A PIONEER DEPARTS

In the death of Mrs. Elias Wilcox, which occurred on March 7, 1930 Washington County loses one of its very earliest pioneers- a resident of this county for nearly three quarters of a century.

Clarissa M. Silliman was born in Stark County, Illinois, on Oct. 30, 1837, and reached the age of 92 years, 4 months and 7 days. She was married to Elias Wilcox on Feb. 14, 1856 in Illinois, and in the spring of 1857 she and her husband came to Nebraska in a covered wagon, locating on the farm now known as Oak Point, five miles west of Ft. Calhoun, and resided there until her death except for a year or two in the early sixties, which time was spent in Ft. Calhoun. Five children were born to this union, three daughters, Mary E. Epling, Esther A. Wright and Letty May Wilcox, all of whom preceded her in death. And two sons, Phineas M. and Marshall A. Wilcox, both of whom are living. She also leaves 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was a kind and devoted mother, a loyal friend and neighbor and a staunch supporter of the Golden rule, which she often impressed upon her children and grandchildren. Hers was a sturdy, energetic nature, characteristic of the early pioneers. Her long and useful earthly life is ended, but the good deeds she sowed along the journey will long bear fruit.

The funeral services were held in the Blair Methodist Church Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Bader in charge, and burial was in the Blair Cemetery.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #113534599