Wilcox, Delos F. (Delos Franklin), 1873-1928

Franchise and public utility expert.

From the description of Papers, 1907-1928. (University of Chicago Library). WorldCat record id: 52248522

Delos F. Wilcox (1873-1928) was a franchise and public utility expert. He was born on a farm near Ida, Michigan and was educated at both the University of Michigan, where John Dewey's work influenced him, and at Columbia University. He served as secretary of various civic organizations in Cleveland, Grand Rapids and Detroit. In 1907, he became Chief of the Bureau of Franchises of the Public Service Commission for the First District of New York (New York City). He resigned in 1913 to become Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity of New York City, a position that he held until 1917. During this period he wrote three books, The American City (1904), Great Cities in America (1910) and Municipal Franchises in two volumes (1910-1911), in addition to numerous pamphlets and articles.

In 1917, Wilcox organized a staff of assistants and established himself as a consultant on utility problems-always on the side of the public. He was employed as an expert in special utility investigations, traction surveys, valuation and rate proceedings, arbitrations and franchise settlements. He lectured extensively and was active in many civic organizations, notably the National Municipal League.

From the guide to the Wilcox. Delos Franklin. Papers, 1907-1928, (Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)