Charles Bishop Knox, deceased, one of Rock Island’s pioneer citizens and a wide awake and conservative business man and politician in his days, was born at Blandford, Massachusetts, June 27, 1818, and died in Rock Island on May 28, 1890. Charles Bishop Knox was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis B. Knox, who was one of the old respected families of Blandford. He acquired a common school education in the public schools of Blandford and Springfield, Massachusetts, and in 1841 came to the City of Rock Island direct from his native state. Having arrived here at this early day he was listed among the pioneer settlers of the county and soon became widely acquainted.
After devoting much time to the study of embalming he entered the undertaking business in Rock Island in 1858 and continued in this business until May 28, 1890, which was the day of his demise.
During this period of years he held public office, and in the execution of the duties of these, which he capably conducted, naturally won the esteem and admiration of all those with whom he dealt. His career in politics lead him into various offices of responsibility which he occupied for a number of years. Among the public offices held by him being County Coroner, county supervisor and alder-man of the City of Rock Island.
Mr. Knox was a staunch Republican and was elected to office by the Republican party. Aside from these political duties Mr. Knox also served for some time as chief of the volunteer fire department of Rock Island.
To fraternal organization Mr. Knox gave but little of his time, being only a member of Rock Island Lodge, No. 18, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and taking but a small part in its business or social department. While he was affectionate and liberal he was affiliated with no other charitable or philanthropic institutions than the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rock Island. In this he was known as a good church worker and always assisted in its advancement in whatever way he could.
In 1839, shortly before Mr. Knox had reached his maturity, or at the age of twenty years, he decided to marry, and this event took place at Blandford, where he resided until he came to Rock Island in 1841, two years later.
Four sons of Charles Bishop Knox are his only survivors: Edwin B. Knox of Moline, B. F., C. B. and S. P. Knox of this city are the remaining members of his family.
Under him two sons learned the embalming and undertaking business, and to this day both are successfully engaged in carrying out the work of the father; E. B. Knox conducting his undertaking rooms in Moline, and B. F. Knox in this city. Both have established themselves in their respective cities as well as in the surrounding community and are enjoying a steady growth and prosperous business. B. F. Knox, like his father, aspired to political office and was on two occasions honored by being elected mayor of the City of Rock Island on the Republican ticket.
The demise of Charles Bishop Knox took from Rock Island one of its most estimable, upright and honorable citizens.
