Mecosta County MI Archives Biographies.....Wilcox, Stephen S. July 29, 1840 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 April 18, 2009, 1:24 pm

Author: Chapman Brothers

STEPHEN S. WILCOX, of Big Rapids, whose portrait appears in proximity to this 
page, was born July 29, 1840, 

in Schenevus, Otsego Co., N.Y., and is the son of John and Amanda (Upson) 
Wilcox.  His father, who was of 

English descent, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and a pioneer settler near 
Hartford, Conn.  The first 

frame house ever built in Schenevus was erected by him and is still standing.

Stephen S. Wilcox was the youngest of six children, and was educated at the 
schools and seminaries in the 

vicinity of his home, until he was 15 years old; he then removed to Galesburg, 
Ill., where he served as 

clerk for his brother in the hardware business, and finally learned the trade 
of tinner.

After serving three years' apprenticeship, during which time he spent his 
leisure time in study, he, in the 

fall of 1858, taught the district school in Otsego, N.Y.  In 1859 he bought a 
stock of hardware, and 

conducted a small business successfully  for a short time.  In 1862 he removed 
to Detroit, and for several 

years worked as a tinner.

In 1868, the firm of S.S. Wilcox & Co., consisting of Mr. Wilcox and his 
father-in-law, J.W. Barbour, 

commenced a general hardware business at Big Rapids.  Four years later Mr. 
Wilcox assumed the entire 

management of the business and has since conducted it successfully.

His son-in-law, Mr. W.J. Sloss, was admitted an active partner to the firm os 
S.S. Wilcox & Co., at the 

commencement of the present year (1883).  Mr. Sloss was born in Dearborn, 
Michigan, where he resided until 

his removal to Big Rapids, excepting four years spent at the Agricultural 
College at Lansing.

Mr. Wilcox is an Odd Fellow, and a Charter member of the Knights of Pythias 
lodge of this place.  He gives 

his political support support to the Democratic party, but does not aspire to 
office. Thorough acquaintance 

with the practical details of his business, and strict personal attention to 
every department of it, have 

insured his success.

Mr. Wilcox was married Feb. 7, 1863, to Miss Adelaide L., daughter of Theron 
W. Barbour, who removed from 

Vermont, and settled at Pontiac, in 1830, when Michigan was a "Territory."  
His family comprises the 

following children:  Ida B. born at Farmington, Mich., Jan. 26, 1864; and 
Fred. Theron, born, at Big 

Rapids, Mich., Oct. 29, 1869.

Additional Comments:
1883 Portrait & Bio Album of Mecosta Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/mecosta/bios/wilcox602nbs.txt

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