Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 614.

HON. W. L. WILCOX

     of the firm of Stephenson & Wilcox, is a leading business man of Gilliam
county. His firm is one of the representative business houses of the county,
they are engaged in general merchandising, in which line they do a thriving
trade.
      W. L. Wilcox was born in Washington county, Oregon, on January 16, 1857,
the son of  C. D. and S. E. (Manning) Wilcox. The father was born in New York,
in 1829, crossed the plains to Oregon in 1849, and, with his wife, is living in
Klickitat county, Washington. They have been faithful pioneers and are worthy
people. Our subject was educated in Portland and later took a course in a
business college in The Dalles. He was employed by his uncle in the stock
business east of the mountains for some time and in 1886, started in stock
raising for himself. He also did a good business in shipping horses to the east
and was one of the leading men in these industries in the county. In 1888 Mr.
Wilcox was nominated by the Democratic party for the state legislature from this
district and won the day by a handsome majority. He made a commendable record in
the house and when his term was out there, it being 1890, he was chosen for
sheriff of Gilliam county. For twelve years he held that office, which
demonstrates both his great popularity as well as his faithfulness in the
discharge of duties of trust. He was an efficient officer in every point and has
shown an unswerving integrity and uprightness that commend him to all lovers of
good. On August I, 1902, Mr. Wilcox bought a share of the business conducted
then by his partner, Mr. Stephenson, and together since that date they have
handled the business, which is increasing all the time and is in a very
prosperous condition. The firm is reliable and substantial and dispenses goods
to all parts of the country adjacent to Condon.
     On June 20, 1886, Mr. Wilcox married Miss Minnie A. Caven, a native of
Kansas.  Her father was J. J. Caven.  Four children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Wilcox: William, Alvin, Florence and Minnie.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2010 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.