James Knox

Who was James Knox?

James Knox was a U.S. Representative from Illinois.

Born in Canajoharie, New York, Knox attended Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, and was graduated from Yale College in 1830. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1833 and commenced practice in Utica, New York. He moved to Illinois in 1836 and settled in Knoxville, Illinois, Knox County, Illinois. He continued the practice of law. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits. He served as delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1847.

Knox was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress and reelected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress. He served as chairman of the Committee on Roads and Canals. He continued the practice of law until his death in Knoxville, Illinois, October 8, 1876. He was interred in City Cemetery.