John George COX (abt. 1777 - 1852)

John George COX is believed to have been born about 1777 but has no christening record at St. George's Anglican Cathedral in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The lack of the record is likely attributed to the unstable times between the First Carib War and the French takeover of 1778. He married before 1798, likely during the Second Carib War, to Jane Ann, maiden name unknown.

They had at least three children: John George COX, Frances Lydia COX, and Herbert Palmer COX and Jane Ann COX. John's first wife Jane Ann died sometime between 1801 and 1816. He is believed to have married second to Sarah GOSS, in May 1816, in Cork, Ireland. They had at least six children: Herbert Palmer COX, Harry Alexander COX, Robert Melville COX, Francis James COX, Sarah Elizabeth COX, and Elizabeth Ann COX.

1841 England Census, Somerset, Porlock, District 6, Page 5
Dwelling (Ford Cottage ??)

COX, John George - age 61, Army Half Pay, Not born in this county
COX, Sarah - age 52, born in this county
ADAMS, John - age 14, servant (?), born in this county
LODY, Mary - age 20, servant (?), born in this county

1851 England Census, Devon, South Molton, District 1b
Dwelling # 70 (East Street)

COX, John Geo. - head, widower, age 73, Captain Half Pay (Army) born West Indies St. Vincent
TAYLOR, Mary - servant, unmarried, age 28, House Servant, born Somerset, England

John George COX's will from the Devon (England) Record Office

In the name of God Amen, I, John George COX of the town of South Moulton [Molton] in the county of Devon, a Captain in half pay in His Majesty's Army, do make this my last will and testament being in sound health and of sound mind & memory in manner & form following: First, I give my body to be buried in the nearest churchyard to which I may died with as small an expence and as private as possible. Secondly, I leave nothing of my effects to my daughters Jane Ann McLEAN or Francis [Frances] Lydia SWIRE, as they will succeed to the property of their mother. Thirdly, I leave to my son Harry Alexander COX, the sum of five pounds for his disobedience and folly, and Fourthly, I leave and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Ann SMYTH all monies and arrears of pay which I may possess or be due to me at the time of my decease together with my household goods and furniture and other effects to which I might be intitled [entitled] or have any claim for her sole use and benefit and I constitute and appoint her Husband William Gould SMYTH sole executor of this my last will and testament and I request that should my present servant Mary TAYLOR be living with me at the time of my decease that my wearing apparel may be given to her for her long and faithful services. In witness whereof have hereunto set my hand & seal.

Signed, sealed and declared as the last will and testament of the said Captain John George COX in due presence this 10th day of June in the year of our Lord 1851.

Signed: John George COX - LS
William Loch BRAYLEY
John BRAYLEY

For Executors. Appeared personally William Gould SMYTH of South Molton in the county of Devon, Gentleman, Executor named in the will of John George COX late of South Molton in the county of Devon, Captain in Her Majesty's Army, who died on the seventeenth day of April now (?) instant......
Sworn on the twenty-fourth day of April, 1852.

John George COX, notes:

• According to UK Military Service records, John George COX entered service on August 6, 1803, and received promotions on January 25, 1804, February 20, 1811 and July 8, 1840. In the Times of London for July 19, 1819, it is noted: 40th Foot to be Captain of a company, vice J. G. COX, who exchanges.

• Family stories report that John's father Herbert Palmer COX saw service in the Battle of Waterloo, but since it is historically proven that the 40th Regiment served at Waterloo, it's believed that John George COX was serving with them at that time, providing the basis for this family story.

• Three of his children's baptisms:
  Francis James Cox, baptised October 4, 1823. Son of John George/Sarah, residing at Porlock, Captain in the Army.
  Sarah Elizabeth Cox, baptised May 20, 1825. Daughter of  John George/Sarah, residing at Worthy, Captain in the Army.
  Elizabeth Ann Cox, baptised October 11, 1827. Daughter of John George/Sarah, residing at Worthy, Captain in the Army.
  SOURCE: PORLOCK BAPTISMS 1813 TO 1827 - http://wsomparreg.mysite.orange.co.uk/PorBap18131827.htm

• From the IGI at FamilySearch.com, a marriage record is noted as submitted by an individual that lists John George COX, born about 1791, to Sarah GOSS, in May 1816 at Cork, Ireland.