The weekly Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1911-1922, 1912-01-25

noon, January 20, 1912. there pass
ed from this life a citizen of Plym-
outh whose counterpart cannot be
produced. One whose life can be
taken as a model for others.
Charles III. Wilcox was a man of
few words compared with many of
his fellows, but he was one of the
best generally informed men who
lived the ordinary life. When but
boy he learned the bakers trade
with w. w. Hill, and when he start
ed he was so small he had to stand
on a stool to scale the loaves of
bread. He was with Mr.. Hill when
the call was made for volunteers at
the opening of the Civil war, and
though but seventeen years of age,
he answered the summons, and serv-
ed his country four years and eleven
days.
William M. Kendall, who was,
previous to his death a few years
ago. one of the leading business men
of Plymouth, was the Captain of
Company d 73rd Indiana Infantry.
in which Mr.. Wilcox enlisted. Re
turning from the service at the close
of the war, he again took his posi-
ton with Mr.. Hill, and remained
with hin. for eighteen years, holding
the respect of his employer all
through his life. Saving some money,
he thought to start in business for
himself, and formed a partnership
with VIM. E. Leonard, and bought
out bakery and restaurant on La
porte street where the barber shop
of w. F. Young now is. They were
barely fitted up in the new room
when the big fire that swept the old
Hoham block clean came, and with
no insurance, the loss prevented Mr..
Wilcox from continuing the bust
ness. He was for a time a partner
In the picture business with Wash
ington Tuttle, but afterwards enter
ed the employ of his old Captain w.
M. Kendall, who was postmaster of
Plymouth, and had book and sta
tionery store, with a news stand
connected.
While with Mr.. Kendall for some
fifteen years, Mr.. Wilcox became
known to every man, woman and
child who had business at the Rlym-
outh postoffice, and his kind, ac-
commodating manners, and obliging
disposition won the respect of all.
School children who bought their
supplies at this place, went by
scores to Charlie Wilcox to have
their pencils sharpened, and he was
never too busy to help even the
smallest child. Children instructive
ly trusted him, and knew he was
their friend.
With failing health, Mr.. Wilcox
suffered a stroke of paralysis, and
became subject to spasmodic spells
that hindered his active business life
and he was a number Of years age
compelled to give up his work
though he was engaged in hanging
window shades, and such work at
times.
During the years of his decline he
has been cared for by his faithful
wife, who. has borne the burden with
cheerful heart against conditions
that would have staggered most men
She has been a helpmate to him in
an amplified sense, and as she is
now called to give up her life com
panion, she knows in her heart that
she has tried to make his DAYS
pleasant, and has. done her utmost
in his behalf.
People who recall the youthful
days of Mr.. Wilcox say he was al.
ways a good boy. In company with
a number of companions he tool
what was known as the old Wash.
ington Temperance Pledge. and moi
long ago he said 81 have never
broken it, Thirty-two years ag,
he united with the Presbyterian
church, and has been faithful
member ever since, serving tn,
church In various capacities, as hi.
brethren recognized his ability. H.
has lived all of his life Of sixty
seven years since his birth on Aug
y, 1874, right here in Plymouth, AM
this life has been an open book
His profession never was great, bu
his life, taken as whole will b,
remembered by those who knew hin
as clean and pure. Natures noble
man. Honest, upright. clean il
word and deed. Such a life, live,
IN the love of God and his fellows
is worthy of emulation, and in part
ing with him as citizen, friend an,
brother, he is held forth as an ex
ample for other lives that may fol
low.
The son of Leonard and Alvir
Wilcox, he was one of eleven chill
, dren. The family lived for wear