Harold E. Cox
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Harold Eugene Cox | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1931 Lynchburg, Va. |
| Died | September 8, 2021 (aged 89–90) Exeter, Pennsylvania |
| Occupations | Educator, historian |
| Spouse | Robert Reite |
| Children | Michael |
| Parent(s) | James Alfred Cox and Margaret Ethel Trent |
Harold Eugene Cox (1931 – 2021) was Professor of History Emeritus and University Archivist at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania[1] serving over 52 years.[2] as department chair of the University Department of History.[3] In 2015, the university renamed one its buildings as Dr. Harold Cox Hall.[4] Cox specialized in the history of 19th and 20th century urban transportation and historical transportation maps.[3] In 1976, he was an editor for the Pennsylvania Historical Association's journal, "Pennsylvania History".[5]
In 1996, Cox inquired about 19th century election statistics for Pennsylvania, only to find that the data would cost $1,000 to produce.[6] He then organized and created the Wilkes University Election Statistics Project as a free online resource documenting Pennsylvania political election results dating back to 1796.[7] The project has been cataloged by the Pennsylvania State University Libraries[8] and the Van Pelt Library at the University of Pennsylvania.[9] It has been cited as a source in academic books about the Supreme Court of the United States,[10] Communist politicians in Pennsylvania,[11] and a survey of state-level political parties.[12]
Cox served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1984, retiring as a command sergeant major.[2]
Cox died in 2021 and was eulogized as a "true renaissance man" with passions and interests ranging from politics to creative writing, trolleys, and LGBTQ rights.[2] He was interred at Spring Hill Cemetery, Lynchburg, Va.[2]
