grave import

Obituary

Franklin Wilcox, one of the oldest residents of Burlington, passed away peacefully this morning at three o'clock at the family home, 400 South Eighth street. The deceased was 90 years old and for the last twenty years had lived a quiet, retired life. Previous to that time he was for many years a justice of the peace and was known to every citizen of Des Moines county as "Squire" Wilcox. Franklin Wilcox lived with his daughter,Mary, his wife having died many years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Maria Hall, of Penryn, Cal., Mary of this city and one son, Henry S., of Hannibal,Mo. The deceased was born June 24, 1810, in Addison county, Vermont. He removed with his parents to Portage county, Ohio, at an early date, and from there to Iowa in 1836, locating in Lee county in what was known as the Half Breed Tract. During the winter of 1838 he sold his land and went to Illinois, locating at Commerce, afterward called Nauvoo. He returned to Lee county, Iowa, about the year 1841, and in 1845 located in Union township, Des Moines county, engaging in farming until 1863, when he took up his residence in Burlington, since making this city his home. In 1861 Mr. Wilcox had the honor of being elected to the state legislature, and three years afterward was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity for fifteen years. He was one of the first members of the Board of County Supervisors, actin as chairman, and also served as sheriff of Des Moines county. In early life a whig, at the organization of the republican party he joined that body. "Squire Wilcox had a fund of interesting knowledge of the early settlement of this section, and his friends were often entertained with his reminiscences of pioneer days. He was personally acquainted with Black Hawk, the famous Indian chief, who was a frequent visitor at his house in early times. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at ten o'clock, from the family home. Dr. Wm. Salter will conduct the service.