many important papers to be read before medical societies, besides contributing articles to medical and other periodicals, which for their practical and scientific value, attracted wide attention. It was an especial aim with him to maintain a high standard for his profession, and he resolutely opposed every tendency to its degradation to mere mercenary designs and uses. Some of his more recent productions were devoted to the awakening of an interest in this purpose, both among the medical fraternity and the public at large. One of these contributions was extensively copied, and elicited the strongest commendation from the leading medical journals and physicians of this country and Europe. Among the latest of his efforts with the pen was the preparation of a series of obituary articles written at the request of the County Medical Society. These embraced biographical sketches of several of the pioneer physicians of the county, and upon them the deceased bestowed great care and the most affectionate interest. Most, if not all of them, were published in the columns of the Journal at the time, and excited much commendable remark for the conscientious and pains-taking accuracy with which they were prepared. Frequently within the past few years, has Dr. Cox, in the hearing of the writer of this notice, been heard to express his deep interest in his profession, and to declare that it chiefly circumscribed his ambition. He stated that its honors were those which he most highly valued, and grateful as might be to him the expressions of public confidence bestowed by his fellowcitizens, political distinction and partisan prominence were far less prized by him than usefulness, success, and good standing in his chosen profession. In accordance with this sentiment, a few days before his death, he expressed the desire that the words "Practicing Physician for 44 years," should be inscribed upon his coffin as declaring the leading work and purpose of his life, and embodying the essential feature of his career, which he desired to leave impressed upon the memory of his fellow men. But the life of Dr. Cox would be only partially sketched without allusion to his political character and his traits as a party leader. He was first most actively identified with the politics of the city and State, a little less than forty years ago. About 1844, he became conspicuous as one of the young democracy, who began to assert themselves and to assume prominence in the place of the older members of the party, Sands McCamly, Moses Hall, John Champion, Michael Spencer, John Rogers, G. F. Smith, Colonel John Stuart. Wm. M. Campbell, and others who had previously controlled party affairs. In lieu of these, arose not indirect antagonism, but seeking to make their influence more positively felt, Dr. Cox, Benjamin F. Graves, Thomas H. Thomas, Abner E. Campbell, Major Gilbert, William H. Coleman, Joseph Barton, the Stillsons, and others to whom may be added Alonzo Noble and T. W. Hall, who, though somewhat the senior of the rest, were identified with them in action. Among these, Dr. Cox soon took marked prominence. Ardent. resolute, tenacious, and aggressive, he eminently possessed the qualities requi site for leadership. From this time forward, his tact and judgment rendered him peculiarly influential in the counsels of his party until he became at length its most prominent member in this section. When his party was in power, he was ranked with the more liberal, progressive element, but after the ascendancy in the county, State, and nation had passed to other hands, his caution in regard to accepting new and untried methods for restoring its supremacy caused him to take rank as a conservative, and he has for many years been regarded as among the most stalwart leaders of the democracy. Dr. Cox received frequent marks of party confidence and honor. Besides the various positions held in his own city and county, he was at one time a member of the State central committee, and in 1872 was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Baltimore. He was offered nominations on the State ticket, but invariably declined. He So far as his own city was concerned he abundantly shared its honors, having been president of the village in 1853; one of its first aldermen, a position which he held for six years; and mayor for two years, in 1873-4. was also at one time a member of the school board, and has been connected with numerous organizations for the public benefit. For many years past he has been a member of the cemetery board, of which he was president at the time of his death. Whenever he was a candidate for office, notwithstanding he was an earnest partisan, he received many votes from the opposite party, showing that he had great popular strength outside of the membership of his own political faith. During the war Dr. Cox volunteered his service as a surgeon, and in response to a call from Gov. Blair, spent several weeks in Virginia caring for the sick and wounded after the battle of Petersburg. In the Masonic order, Dr. Cox held a foremost position in the State, having been master of the lodge in this city, a Knight Templar, high priest of the Royal Arch chapter, and grand master of the Council of Royal and Select Masons. For many years he held the position of vestryman in St. Thomas Church, having been strongly attached to the doctrines of the Christian faith as held by the Protestant Episcopal Church. The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Esther Ann Starkweather, to whom he was married Sept. 2, 1840, and was the first adult person buried in Oakhill Cemetery. On the first of May, 1845, he was married to Miss Sarah Adams, of Pennfield, with whom he lived most happily, and who survives him. Three children were born to him, one by the first wife, a daughter who died at the age of eight years, and two by his second wife, who died in infancy. Three sisters of Dr. Cox survive him, Mrs. Dr. S. S. French, who has been confined to her room for the past year by illness; Mrs. T. C. Gardner of Port Huron; and Mrs. M. H. Joy of this city. During his long and painful illness the suffering endured in the sick-room was alleviated by the constant and skillful attention of his brother-in-law, Dr. S. S. French, and other physicians whose confidence he had enjoyed, and with whom he had consulted for many years. In closing this notice of a citizen so distinguished and widely known, there is scarce need that we should endeavor to present any summary of his qualities. Dr. Cox possessed strong and bold traits of character. Of quick and broad intelligence, positive convictions, great readiness of resources and alertness in action, he was born to make a mark in whatever community he might live. Among the people of Battle Creek he had long been a familiar personage, being virtually a stranger to none. With a heart as tender as that of a child, he was devotedly attached to children, and they returned the attachment in large measure, so that he will be missed by the members of the rising generation, almost as much as by those who have known, honored, and loved him for more than generation now past. His long and useful life in our midst is in itself an imperishable monument to his memory. THE FUNERAL The funeral obsequies of the late Dr. Edward Cox took place at three o'clock Thursday, September 21, 1882, from the family residence on West Main street, the Rev. Dr. Corbett officiating. The services, in compliance with the often expressed wish of the doctor, were simple, the solemnly beautiful and impressive burial service of the Protestant Episcopal Church only, being read at the house. A choir consisting of Mrs. T. J. Joy, Miss Louise Skinner, Mr. B. T. Skinher, and Mr. Frank Perry, sang "There is a Light in the Valley" in a very impressive manner, after which the procession to the cemetery was formed in the following ORDER OF PROCESSION Officiating Clergyman Cemetery Board in Carriages Bearers Remains Family and Relatives Nurse City Physicians The attendance was very large, and embraced not only the late doctor's numerous friends from the city and vicinity but very many physicians from all over the State, who came to register their last mark of respect to their deceased brother's remains. The arrangements throughout were purely civilian, none of the orders or the profession to which the deceased belonged taking any leading part, but were participated in alike by all the people to whom his useful life and long residence had especially endeared him. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony at the grave, the funeral cortege returned to the city, where the members disbanded to attend the informal memorial services, which occurred at St. Thomas church. MEMORIAL SERVICES Immediately after the return of the funeral procession from the cemetery Thursday afternoon, the numerous friends of the late Dr. Cox assembled at St. Thomas (Episcopal) church, in an informal way, to express their high appreciation of the character and life-work of the deceased. The meeting was opened by a solo, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," which was sung in a most effective and touching manner by Miss Louise Skinner, accompanied by Prof. Abel, of Detroit, on the organ. Rev. Dr. Sidney Corbett then made some very appropriate remarks eulogistic of the deceased, and was followed by George Willard and Judge B. F. Graves, of this city, Dr. O. C. Comstock of Marshall, Prof. A. B. Palmer, of Ann Arbor, Dr. Ranney of Lansing, Dr. Johnson of Grand Rapids, Dr. Milton Chase of Otsego, and Dr. Leartus Conner, editor of the Detroit Lancet. The addresses, given as they were by warm personal friends of Dr. Cox, all took the character of affectionate tributes to his memory, and gave expression to the very great esteem and regard which his admirable career as a citizen and as a physician has deservedly called forth in the community in which he had so long lived, as also throughout the State. The speakers from abroad who took part in this expression are among the leading representatives of their profession, and according to testimony borne by them to the high standing of the deceased, and to the estimation in which his professional qualifications and attainments were held by the members of his own fraternity, were exceedingly gratifying, as they were felt by all to be sincere, and to be no more than just. The memorial addresses were a fitting utterance of the general feeling of the great loss sustained by the community and by the profession, in the death of Dr. Cox, and abounded throughout with a sympathetic tone and an elevated sentiment thoroughly in keeping with the occasion. At the conclusion Hon. W. W. Woolnough, after speaking of the deceased in terms of the most appropriate eulogy, presented the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted by the assemblage: WHEREAS, It hath pleased the kind and all-wise Creator to call from this life our eminent fellow citizen and distinguished physician, Doctor Edward Cox, therefore, Resolved, That in his death we painfully recognize the loss to this city, county, and State of a valued citizen; to the medical profession, one of its ablest and noblest representatives; to suffering humanity, one of its warmest and most earnest sympathizers; and to his family a kind and indulgent supporter and protector. Resolved, That as a citizen his chief aim was the public good, his mature judgment and practical sagacity being never at fault, either in originating or supporting such enterprises as might contribute to that end, and out of his purse flowed generously such aid as was necessary in the case. Resolved, That as a physician, he contributed largely to maintain for his profession a high standard of excellence as well as practical utility; that his contributions to its literature have been numerous and marked by distinguished ability, and have attracted wide attention among medical and scientific men throughout the country, and some of the foremost publications in foreign lands have been honored by their republication. Resolved, That the warmest sympathy of the people of this city goes forth to the relatives of the deceased in the irreparable loss they have sustained in his death; but to them is commended the consolation afforded by the reflection that though he will no longer be present among them, the remembrance of his good deeds and sterling worth abideth with them forever. The seats of the church were well filled, and among the physicians from abroad we noticed the following: Dr. Leartus Conner, Detroit, editor "Lancet." Prof. A. B. Palmer, Ann Arbor. Dr. H. Van Ostrand, Albion. Dr. O. C. Comstock and Dr. Montgomery, Marshall. Dr. Kazarty, Ceresco. Dr. H. O. Hitchcock, Kalamazoo. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Charles Shepard, Grand Rapids. Dr. Seely and Dr. Lovell, Climax. Dr. Foote, Nashville. Dr. Milton Chase, Otsego. Drs. Baker and Ranney, of Lansing. Dr. Spalding, Lyons. The physicians from our own city were also in attendance, making a large body of the profession who thus honored one of the most esteemed of their number. The bearers at the funeral in the afternoon were also all physicians, being Drs. Tomlinson, Alvord, Fairfield, Van Ostrand, Montgomery, and Johnson. The chancel of the church was most tastefully decorated by floral emblems, beautifully arranged for the occasion by the ladies of St. Thomas parish, suggestive of the immortal hopes that lie beyond the shadow of death. RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE The board of trustees of Oakhill cemetery, at a meeting held on September 20, 1882, adopted the following preamble and resolutions in reference to the death of Dr. Edward Cox: WHEREAS, Dr. Edward Cox, one of the trustees and a charter member of the Oakhill Cemetery Company, and for six years one of the board of auditors, and five years president thereof, has been removed from our number by death, therefore, Resolved, By the surviving members of said board, that in his death we have lost, not only our presiding officer, but also a most efficient and earnest worker, a reliable and trusted adviser who devoted his time and energies to the interests of the corporation, that it is with profound sorrow that we consign his remains to the grounds he took so large a part in improving and beautifying. Resolved, That we offer our sincere condolence and sympathy to his widow and relatives because of their irreparable loss. CLINTON COUNTY · MEMORIAL REPORT BY HON. S. S. WALKER Joseph W. Bromley, died Dec. 27, 1881. Jacob Diller, died Jan. 11, 1882. Mrs. Catharine Foreman, died April 27, 1882, age 68. Hon. William Shepard, died Feb. 4, 1882, age 66. Mrs. John V. Shaver, died Feb. 22, 1882. John Van Housen, died March 27, 1882, age 71. James Doak, died May 15, 1882. Stephen Price, died Aug. 5, 1882, age 64. Joshua Green, died Aug. 10, 1882, age 40. Rev. William Mulder, died Aug. 25, 1882, age 49. Lucius Morton, died Oct. 10, 1882, age 81. Col. Charles E. Grisson, died Nov. 20, 1882. Mrs. Sallie Ernest Merrihew, died Nov. 26, 1882, age 73. Mrs. Eunice DeWitt, died Dec. 21, 1882, age 81. Mrs. Betsey Woodruff, died Jan. 30, 1883, age 83. Mrs. Walter C. Butler, died Feb. 26, 1883, age 54. |