Vincent Meigs Wilcox

Raised in Madison, CT, he was a member of the Connecticut militia in 1856, then moved to Scranton, PA and was a dry goods merchant there. He helped raise a Company of troops and mustered as Lieutenant Colonel of the 132nd Pennsylvania Infantry on 26 August 1862.

Colonel Oakford was killed at the start of the Battle on September 17th, and Lieutenant Colonel Wilcox assumed command.

He was promoted to Colonel shortly after the battle as the Regiment was camped at Bolivar Heights above Harpers Ferry in October, to date from 18 September 1862. He fought at Fredericksburg in December, but, ill with typhoid fever, he was discharged on a Surgeon's Certificate on 24 January 1863.

He moved to New York, and was a clerk at the E.& H.T. Anthony Company, the largest supplier and distributors of photographic supplies in the United States during the 19th century. By 1870 he was a partner in the firm. He was elected Secretary and Vice President, and finally was President of the company by the time of his death. He was the sponsor of the Wilcox Soldiers' Monument (1896) in Madison, CT, which was dedicated just after his death.

His service from Bates.1 Details and his picture, from a photograph, in Hitchcock's history.2 A print of the original photograph probably used in the book is in the Guilford Keeping Society Archives. Further details from family genealogists and period photographic trade magazines. See an 1890's vintage photo of him from the Madison Historical Society. His gravesite is on Findagrave.

10/17/1828; Madison, CT

05/09/1896; Madison, CT; burial in West Cemetery, Madison, CT