Samuel Cox Jr.

Samuel Cox Jr. (1826-1889) was a U.S. Representative from New York. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio University in 1846. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began practicing in Ohio.

Cox moved to New York City and became involved in journalism and politics. He served as Secretary of Legation to Peru from 1855 to 1856. He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1857 to 1865, then again from 1869 to 1885. He was also elected to the House for another term from 1887 until his death in 1889.

During his time in Congress, Cox was known for his oratory skills and his involvement in various committees, including those related to naval affairs, foreign affairs, and appropriations. He was a vocal proponent of free trade and opposed high tariffs. He was also known for his wit and humor, earning him the nickname "Sunset" Cox, reportedly derived from a flowery description he penned of a sunset.

After leaving Congress in 1885, he served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Turkey until 1886. He returned to Congress in 1887. Samuel Cox Jr. died in 1889 in Washington, D.C. and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.