BIO-SAWYERS
Surnames: BAGGS, TRAILER, GORDON

-One of the most popular men among the court house officials of Santa Clara County, who for many years, filled the important position of office deputy in the county assessor's office, was the late Jacob Milan Cox, who was born in Iowa, September 28, 1851, the son of William and Dicey (Baggs) Cox, pioneers of Santa Clara County. Jacob M. Cox was brought by his parents in a ox-team train in 1852, his first recollections being of the Saratoga section of Santa Clara County, where he received a good education in the public schools, after which he was graduated from the Garden City Business College. He followed the trade of cabinet maker and planing mill worker in the Fourth Street mill and afterwards in the Hubbard & Carmichael mill until he quit to look after his ranch, which he set out to prunes, apricots and peaches. Meantime he was appointed a deputy county assessor under L. A. Spitzer and later was made the office deputy, and continued his connection with that office for more than twenty years, becoming one of the best judges of property values in the county. His health failing, he resigned his office and lived retired at his home, 54 Union Street, San Jose, until his death.

His marriage occurred in Los Angeles and united him with Mrs. Laura (Trailor) Gordon, a representative of an old pioneer family. Mr. Cox was very prominent in fraternal circles. He was a Knight Templar and Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., in San Francisco. He was a past officer in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery; he was also a past officer in the Odd Fellows and held to the faith of the Christian Church. A noble man and strong character, he was very influential and was much loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. At his passing, September 28, 1916, he was mourned by his family and friends and was buried with Masonic honors, in Oak Hill Cemetery, San Jose.

From Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 800
transcribed by Joseph Kral

 

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