My Genealogy Hound

JAMES W. WILKINSON, farmer and carpenter, is a native of Nelson County, Ky., his birth occurring May 14, 1836. He is one of eleven children born to John G. and Eliza (Bishop) Wilkinson, who were natives of the same county as himself. James W. made his home with his parents until eighteen years of age, and during this time had limited access to the common schools of that day. In September, 1853, he united in marriage with Sarah Ann Barker, by whom he became the father of two children, both now dead. August 13, 1862, Mr. Wilkinson became a private in Company D, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and as such participated in the battle of Vanderburg (Ky.), siege of Knoxville, Franklin, Town Creek (N. C.), Wilmington and numerous skirmishes and campaigns. While in North Carolina he suffered with an attack of the small pox, measles and flux, and June 22, 1865, was discharged by General Order No. 73. Returning home, Mr. Wilkinson married for his second wife Mary M. Burchell, March 27, 1864, and six of the ten children born to them are yet living. In 1869 Mr. Wilkinson moved to Tennessee, remaining there three years, since when he has resided in Warrick County. He is the owner of some real estate in Folsomville, is a carpenter by trade, and a strong advocate of the temperance cause. Although not a professional, Mr. W. is considerably a musician, and during campaigns of a political nature is called upon, far and near, to lead the various glee clubs.