The Legacy Of The Cox Family: Wealth, Power, And Influence

[Reposting this article on February 1, 2020 on the news that Anne Cox Chambers has died at the age of 100…] In today's society, we find ourselves amid a staggering contrast between the wealth of billionaires and the struggles of the everyday middle class. Did you know that the 25 wealthiest families globally boast a combined net worth of $1.1 trillion? Among these families, the Cox family ranks as the 14th wealthiest, holding an impressive $33.6 billion. The journey of this family’s fortune began in 1898 when James M. Cox made a pivotal investment in the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. What began as a newspaper purchase has expanded into a vast empire that encompasses cable and broadband, television and radio, newspapers, and over 100 digital offerings, including well-known brands like Valpak, Savings.com, Kelley Blue Book, AutoTrader, and Cox Automotive.

James M. Cox's life story is one of resilience and ambition. Born in Ohio in 1870, he was the youngest of six siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse until the age of 16. Following his parents' divorce, he relocated to Middletown, Ohio, in 1886, where he started his career as an apprentice at the Middletown Weekly Signal. By 1892, he was working as a copy reader for the Cincinnati Enquirer. His significant break came in 1894 when he became an assistant to Paul Sorg, a U.S. Congressman, which eventually led him to purchase the struggling Dayton Evening News. With a vision for local reporting, he transformed it into the flourishing Dayton Daily News, enriching its coverage with national, international, and sports news through the Associated Press.

As the years unfolded, Cox's influence only grew. In 1905, he acquired the Springfield Press-Republic, renamed it the Springfield Daily News, and later became a Democratic Congressman representing Ohio from 1909 to 1913. His legacy includes a tenure as Governor of Ohio and an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1920. Following his public service, Cox dedicated himself to expanding Cox Enterprises, acquiring several newspapers and radio stations, including the Atlanta Georgian and Journal, just before the premiere of Gone with the Wind. His family legacy continues today, with his daughter, Anne Cox Chambers, as the majority owner of the empire he built.

• The Cox family ranks as the 14th wealthiest family globally.
• James M. Cox acquired the Dayton Daily News in 1898.
• Cox Enterprises has diversified into media, cable, and digital marketing.
• Anne Cox Chambers was the majority owner of the family business at her death.

Today, the legacy of James M. Cox lives on through his grandson, Jim Kennedy, who oversees the empire that has evolved significantly over the past century. Anne Cox Chambers' passing marks the end of an era, but the impact of the Cox family's contributions to American media and business continues to be felt. Their journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.