Cox, George Henry, 1824 – 1901

George Henry Cox (1824-1901), pastoralist, sheep breeder and parliamentarian, was born at Mulgoa, NSW, son of George and Elizabeth Cox. Cox was educated at The King's School, Parramatta and in 1845 became manager of his father's land grant at Burrundulla, Mudgee.

In the 1850s and 1860s he expanded his land interests in the Liverpool Plains and in south-west Queensland. He experimented in the breeding of Australian merino sheep on all his properties. He was a foundation member councillor of the Agricultural Society of NSW and president of the Sheep-breeders' Association. Cox built the residence 'Burrundulla' at Mudgee in 1864.

He was instrumental in Cudgegong being declared the first rural municipality in 1860 and was an alderman (1860-1877) and the first mayor (1860-1862, 1865). Cox was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Wellington (1856-1859) in the first parliament and was appointed to the NSW Legislative Council (1863-1901).