History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, 1887



Honorable James B. Knox Biography


Honorable James B. Knox, son of William and Sarah Knox, was born at Knoxville, Tioga county, Pa., November 4, 1831. After obtaining a liberal education he began the study of law in Franklin, Pa., with Hon. John C. Knox, his only brother. He was duly admitted to the bar, came to Clarion in 1853, and commenced life actively in his chosen profession. In 1855 he married Jennie Z. Stehley, of Harrisburg, Pa. Their union was blessed with six children, five of whom are yet living, and reside in Clarion.

At the beginning of the Civil War Mr. Knox left his family and a lucrative law practice to bear arms for his country. On the 14th of June, 1861, he was mustered into the service of the Union army as captain of Company E, of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment, Tenth P.R.V.C. He was promoted to major August 15, 1862, and later to commanding officer of his regiment. On account of his health failing he resigned his position, obtained his discharge November 23, 1863, and returned to his family and practice in Clarion. During his service in the army he participated in the following battles: Dranesville, Mechanicsville, Gaines's Mill, Newmarket Crossroads, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, and Mine Run.

During the battle of Gettysburg a little incident occurred which will serve to show how regardless he was of his own life, and how he sought to save the lives of his comrades. He wanted to see the position of the Confederates in the Devil's Den, and for this purpose stood on a rock exposed to the enemy's fire, but told his men to keep down, that it was dangerous. While standing there a shell struck a branch of a tree only a few feet from his head. This he treated as a trivial affair, making motions to the rebels, and still standing in his position, a target for their marksmen. His farewell address to his men at the close of his last dress parade was quite a touching scene. His remarks were full of pathos and patriotism.

In 1873 he entered into a law partnership with Hon. James T. Maffett, which continued until he took his seat on the bench, January 1, 1882, having been elected to the judgeship of the Eighteenth judicial District in the fall of 1881. He performed the duties of his office faithfully until his death on December 22, 1884. He died at his post while holding court in Brookville. The disease, asthma, which carried him away, was contracted during his military services in the army.

As a citizen, Mr. Knox was greatly respected, and regarded as strictly honest and upright in all his dealings. His intentions were good, and his private character exceptionally pure and above suspicion. As a soldier he was brave and daring almost to recklessness, and much loved by his comrades. In his profession he stood high in ability, integrity, and gentlemanly deportment; as a judge he was popular, sympathetic, and impartial; as a husband and father he was a model of devotion and affection.


Source: History of Clarion County; Davis, A. J.; Syracuse, NY; D. Mason and Co., 1887.












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