James Knox, Sr. was born January 8, 1791, in Dutchess county, New York.
He remained in New York until 1816, when he removed to Canada, where he
lived a number of years. In 1825 he moved to Erie county, New York,
where he lived until October, 1835, when with his family he emigrated
to the West and settled in the " Ox Bow Bend," across the river north
of Prophetstown, where he engaged in farming and running a ferry across
Rock river, first using the common oared boat and poles, then the rope
and pulleys. He resided at this place about two years, and in 1837
located on land where Morrison now is, near the present corner of Wall
and Orange streets. Not being successful in securing water, he changed
his location to near where the present Library Hall stands; there he
found water by digging the well now on the property of F. C. Woodruff.
The site of Morrison was then covered with hazel brush and trees.
Mr. Knox was a successful farmer, good citizen, and reared a substantial
and highly respected family. He married Miss Ann Martin, of Vermont,
January 9, 1816. Children: William, born June 2, 1817; Martin, born
February 9,1819; Alson, born Mareh 3, 1821; Peter, born April 4, 1823
- died May 2, 1875; James, born July 30, 1825-died September 11, 1873;
Archibald, born September 11, 1827; Henry, born December 27,1828;
Lydia, born September 25,1831; John J., born September 23,1833; Mary,
born March 6, 1837; Allen, born May 3, 1840; Louis, November 8, 1842.
Of the twelve children, all are living with the exception of Peter and
James. Martin is a resident of California; Mary (Mrs. McIntyre) resides
in Yankton, Dakota, and Lydia (Mrs. Lathe), in Lyndon; the remainder of
the family live in Mt. Pleasant township. James Knox, Sr., died
September 24, 1860, and his wife February 9, 1866.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 299
