Nathan Miles Wilcox was a Texas photographer and historian. He was born January 28, 1845 in Salem, Mississippi to Mary Ann (Carter) and Nathaniel Miles Wilcox. In 1852, his family relocated to Texas, eventually settling in LaGrange. In the early 1860s, Nathan served in the Confederate Army, although his participation in the Civil War is not heavily documented. After his father’s death in 1867, Nathan and one of his older brothers moved with their mother to Austin, where Nathan worked as a carpenter. In the early 1880s, Nathan moved to Burnet, where he met and married Minnie G. Sneed. They had four children together, including Sebron Sneed Wilcox, who was celebrated later in life for his work on the Spanish Archives of Laredo. While in Burnet, Nathan became interested in photography and began exhibiting his works at various local stores. In 1887, the Wilcox family moved to Georgetown, Texas, where Nathan began his career as a professional photographer. He published his first advertisement for his new photography studio in the January 19, 1888 edition of the Williamson County Sun.

In Georgetown, Wilcox quickly became popular in the community for both his photographic skills and Texas patriotism. He frequently advertised his studio’s ability to take portraits of children and was known for presenting “magic lantern shows” at his gallery. Due to his interest in Texas history, Wilcox was often contracted to photograph Williamson County pioneers both independently and for the Old Settlers Association. In 1906, he also purchased and donated the only known photograph of Joanna Vinson (née Troutman), the creator of the Texas State flag, to the Texas State Library. In 1921, Nathan and Minnie Wilcox relocated to Austin to live with their youngest daughter Fannie, an employee of the Texas State Library. Wilcox retired from photography with the move. However, he continued to study Texas history until his death. He died in Austin on February 7, 1936 and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.