Springfield-Greene
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ALEXANDER KNOX.. Born on the far-away heaths of bonnie Scotland, that picturesque country, famed in song and story, familiar to us principally through the versatile descriptions of such immortals as Scott, Burns, Stevenson and Miller, but spending the major part of his life in America, the late Alexander Knox, a descendant of the famous British statesman, John Knox, is deserving of mentions in these pages. His long life of usefulness and commendable acts winning for him the sincere regard of all those with whom he came in contact, it is meet that his life record should be preserved in proper form. He possessed many of the traits of character of his sterling Scotch ancestor's.
Mr. Knox was born in Scotland, January 26, 1848. He was a son of George Knox and wife, who were natives of Scotland, where they grew up and were married and spent their lives.
Alexander Knox grew to manhood in his native land and there received .a good education, taking a high literary course in one of the best schools of the country. When twenty-one years of age, in 1869, he immigrated to the United States alone, and first settled in the South, but after a short time he came to Missouri. He began life for himself as a general farmer, which line of endeavor he followed until about 1875, then entered the employ of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Company, first as fireman and later he became an engineer, and finally was engineer on a passenger train, which position he held for many years, or until his health failed. He was regarded as one of the most faithful and competent of the company's and was popular with officials and his fellow employees.
Mr. Knox was married on January 11, 1873, to Maria E. Ball, who was born near London, England, April 11, 1856. She is a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Price) Ball, both natives of England, where they, grew up, were married and established their home, and where they resided until 1870, when they immigrated to America, first locating in Illinois, later moving to Missouri, and here Mr. Ball began working for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Company in their shops at Springfield. He was a skilled blacksmith, having as high as four and six helpers under him all the time, and was looked upon by his officials as one of their most valuable men. He did a great deal in his department to make it up to date, and he was given credit for many things of importance. He was a man who was held in high regard by all who knew him. He remained in the local shops until his death in the year 1882. His family consisted of six children, three of whom are still living, namely: Frederick, Mrs. Agnes Havens, and Mrs. Maria E. Knox, widow of our subject.
Mrs. Knox spent her girlhood in England and was educated in the common schools there and in the schools of St. Louis, Missouri. She was fourteen years of age when the family moved to America.
Two children were born to Alexander Knox and wife: Alice M., born on September 29, 1879, married first to Charles Schneider, who died about fourteen years ago; later she married T. P. Nichols, and they live in St. Louis. They have two children, Josephine and Charles A. George F. born on July 8, 1882, married Courtney Gustin, who is engaged in the shoe business in Springfield. Our subject and wife also raised James D. Knox, from the time he was five years old, and shortly after our subject's death Mrs. Knox adopted the child, who was born on November 18, 1880; he married Maude Walker; he is connected with the Frisco shops and lives in Springfield. They have three children, Charles Vere, Maxine and Margaret.
Alexander Knox was a Republican. He belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and was secretary of the local order for a period of fifteen years, performing the duties of the office most faithfully. He was a member of the Masonic Order, the Blue Lodge, Gate of the Temple (Masonic) and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, being a charter member of the same. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge, and belonged to the First Congregational church.
The death of Mr. Knox occurred on August 14, 1899, when scarcely past the half-century mark. Mrs. Knox has a cosy home on Washington avenue, Springfield.
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