Cox, George Barnsdale

Cox, George Barnsdale,

1853–1916, American politician, Republican boss of Cincinnati, b. Cincinnati. A former bootblack, he turned to real estate and local politics after selling his saloon in 1881. Cox acquired political control of the city in 1886 and held power till 1911, except for defeats in 1897 and 1905. His machine, in other hands, won again in 1913.

Cox, George Barnsdale

(1853–1916) political boss; born in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Cincinnati saloon keeper, active in Republican politics, he consolidated his power on the Board of Public Affairs, doling out state jobs. His political machine controlled the Republican Party in Ohio (1888–1910). Indicted for missing bank payments, he was cleared, but he retired from politics in 1911, investing in theater afterward.