The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1915-12-31
USEFUL LIFE ENDED
Lewis A Wilcox Prominent Corunna
Veteran Answers Last Call.


Veteran Answers Last Call.
Lewis A. Wilcox. aged n years,
passed away peacefully at the home Of
his daughter, Mrs Frank H. Pettibone,
in Corunna, Friday, after an illness
of two years. Mr.. Wilcox was for
years prominent figure in Democrat
politics in Corurns and Shiawassee
county and was veteran of the Civil
war, with a distinguished war record
as we'll as the first commander of the
G.. A. r. in Corunna.
Mr.. Wilcox was a member of Com.
pany B, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and
took part in the capture of jeff Davis,
the confederate president The Corunna
man fought under Col. b. d. Pritchard,
who was in command of the detach-
ment that surprised and captured Mr.
Davis and his party.
MIR. Wilcox served as postmaster Of
Corunna during Cleveland's first term,
and for years took prominant part in
the democrat politics of the county.
He served for several years as super.
visor of the second ward. He also
served in the auditor generals office at
Lansing. Twenty-Five years ago he
accepted position in the government
printing Office in Washington which he
held until one year ago last June when,
because of failing health, he resigned
and made his home with Mrs. Pettibone.
Lewis A. Wilcox was born October 5,
1888, at Grand Blanc. Shortly after
wards his parents moved to Duplain
township, Clinton county. He enlisted
at Ovid and left for the front under his
distinguished colonel B. d. Pritchard.
He served throughout the CIVIL war,
returning home at its close.
Three days after he was sent to the
front daughter was born to the family.
He saw for the first time Mrs. Luellah
Wilcox Pettibone on his return from
the war after three years absence.
William p. Steadman, formerly of
OWoeeo, WIN uiou low Wooho oSo AZ
Washington and who played prom
inant part in the capture of Mr.. Davis,
served with Mr.. Wilcox. Corporal
Charles F. Parker of Owosso, also serv-
ed throughout the war with Mr.. Will
COX, and both were members of the
special detail of 1913 men sent out by
their superior to capture jeff Davis and
his party.
Parker and Wilcox were close com.
rades during the war, and rode side by
side for more than three years, sharing
the fortunes and misfortunes together.
At the time of the capture of Mr.. Davis
they were together as usual, and it fell
to their lot to wheel to the left of the
wood as the party approached the fee.
ing confederates, in the early dawn of
May TO- -
Steadman went to the right and 10.
Gated Davis tent. But Parker and
Wilcox made a capture second in i'm
portance to only Davis. In the dim
light they saw a figure of a man lying
under a tree sleeping, the camp not
having been aroused by the approach
Of the enemy. AS the two Shiawassee
soldier boys rode up, the man sprang
to his feet and attempted to draw a
revolver, but Wilcox and Parker had
him covered. The capture was none
other than John II. Reagan, postmaster
general of the, confederacy. who was
attempting to escape with his chief
The capture was considered more dar-
ing than that of Mr.. Davis. and the
two young soldiers were highly com.
mended by their superior officers for
their bravery aud success.
Mr.. Wilcox and MIR. Parker were in
many thrilling adventures, for they
bold dashing cavalryman, and loved a
good sharp fight. They captured single
handed large store of ammunition
and flag of the enemy in a morning
fight with the Alabama Cavalry. The
flag was afterwards presented to Mich
igan and was deposited with other
trophies of war in the state capitol.
As supervisor, Mr.. Wilcox served for
years as member of the building COM
mittee. He was a charter member of
the Corunna Young Boys and Girls
society, and during the recent years it
has been his one great pleasure to return
from Washington every three years and
meet his former Corunna friends. Last
summer when the society held its re-
union he was i'll. but met the members
at the Pettibone home. Mr.. Wilcox
was also member Of the Union Vet.
eran Legion of Washington. society
composed of distinguished soldiers.
Mrs. Wilcox died at the home here 90