My Genealogy Hound

WILKINSON, WM. J. farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Breese. Mr. Wilkinson is among our most substantial farmers; he was born in Casey County, Ky., February 25, 1828; he was but three years old when his parents moved to Scott County, Ill., and shortly afterward to Greene, where a cabin was first rented. Mr. W. says that at this time wild game was very plenty and frequently graced the table of the pioneer, for, like nearly all Kentuckians, the head of the family was an excellent shot, and became a frequent participant in that interesting sport called a deer drive. Passing his boyhood among the sturdy veterans of the prairie, many of whom are gathered to their fathers, young Wilkinson attained a vigorous energy that few possess. From 1849 until 1860 he rented property. At twenty-two he married Miss Elizabeth Jane Lovelace. When the war came on he enlisted in the 91st Regiment Ill. Vol.; he served one year in the service of Uncle Sam; after his return from the army he went to California, where he remained nearly four years. Mr. W. owns, today, 301 acres of choice land, on which he has lately erected a handsome farm residence; he has only one child, Laurett, who resides at home.