Fleet William Cox

Cox was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on October 15, 1824. He graduated from VMI as a member of the class of 1849 and was a teacher in Hague and a lawyer in Northumberland Courthouse. He also attended the University of Virginia.

Cox began his career as captain of A company of the 40th Virginia in May 1861. He eventually rose to lieutenant colonel by the summer of 1862. He served in the Virginia legislature during the War and lost an eye fighting at Chancellorsville. He was taken prisoner in Westmoreland County on May 12, 1865 and was held until June 28.

After the War, Cox served as a farmer, teacher, lawyer, and as a politican in Westmoreland. He died in Kinsale on March 17, 1888.