Wilcox

There are some men whose achievements and personalities so favorably impress the communities in which they dwell that their memory remains an influence for good long years after their lives have rounded to a close. To this small and distinctive group belonged the late A. N. Wilcox, of Durant, Oklahoma, who died June 8, 1919. As a business man he was sane, as a public official courageous, high-souled, capable, and as a man full of the milk of human kindness. From the chief executive of the State, Governor R. L. Williams, came the following letter in praise of Mr. Wilcox's work as vice-chairman of the State Board of Affairs:

Dear Mr. Wilcox:
This New Year's Day, less than two - weeks before my administration as Governor closes, I take this opportunity to write and express to you my appreciation of the faithful and loyal service rendered to the State and the public by you. In the capacity as a member of the Board of Affairs you have served the State well and faithfully. I feel that you have added to the success of my administration. This public service rendered by you should be a matter of gratification to yourself and of pride to your family and friends.
Believe me, I shall ever appreciate the association we have had as public servants during this period.
Very sincerely yours,

(Sgd.) R. L. WILLIAMS

A. N. Wilcox was born in Cortland, DeKalb County, Illinois, December 8, 1856, and died June 8, 1919. His father was the Rev. Nathan Wilcox. The son attended grammar and high school, and in his early manhood, after a brief residence in Ohio, went to Colorado, in 1887, where he was appointed sheriff of Kit Carson County on its organization. He was later elected to that office. In 1892, he came to Durant, Oklahoma, where he established the first nursery enterprise in his part of the State, handling a full line of all nursery stock. In 1898, he sold out his business and accepted an appointment as deputy United States marshal, an office in which he remained until 1907. An interesting commentary on his remarkable courage and efficiency in this office was voiced by a Democratic newspaper, which thus praised the Republican marshal: In regard to Deputy Marshals Wilcox and Robinson, the News, though Democratic from center to circumference, has a right to speak as a public citizen, and when we say that we do not want any changes here in the marshal's office, we but voice the sentiment of every representative man, woman, and child in this town. As a field marshal, Mr. Wilcox has helped to make Durant one of the most law abiding places in the Territory or out of it. He has been strenuous but not fanatical. The toughs dared not violate any of the laws made and provided. Gambling, if not a thing of the past, is carried on in a very restricted manner. Bootlegging has ceased to be a business, and now a drunk man is seldom or never seen in our town. There are few men that are by nature or training qualified to fill a field marshal's position. Mr. Wilcox is one of these and should be retained in the service.

This vigorous praise of Mr. Wilcox from his political opponents is merely a statement of the truth about a law-enforcement officer who helped bring order into a new community and whose spirit of justice and fair-dealing, combined with unquestioning obedience to the law, imbued the community with some of his own ideals. He was known as a law enforcing officer, fair to the other man, yet keen in running down criminals in his territory. He was located in the section known as "Robbers' Roost of Red River Valley." When he retired from this dangerous and difficult position, in which he had encountered many adventures and had often risked his life in defense of the law, Mr. Wilcox engaged in the cattle business. He owned three hundred acres of land near Durant and enjoyed great success in breeding pure Jersey stock. However, when the Governor called him again to public service in 1914, Mr. Wilcox sold his stock, though he retained his land, and took up the important work of membership on the State Board of Affairs. In large measure, because of his untiring efforts the financial condition of the new State remained excellent during the years in which Mr. Wilcox was in office. The schools of the State fell to his province, and were generously cared for. Another testimonial letter from Governor Williams, sent from the Governor's Office on December 18, 1917, reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Wilcox:

Please accept my thanks for the beautiful way in which you, with others, remembered my forty-ninth birthday and the Christmas following.
In this connection also permit me to thank you for the faithful service you have rendered the State and the invaluable aid you have given my administration in rendering a true stewardship to the people in the State.
Hoping that you and yours have had a Merry Christmas and for you a Happy and Prosperous New Year, I am,

Very sincerely yours,
(Sgd.) R. L. WILLIAMS

On November 6, 1896, in Texas, A. N. Wilcox married Anna Hord, daughter of Edward and Sarah (Gooch) Hord, and they were the parents of a daughter, born November 27, 1897. Mrs. Wilcox survives her husband and resides in Durant, where she owns property in addition to the splendid farm five miles from Durant.

Death came suddenly to Mr. Wilcox as he stood chatting with friends in the garden of his home. Many friends gathered at the simple but impressive last rites, and many telegrams and letters of condolence testified to the popularity of this splendid man and public servant. A local editor thus voiced the sentiments of all who knew him: The deceased had lived a life of usefulness, a life devoted to his family and friends. It was only a short time ago that he told friends he was coming "back home" to settle down and enjoy the remaining days of his life among those he loved and with those who knew him best. His was a lovable disposition, a man of broad humanity, his sympathy always being given to those who needed it, and he was always one of the first to respond to the call of charity. He has been instrumental in the building of this city, always contributing his portion, and bearing his part of the burdens of the city. He has been honored in many ways. For a number of years before statehood, when it took men, strong men, to face the difficulties in this country, he was a United States marshal, and it has been said by those who know that a braver or truer man never filled this office. He was a man who held the respect and friendship of all who knew him. He was one man whom it did one good to know and to mingle with. . . . Everyone who knew him loved him and those who were blessed in the possession of his friendship cherished it as a precious blessing.

(Source: Oklahoma, A History of the State and its People by Joseph B. Thoburn and Muriel H. Wright; Volume IV, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc. New York 1929; transcribed by Vicki Bryan)

Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Kit Carson County, Colorado Photographs

Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Kit Carson County, Colorado
Photographs