#1-Pilot Tribune 30 May 1935

BONFIRE BURNS PROVE FATAL TO PHINEAS WILCOX

Long Time Farmer, Aged 75, Lived Two Months After Receiving Burns

BURNS VICTIM LIVED HERE OVER 50 YEARS

Blair Farmer, Native of Indiana, Came to This Part of Nebraska as a Youth, and Had Resided Here Since: Wife and Son Survive

Burns received over two months ago when he was tending a bonfire at his farm south of Blair proved fatal early Monday morning to Phineas M. Wilcox, 75, veteran farmer of Washington County.

Mr. Wilcox was burning thistles in a field on his farm late in March when his clothing caught fire while his back was turned to the blaze. He suffered third degree burns about the arms and legs, and less severe injuries about the body.

In Hospital Since

He was rushed to Court View Hospital, where his conditions grew steadily more serious despite efforts to save his life. His death was not unexpected.

Born August 17, 1859, in Toulon, Illinois, he was the son of Elias and Clarissa Wilcox. He came here when a boy with his parents, who were early pioneers in this state.

Growing into manhood on a farm south of this city he was married on January 3, 1889, to Miss Theressa Bissell of Blair. To this union were born two sons, Minott D. of Blair, and Levi E. who preceded his father in death several years ago.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Theressa Wilcox, and the son, Minott and a brother, Marshall A. Wilcox. There are several more distant relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the Campbell Mortuary yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock. in charge of Rev. Thomas J. Reese. Burial was in the Blair Cemetery.

#2-30 May, 1935 - The Enterprise

PIONEER COUNTIAN DEAD AS RESULT OF BONFIRE BURNS

Phineas M. Wilcox Succumbs to Burns After Long Suffering

Another pioneer has passed to the Great Beyond in the person of Phineas Minot Wilcox, farmer living south of Blair, who was seriously burned two months ago while burning thistles in one of his fields.

Deceased was born in Toulon, Stark county, Illinois August 17, 1859, and when but a small boy came to this county with his parents, Elias and Clarissa Wilcox. Thus he remembered well the early days of pioneer history, and enjoyed the opportunity of seeing the country develop from the wild frontier country to its present day settlements of comfortable homes and schools and churches and all that goes to make life happy.

After his serious accident of two months ago, he was taken to Court View hospital in Blair where medical attention and careful nursing was administered, but to no avail, and after the two months of intense suffering, the end came. Had he lived until August 17, he would have been 76 years of age.

Most of his life had been spent on farms in this county, and he knew his work and was considered a successful farmer and a man of upright and honorable habits.

He was married to Miss Theressa Bissell of Blair on January 3, 1889, and to them two sons were born: Minot D., who is at home and Levi E., who died some years ago.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife and son and one brother, Marshall Wilcox, and many other relatives, besides a long list of friends extending back over a period of years.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Campbell mortuary, and interment was made in the Blair cemetery.

Find a Grave Memorial # 108740252

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library~~~