Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-29

birth took place in the northwest corner
room on the second floor and her christen-
ing was in the east room The mansion
was decked out with flowers from the gar
den and the cabinet, the diplomatic corps
both houses of Congress, as well as resi-
dents, were represented in the brilliant
company at the ceremony and the reception
following 1t.
Miss Cora Livingston. daughter of Jack
sons Secretary of State was godmother
for the baby and the President and Mr.
Martin Van Buren, were the other sponsors.
Rev. DR.. Gallagher. then chaplain of the
House. performed the ceremony, and twen-
ty years later married Miss Mary Emily
Donelson to Col. John Wilcox, then rep
resenting a Mississippi district in Congress.
Robert +. Lee, then lieutenant of engi-
neers, was at the christening. and others
prominent in American history-Presdent
Fillmore, Daniel Webster. Lewis Cass,
Stephen A. Douglas. James Buchanan and
Mr.. Marcy-congratulate ted the happy pair at
their wedding.
An incident between her christening and
her wedding days, in which she figured,
was also of national significance. The cor
nerstone of the Treasury building was laid
by President Jackson, and In the box he
placed, with the manuscript of one of his
messages to Congress, golden curl from
baby Mary's head, grouping. as he said,
two treasured possessions The young
ladyhood of Miss Donelson was spent in
Europe, her father having been appointed
minister to Prussia after President Jack
son retirement 10 private lie MAJ. bOH-
elson and his daughter were abroad about
four years. during which time the latter fin
isfed her education, and travelled through
out southern Europe 1t was soon after
their return to this city that her marriage
took place in the Donelson family residence,
then on f street near the National Thea
ter.
Remove to Texas.
Later Col Wilcox moved to Texas and
twice represented that state in Congress.
On the breaking out of the civil war he was
elected to the confederate senate and died
in Richmond during the war
His wife. left with two young children
and with her means all swept away by the
reverses of war. turned her accomplish
ments to her support. She was proficient in
nearly all the continental languages and
had studied music under the best masters
She became the principal of a school in
Tennessee, but in 1874 was appointed by
Gen. Grant translator in the Post Office
Department.
Mrs. Wilcox had a wide circle of friends
here and has always been an honored guest
at the White House during each admins
tration She always retained the keenest
interest in what was transpiring about her.
She was gracious and cordial in manner
and her well-stored mind made her de-
llghtful conversationalist. Several years ago
she compiled a dainty volume, some of her
youthful "reminiscences. She had great en-
ergy and industry, and did not give up
active pursuits until the intirmities of age
compelled her to do She is survived by
daughter. Miss Mary r. Wilcox, and a
granddaughter, Miss Pauline Seymour Will
cox.
The funeral will take place tomorrow af-
ternoon at o'clock from her late resi-
dence.
Mrs. Wilcox professed the Catholic faith
prior to her death, and Rev Fa ther Buckley
will officiate at the funeral services.
Honorary Pallbearers.