The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-06-05

was born in 1887. After his school
OF his father as was then the univcr
Standing six feet one in his stock
ings. always Of an adventurous and
intrepid spirit, the young Peter Will
cox dreamed always of the country
to the west. He took frequent trips
into that almost unknown land and
when about 35 years of age, having
saved competency, he associat-
ed himself with government sur
veying and exploration party under
S. J. Dawson, Sanford Fleming and
Rev. Principal Grant, well known
names in the history Of the great
Canadian Northwest, who blaZed the
trails for the Canadian Pacific rail
road and paved the way for the OPP
cratiOns Of the great Hudson Bay
company. Peter Wilcox saw siren
uous service, battling with the In
dians and overcoming the hardships
of an unknown and unexpl0rcd cOun-
try.
Foundations Of his Fortune
He began then to lay the fOunda-
tions Of his fortune and when the
lure of free homestead lands in the
fertile Red River Valley caught SO
many young men, he left tho ardu-
GUS tasks Of exploration. road and
bridge building and took up land
between Buffalo and Tower City in
Cass county in 1878.
Mr.. Wilcox crossed into the States
from Canada via dog team.
At that time the Northern Pacific
was pushing its line toward the coast.
Bismarck was the klondike Vf that
day. Those were boom days and
Peter Wilcox then AZ years Of age, in
independent circum stances, decided
to come to this city and settle down.
lie believed the Missouri Slope pre-
scnted excellent opportunities for
Investment, and as soon as he arrived
here he purchased city property and
farm Lands.
Was Deputy Jailer
Soon after his arrival he became
q friend and often financial hacker
of the late Alexander Mckenzie.
When the political leader became
sheriff Of Burlcigh county, Peter Will
cox was his deputy and jailcr. He
saw some strenuous times in posi-
tion he held for nineteen years un-
der Shcriffs Mckenzie and Donnclley.
During his term Of office the Mar
quis De MOres, on trial for murder,
was one Of his prisoners. firing of
that position, however, he accepted a
post as manager Of the stOckyards
along the Northern Pacific between
Fargo and Glendivc, Mont. Those
were the days Of the big cattle ship
mcnts. The fertile plains Of the west
fed millions Of head of stock and MIR.
Wilcox came into intimate touch
with the then leading industry Of the
great Northwest. He met Theodore
Roosevelt, an active ranchman on
the Little Missouri near Medora
Many men afterwards prominent in
national affairs came to know the
quiet, genial Peter Wilcox. He look
ed the typical frontiersman with a
long flowing beard. In his position
as u peace officer, he never invited
trouble, but always gave a good ac-
count of himself when the lawless
element attempted any fracas. Peter
Wilcox would never accept an cleo
tive or appointive office other than
the one he held under Mckenzie and
Donnelley.
Keen Business Judgment
He had keen business judgment and
after retiring from the stockyards
business, devoted his time to the care
of his own property interests and
those Of Mckenzie and the Mellon
brothers, A. w., r. H., and r. B.
"Dick" Mellon and A. w. Mellon
visited Bismarck in the early days
and were friends of Mr.. Wilcox.
Richard Mellon lived here several
years, having established bank in
Bismarck. Mr.. Wilcox cared for the
local interests Of the MELONS until
phis death.
Mr.. Wilcox was a. great reader.
He did much charitable work in a
quiet way and helped many man
toward independence.
About ten years ago his; wife died
and Mr.. Wilcox gave up his own
home and lived with his daughter,
Mrs. McGillis, at the Van Horn hotel
He lived a quiet life. His only lodge
was the Masonic. The fact that. his
hearing failed him during the latter
part Of his life kept him away from
public gatherings. He was active,
however, with his business affairs
until eight weeks ago when he be-
came confined to his room.
He is survivedrbyl q son, Frank Will
cox. and . daughter, Mrs. McGillis,
both of Bismarck.
The funeral will be held from the
Presbyterian Church Monday at 2 p.
nj. Rev. Daniel Earle, assisted by
Rev. Wright, will conductth services.
Intermcnt will be at Fairview Gene
terry.
The pallbearcrs are: J. p. French,
W. H. Webb, w. A. Mcdonald, O. w.
Roberts. Rollin Welch and Chas.
Wachter.
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