O. P. WILCOX.

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         It has been truly said that no human being has lived in vain who made the world better for having passed this way. The remark applies to O. P. Wilcox, now deceased, who for many years was a respected citizen of Columbus Junction—a man whose life was very largely controlled by a desire to enhance the happiness of those with whom he was associated and who nobly performed his part as a citizen and as head of a promising family.

         He was a native of Blount county, Tennessee, born April 16, 1851, a son of Samuel S. and Amanda Jane (Shaw) Wilcox. The parents were both born in Tennessee and were married in that state. On coming to Iowa they located on a farm in Louisa county, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father passing away in May, 1893, and the mother in November, 1892. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are now living.

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         O. P. Wilcox arrived in Iowa at the age of six months and received his education in the district schools of Louisa county. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age and then rented land for a year on his own account, at the close of which time he purchased eighty acres in Union township. He cultivated his farm industriously until 1881 when he sold out and moved to Columbus Junction, where he engaged in the lumber business. After two years he disposed of his business and purchased a grocery store, which he conducted successfully until he retired. He was a good business man and also a competent farmer, becoming the owner of two hundred and four acres of good land in this county, in which he invested his surplus capital.

         On Christmas day of 1873 Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Lucinda R. Harmon, who was born in Louisa county, November 21, 1854, a daughter of James and Mary A. (Duncan) Harmon. The parents were both born in Blount county, Tennessee, and came to Louisa county, Iowa, early in the ‘40s, locating in a log cabin with clapboard roof, puncheon floor, clapboard door and a stick chimney. As times improved, however, they occupied a more commodious residence. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom survive. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Emma A., the wife of C. V. Shipman, of Sully, Iowa; Robert H., at home; Francis O., now a resident of Montrose; Orlando A., also at home; Zola M., who was born December 29, 1889, and died March 6, 1911; and George M., at home.

         Mr. Wilcox died February 15, 1910, leaving many friends who sincerely mourned his loss. Politically he was independent, preferring to vote for the man rather than in support of any party. He took a great interest in local affairs and served for fourteen years as a member of the town board, showing a judgment and discrimination which met the hearty approval of the citizens irrespective of party. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She still owns a farm in this county, the Columbus Hotel, and also a comfortable residence in Columbus Junction. She is a member of Lodge No. 245, Royal Neighbors, and of the Fraternal Aid Association, and can claim a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Columbus Junction and Louisa county who admire her for her generous nature and pleasing social qualities.