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C. E. WILCOX

Sioux City has been signally favored in the class of men chosen to fill her  public offices and none has been more faithful to duty than Charles E. Wilcox,  commissioner of public safety and also at the head of important business  interests. He was born June 19, 1880, in East Smithfield, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and his father, Lyman E. Wilcox, was also a native of the Keystone state. In 1880 the father came to the west and took up a claim in Woodbury county, Iowa. By arduous labor and good management he converted the tract into a valuable farm supplied with many improvements, and thereon resided until 1901, when he moved to a smaller place near Morningside, Iowa, in order that his children might have better educational advantages. For fifteen years he operated the farm and then sold the property, having decided to establish his home on the Pacific coast. He spent the remainder of his life in California and reached the age of sixty-four years, passing away November 11, 1919. His widow, Mary (Powell) Wilcox, is a native of Wales and resides at Long Beach, California.

Mr. Wilcox received his education in the public schools of Moville, Iowa, situated seven miles from his father's farm, and covered the distance on a bicycle. He was employed in various capacities and eventually became a steam shovel engineer, working for the Sioux City Traction Company for two years.

Four years later he abandoned that line of activity and in 1913 became a dealer in bicycles and motorcycles. He conducted the business until 1918, when he offered his aid to his country in its time of need. He was assigned to duty with the tank corps, becoming sergeant of his company, with which he went overseas. He returned to the United States at the end of seven months and was honorably discharged March 27, 1919. He then purchased his old business in Sioux City and continued the undertaking until 1921, when he disposed of his stock, having received the appointment of deputy sheriff. His work was very satisfactory and in the spring of 1924 he was elected commissioner of public safety. He has clearly demonstrated his qualifications for this responsible office and his service has been marked by a singleness of purpose that has produced valuable results. Several years ago he proved up on a homestead in the western part of South Dakota and in association with his brother he now owns and operates a ranch of twenty-two hundred acres in Butte county, South Dakota. Their standards of farming are high and the land is rich and productive, showing the result of scientific methods and systematic work.

On August 13, 1905, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Josephine Colwell, a daughter of William and Margaret (Berry) Colwell, who were natives of the Hawkeye state. Mr. Wilcox is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Noble of Abu-Bekr Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Eastern Star, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the American Legion, the Sioux City Boat Club, and the Lions Club, a business men's organization devoted to Americanism. He is affiliated with the Congregational church, of which he is treasurer, and his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. Mr. Wilcox is a citizen of worth and his prosperity is the legitimate reward of hard work, honest dealing and the wise use of his opportunities.

Submitted by Pat NEWELL Smith
 

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Published On Tri-Counties Site On 12 AUG 2005 By Joyce M. Tice Email: Joyce M. Tice You are the  visitor since the counter was installed on 12 AUG 2005