Santa Clara County
Biographies
FRANK ASA WILCOX
Through the enterprise with which he has conducted important business responsibilities, Frank Asa Wilcox has added prestige to the honorable record established by his father, Hon. Isaiah A. Wilcox, one of the esteemed pioneers of Santa Clara county. Under the latter's guidance the son was given the most thorough training in preparation for the duties of life, and this training, added to his natural ability, has fitted him for the responsibilities which mature years bring. A native son of California, he was born in Alameda, November 16, 1860, being the eldest in a family comprising four sons and one daughter. While still a mere lad he acquired a complete knowledge of the fruit business, so that when he started out for himself he had the advantage of considerable practical experience. In the fall of 1889 he purchased twenty acres in Santa Clara county adjoining his father's property to the west, and there he engaged in raising seeds and fruits. During 1901 he purchased a twelve-acre tract, which he set out in fruit. Meanwhile other important interests had been added to his activities. In the spring of 1904 he bought an additional tract of twenty acres, which is intended for fruit culture. In connection with Charles Parker of Santa Clara, and W. H. Metson of San Francisco, he began the growing of vegetables for seeds, and from the industry thus inaugurated in 1900 was incorporated the California Seed Company, of which he is secretary, and which, from its warehouse in Santa Clara, makes shipments of seeds to all parts of the United States, and even to Europe. In addition to his close identification with the seed business and in connection therewith, he still operates the thirty-two acres purchased by him and also has one-fifth interest in his father's estate.
The marriage of Frank Asa Wilcox occurred in Santa Clara and united him with Miss Mary L. Ortley, who was born in Santa Clara county, and is the daughter of Capt. John Jacob Ortley, a sea captain, who brought his ship to the Pacific coast in 1850, and afterward engaged in the coasting trade. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox there are three children, namely: Fannie Almira, Lloyd Ortley and Adrian Clyde. In politics Mr. Wilcox supports Republican principles, and has given his services to his party at its county conventions. For years he held the office of school director of his district, thus rendering valuable aid to education. Active in the work of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he holds membership in Santa Clara Lodge No. 238, and Santa Clara Encampment No. 32, in both of which he has held the presiding offices and other official positions.
Transcribed
4-28-15 Marilyn R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 537-538. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2015 Marilyn R. Pankey.