Dr. William Columbus Cox (1858-1931) was Everett's first doctor. Cox commuted to Everett on horseback in 1891-1892 as Everett was being settled. Cox was deeply commited totechnology and innovation. Cox was known as one of Everett's first automobile drivers. He advocated for safe roads so that people could drive without being unduly jarred. His house on the corner of California and Colby Avenues is now the site of the Medical and Dental Building, which he helped build. Cox was elected mayor of Everett in 1896.