William Albert Wilcoxon

WILCOXON, WILLIAMSON, MADDEN

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 06:52:59

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
WILLIAM ALBERT WILCOXON
William Albert Wilcoxon, the popular photographer of Bonaparte, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Delaware County, Indiana, on December 9, 1858, and is a son of Horatio Wilcoxon. His father died when he was a mere babe, only two years old, and he then went to live with his uncle John Williamson, who brought him to Iowa. He made a location in Bonaparte Township, Van Buren County, where our subject was reared to manhood, spending the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads. His education was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood, which he attended only during the winter season as his services were needed on the farm during the summer months, but on reaching years of maturity he decided to make his life work some other profession or occupation that that which had engrossed his attention during boyhood. With a view of learning his present business, he came to Bonaparte in the spring of 1880 and entered the photograph gallery of Levi Henry, who instructed him in the methods of the art. After mastering the business, he continued with Mr. Henry as an employee for some years, when in the autumn of 1889, he bought out the business and began life for himself. Little more than a year has passed yet he has now a liberal patronage, and his business is constantly increasing a fact, which gives evidence of the thoroughness and pleasing manner in which his work is done.
In the year 1882, Mr. Wilcoxon was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary J. Madden, daughter of Thomas Madden, on of the early settlers and a prominent farmer of Van Buren County, now deceased. The lady is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in the community where she has so long made her home has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. A little daughter Edith May graces their union. In political sentiment, Mr. Wilcoxon is a supporter of Republican principles. In speaking of him in the beginning of this sketch we used the adjective popular. He is popular both in the line of his work and in social circles. An agreeable companion, intelligent and entertaining, he has won the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.