James Knox (July 4, 1807 – October 8, 1876) was an American lawyer, farmer, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois. He was elected as a Whig and later served as an Opposition candidate.
Early Life and Education
Knox was born in Canajoharie, New York. He attended Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and graduated from Yale College in 1830. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1833, and commenced practice in Utica, New York.
Career
In 1836, Knox moved to Illinois and settled in Knoxville, Knox County, where he continued the practice of law and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a delegate to the Illinois State constitutional convention in 1847.
Knox was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress and reelected as an Opposition candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress, serving from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1857. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the Committee on Roads and Canals in the Thirty-fourth Congress.
Later Life and Death
After leaving Congress, Knox continued the practice of law in Knoxville, Illinois, until his death on October 8, 1876. He was interred in City Cemetery.
Congressional Record
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