Harvey Henderson Wilcox is a name that resonates with the history of Hollywood, a place synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the movie industry. However, Wilcox's story is one of humble beginnings and personal challenges, culminating in his pivotal role in naming Hollywood. This article explores the life of Wilcox, his journey from a small-town shoemaker to a real estate developer, and his lasting impact on Los Angeles.
Early Life and Challenges
Harvey Henderson Wilcox
was born around 1832 in New York State, likely in Monroe or Ontario County. He was the son of Aaron and Azubah Wilcox. During the 1830s, his family moved to Michigan, where Harvey grew up on a farm in Ogden Township, Lenawee County. At the age of 13, Wilcox contracted poliomyelitis, which left him using a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Despite this significant challenge, Wilcox's determination and resilience shone through.
In 1850, Wilcox was an apprentice shoemaker in Blissfield, Lenawee County, likely due to his inability to perform farm work. By 1860, he had completed his apprenticeship and was living in Ohio, working as a shoemaker. His life took a turn when he married Ellen E. Young in 1861 and ventured into politics, holding several local offices in Williams County, Ohio.
Transition to Real Estate
Wilcox's career took a significant shift when he moved from shoemaking to real estate. He formed a partnership in Bryan, Ohio, and later moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he continued his real estate ventures. In Topeka, Wilcox was active in politics, serving as president of the city council and city clerk. He also co-founded the town of Rossville, Kansas, and owned a ranch in Butler County.
Tragedy struck when his wife Ellen contracted tuberculosis and passed away in 1882. Wilcox remarried Ida "Daeida" Hartell later that year. In 1884, the couple moved to Los Angeles, where Wilcox formed a real estate company and began developing land.
Naming Hollywood
In Los Angeles, Wilcox and his wife Ida purchased land west of the city, an area they frequently visited to console themselves after the loss of their child. They decided to subdivide the land, and Ida named the tract "Hollywood." On February 1, 1887, Wilcox filed a plat of the subdivision with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office, marking the official naming of Hollywood.
Wilcox's vision extended beyond Hollywood. He also developed residential property around the University of Southern California. His influence encouraged other family members to move to California, contributing to the area's development.
Wilcox passed away in 1891, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the future of Los Angeles. His contributions to the city's real estate landscape and the naming of Hollywood remain significant milestones in the history of the region.
