Moved to Edgecombe County in 1857 and was a lawyer and very involved in the militia, organizing the Ellis Artillery Company. Entered the Confederate Army in the 2nd North Carolina and fought in the defense of Richmond. Wounded at Chancellorsville, he missed the Battle of Gettysburg, but returned to his command in time for the Battle of Wilderness where he was promoted to brigadier general.
He led his brigade so well that General lee remarked "God bless North Carolina." At Appomattox, Gen. Cox led his division in the last charge of the Army of Northern Virginia. At the surrender, "Defeated, but not conquered the gallant Cox bore his eleven wounds and laid down his sword with the soldierly grace of a true hero."
These three soldiers: Henry Lawson, William Pender and William Cox were all heroes for North Carolina's Edgecombe County and truly were, as the ode to the state goes, "The First at Bethel. The Farthest at Gettysburg and Last at Appomattox."
Those Gallant North Carolina Men. --Old Secesh
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