Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 234

William H. Knox, of Union Grove Township, is a native citizen of Whiteside County, and was born Oct. 8, 1856, in Mt. Pleasant Township. His parents, William and Mary J. (Emery) Knox, came to Whiteside County in 1835, and after residing some time in Prophetstown, removed to the township of Mt. Pleasant and there the father died, Dec. 20, 1884. The mother is still living. The names of their eight children were Sarah J., Harriet, Walter E., Martin W., William H., Andrew J., Clarence D. and Clara M.

Mr. Knox spent the years of his minority in obtaining his education. In 1878 he detached himself from home associations and rented a farm in Mount Pleasant Township, on which he operated two years. In 1881 he made a permanent settlement on a farm of 150 acres on section 25, of which he is the owner, in Union Grove Township. Of this 115 acres are under excellent cultivation.

The marriage of Mr. Knox to Cora M. Harrison took place Jan. 1, 1879, in the township of Mt. Pleasant. Two children have been added to the household circle,--Olive L. and Ruby H. Mrs. Knox was born Oct. 12, 1859, in Ohio, and she is the daughter of Thomas and Electa A. (Hoag) Harrison. Her father was a native of England and her mother was born in the State of New York. After a residence of some years in the State last named and in Ohio, they came, in the spring of 1868, to Whiteside County and fixed their residence in the township of Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. Knox has one brother younger than herself—George F. Harrison.

Mr. Knox is identified with the Republican party in political sentiment