Bio-Pen Pictures
SURNAMES: McKEE,
was born in Middletown, Connecticut, in July, 1829, and remained at home, working on his father's farm and attending school until twenty-three years of age. He came to California, around Cape Horn, on the ship Flying Dutchman, and arrived in San Francisco in January, 1853, making the trip in 100 days. He came immediately to San Jose, where he engaged in farming with his brother-in-law, J. O. McKee, the first year. He then engaged in various occupations until 1856, when he bought an interest in a grocery business, which he sold two years afterward. He then became interested in the hotel business, purchasing an interest in the Morgan House, which he continued to run and manage until 1871, when he sold the hotel buildings and erected the Wilcox Block, where his present business is carried on. This block has a frontage of sixty‑nine feet on First Street, and 138 feet on San Fernando Street,—one of the best-appointed business blocks in the city. In 1871 Mr. Wilcox bought out the boot and shoe stock of McGoun & Co., and removed it to the store in his block, which he now occupies, and which he has occupied since that time.
He was married, in 1852, to Miss Sarah McKee, a native of Cromwell, Connecticut. They have had six children, of whom three are living, viz.: Anna K., a graduate of the Gates Institute; Edith, attending the University of the Pacific; and E. J., attending the San Jose High School.
Mr. Wilcox is a
Republican in politics. He was a member of the City Council of San Jose in 1860,
and of all his associates in the city government at that time he is the only
survivor. He has been a Trustee of the City Free Library of San Jose since its
formation, in 1880, representing the Fourth Ward in the Board.
Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888.
Pg. 597
SANTA CLARA COUNTY BIOGRAPHY PROJECT