in Texas, father
born in Texas, mother
born in Texas, daughter
Elmer 3, born in September 1896 in Texas, father
born in
Texas, mother born in Texas,
son
Alvie 1, born in Texas in August 1898, father
born in Texas,
mother born in Texas, daughter [sic]"
In 1901 and 1902 James Madison Cox operated his mother's farm in Nolan County, Texas. In 1902 he bought a butchershop in Hylton when he built a home on five acres of land adjoining the town. In April 1904 he sold his property in Hylton and returned to Williamson County where he bought a farm.
He was baptized into the Church of Christ at Florence, Texas in 1905. On September 6, 1905 they bought 60 acres of land from I. M. Williams, according to Williamson County Deed Book 110, page 611.
In the following year he contracted to build a church building for the congregation, quarrying the stone himself. In November 1983 Ora Ethel Cox Gowen and Arlee Claud Gowen attended services there on a visit. Members of the congregation did not know the early history of the building and eagerly gathered around her to ask questions after services.
In December 1906 the family removed to Albany, Texas arriving there on a train on Christmas Eve. On July 22, 1907 he purchased 10 acres of land at Albany, Texas from O. J. and Rackie Wood for $150 in cash and two $50 notes. On a hill overlooking the town he built a new home. In 1908 they moved to Young County, Texas settling near the Craig Ranch. In 1909 they moved to Round Timbers, Texas, and in 1910 lived at Masters, Texas. On December 12, 1910 he purchased a $2,000 life insurance policy from the Modern Order of Praetorians of Dallas, Texas. Annual premium at his age of 40 was $31.90 per year.
They moved in 1911 to Altus, Oklahoma. Later that year they moved to Throckmorton County, Texas. In the fall of 1915 James Madison Cox moved his family to Bluewater, New Mexico at the instance of his cousin Arch Van Winkle. His son-in-law Claud Franklin Gowen and family joined him in the move, travelling in covered wagons.
Mary Alnora "Nora" Cox Drennan recalled the 21-day trip across the plains:
"We camped one night just east of the courthouse in Aspermont. Next day on our way to Clairemont, after crossing the Brazos River, we ran into our first sandstorm. The red dust was so thick we could not see to travel and had to make camp. We had trouble keeping our wagon sheets from blowing away, and it was impossible to pitch a tent. We were discouraged and about ready to return to Throckmorton County, but the next day was a most beautiful day, so we decided to go on.
Our road was two ruts with tall grass in between. It crossed the Plains following the course of lease resistance. Quail were so thick there that occasionally our horses would kill one with their hoofs. Frequently on the trip our iron pot suspended over the campfire was filled with quail stew."
In 1916 he began homesteading 160 acres on McDonald Flat near Weed, New Mexico.
James Madison Cox was killed November 4, 1916 in a gun fight. He was killed by T. Lester Courtney at a sawmill in Perk Canyon, in an argument over mules which he had traded to Courtney for lumber to build a house on his homestead. Courtney sheltered himself inside the mill and opened fire with his rifle. James Madison Cox stood in the open with his pearl-handled revolver in his belt. The first rifle shot ripped the handle from his pistol, and the second caught him in the side. He was buried in the community cemetery at Weed with a marble headstone.
In its February 1917 edition the "Praetorian Guard" announced that the Modern Order of Praetorians had paid a claim of $1,000 to the widow of "James C. Cox."
T. Lester Courtney was indicted for murder by Otero County grand jury April 2, 1917, according to Otero District Court records. His attorney was able to gain several delays in the trial pleading that witnesses essential to his client's defense were in military and naval service [World War I]. His strategy was successful in that defense witnesses could not be located; Horace Resley could not be contacted in Skull Valley, Arizona, Wesley Smith was somewhere in France with American Expeditionary Forces and H. L. Farris had enlisted in the U. S. Navy operating out of San Diego California.
Prosecution witnesses had likewise left the area. The district attorney had to rely on U. S. mail to notify his witnesses of the trial date. Included on his list were "Mr. Mrs. C. F. Gowen, Mrs. J. C. Cox, Mr. Mrs. J. T. Potter, D. L. Lewis, George W. Lewis, W. F. "Will" Donage, J. R. Ehart, Elmer Cox, J. W. Van Winkle, E. E. Jernigan, Tom John, Martin Neuman, and Mrs. Nora Drennan."
The prosecution's exhibit "A" was the contract which was the center of the dispute which led to the death of James Madison Cox. The contract was typewritten on the back of the letterhead of Penasco Valley Mercantile Company, of which Royal Whitaker was secretary-treasurer. It read:
Weed, N.M, February 7, 1916
To whom this may concern:
Agreement entered into by and between T. L. Courtney of Weed, New Mexico, party of the first part and J. C. Cox of Weed, New Mexico, party of the second part.
Party of the first part, T. L. Courtney, for and in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars (being one span of mules) agrees to deliver to the party of the second part, J. C. Cox, the following amount of first class lumber as follows: All first class lumber in outer buildings at the rate of $8 per thousand feet and the balance of the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars in lumber of first class from Mill owned by party of the first part.
Party of the first part, T. L. Courtney, further agrees to deliver said amount of lumber on the 1st day of September, 1916.
Party of the second part, J. C. Cox agrees to deliver to party of the first part, T. L. Courtney, a Bill of Sale dovering title to above span of mules when said party of the first part, T. L. Courtney, shall have delivered to or cause to be delivered to said party of the second part, J. C. Cox, the full amount of lumber as specified above.
Royal Whitaker T. L. Courtney Witness
Party of the first part
J. C. Cox
Party of the second part
When the case was finally tried years later in Alamogordo, New Mexico the defendant received a suspended sentence.
It was noted that James Madison Cox was left-handed; his first child was left-handed; and her first child was left-handed. Each first child of her children were left-handed.
Amanda Lucinda "Cindy" McCall Cox and her son, Willie Elmer Cox returned to Texas in August 1920 and rented a farm in the Brazos River valley in Stonewall County. A brother, John McCall, three sisters, Fannie McCall Holley, Ada McCall Thurman and Lillie Mae McCall Boatright and her mother, Nancy Almeda Whitmire McCall, lived in that community. Another brother, Oliver McCall moved his family to the area from Haskell County, Texas shortly after their arrival there.
All of these families later removed to Dawson County, Texas with the exception of John McCall who remained there, removing to Aspermont, Texas upon retirement. He died there in 1964, and his wife, Ethel McCall died there in 1971. Both were buried in Old Brazos Valley Cemetery. A daughter, Maida McCall Hahn, continued to live on the farm of her parents in 1981.
In 1921 Amanda Lucinda "Cindy" McCall Cox moved to Roscoe, Texas with her son. In November 1922 she moved to Lamesa, Texas to live with her daughter Ora Ethel Cox Gowen with whom she made her home for the rest of her life. In 1952 she moved with her son-in-law Claud Franklin Gowen to Lubbock, Texas. She died November 7, 1964 and was buried in Lamesa City Cemetery November 9, 1964.
Children born to James Madison Cox and Amanda Lucinda "Cindy" McCall Cox include:
Ora Ethel Cox born November 3, 1894
Willie Elmer Cox born September 30, 1896
James Alvia Cox born August 12, 1898
Mary Alnora "Nora" Cox born December 24, 1900