CHARLES L. WILCOX, a dealer in lumber and implements, is a native born citizen of this county, and is considered one of its most promising young business men, as he has already achieved success, though he started in life with no capital except a courageous heart, and good executive ability. He was born December 10, 1856, in New Berlin Township. The parents of our subject are Thomas and Catherine Wilcox, the former of whom was born in 1804, in Sangamon County, and the latter in 1812 in Morgan County. His ancestors on both sides of the house came from Tennessee and were among the earliest pioneers of this State.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of this county. After his marriage he began farming on his father's place in New Berlin Township, having a farm of forty acres under his management. In starting out in life he commenced in a very humble way, and to procure his marriage license he had to borrow the necessary amount from his mother, and he and his bride set up housekeeping with an outfit of the cheapest quality consisting of a bed, cook stove, table and chairs, and thus hand in hand started out to face the stern realities of life together. For six months they had no other conveyance than a horse, and if they wished to go anywhere had to go on horseback. They lived in a small, shabby house which was far from impervious to the attacks of wind and cole, yet happiness existed in that humble abode. Notwithstanding the discouraging circumstances with which he entered upon his career, Mr. Wilcox's superabundant energy and force of character carried him through every difficulty, and at last placed him upon a solid foundation in business matters. He was much prospered in farming, but he eventually abandoned that and removing to New Berlin August 19, 1881, he established himself in business in this town as a lumber merchant. He has been eminently successful in all his enterprises, and is now one of the moneyed men of the locality. He has already acquired a valuable property, and owns a handsome resident in the northeast part of New Berlin. He stands high in financial circles, and his liberality and public spirit are potent in promoting the highest interests of that town. He is a young man of irreproachable character and of fine personal habits, and he has never in his life tasted whiskey or chewed tobacco. For seven years he has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and is an influence for much good in the community.

The happy wedded life of our subject was brought to a close by the death of his beloved wife, who passed to eternal rest August 5, 1890. Mrs. Wilcox was born near New Berlin, June 4, 1858, and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Coons, of New Berlin. Her marriage with our subject was solemnized February 14, 1878, by the Rev. Mr. Crane. It was blessed to them by the birth of four children, of whom the following is the record: May was born February 21, 1879; Harry, November 26, 1881; Edith, April 6, 1886; Benjamin F., November 18, 1888. Mrs. Wilcox was a lady of high character, and of an earnest religious nature. She united with the Berlin Baptist Church, in February, 1884, and until death was true to her profession of Christianity. She filled in a perfect measure the positions of wife, mother and friend, and her death was lamented far beyond the home circle.