A. K. COX, M.D., was born September 6, 1827. His father, Gabriel E. Cox, was a son of the renowned Indian fighter, Gen. James Cox, who was one of the first settlers of what is now Nelson County. He located on a small stream in the northern part of the county, which has since been known as Cox's Creek. He served with distinction in the war of 1812. He was a very extensive land owner, and was unable by reason of its plentifulness to appreciate its value, frequently bartering away quite large tracts of what is today the best of land for merely a nominal price. He died at the advanced age of seventy-seven years, October 5, 1845. He represented Nelson County in the Legislature in the years of 1802 and 1803.
Gabriel E. Cox, father of Dr. A. K. Cox, was born October 27, 1793, at the home farm on Cox's Creek, where he grew to manhood. By profession he was a physician acquiring his education at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Very soon after reaching home he married Miss Delia M. Tingle, and located and commenced the practice at Bardstown, where he continued until he was compelled to retire from active work on account of enfeebled health. He had a very large practice, in which he was highly successful. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he was connected a great many years, he died a devout believer in that faith, February 27, 1853. Politically a Whig, he represented the county in the Legislature twice.
Dr. A. K. Cox was born in Bardstown and remained at home until he attained his majority, when he commenced reading medicine with his father. In the winters of 1858-59-60 he attended two courses of lectures at the Kentucky School of Medicine, of Louisville, graduating from that institution in the latter year. August 10, 1840, his marriage with Ellen E. Bowman was celebrated, and to their union one child was born, Mary D., now Mrs. H. Clay Brown, of Georgia. Mrs. Cox is a daughter of Wilson and Mary Bowman. Her father, Wilson Bowman, was born in Virginia, June 16, 1787. He grew to manhood in his native State, immigrated to Kentucky at an early day, locating in Cumberland County, whence he removed to Nelson County about 1827. His vocation was that of farming and speculating in lands, and was regarded by those who had an opportunity of seeing his operations on the farm as a most systematic and enterprising farmer, being highly successful. He was the first importer of thorough-bred horses to the county, and handled them with great pleasure and success. In politics a Whig, he always manifested a great interest in political affairs, but sought no personal preferment. He died July 10, 1858.
Dr. Cox has practiced his profession about twenty-five years, meeting with most flattering success. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Doctor occasionally fills the pulpit. In politics he is a Democrat.