WILKINS, Lemuel Long - 1890 Bio (1832-1911)

WILKINS, LOCKWOOD, MITCHELL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/4/2007 at 21:41:34

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Page 645

Lemuel L. WILKINS, who since 1855, has resided in Jefferson County, is now engaged in farming on section 12, Fairfield Township, and is one of the extensive land-owners of the community. His possessions consist of his home farm of five hundred and ninety-three acres, together with a quarter section in Black Hawk Township and five acres in the city of Fairfield.

Mr. WILKINS is a native of Delaware and a son of Elijah and Mary Elizabeth (LOCKWOOD) WILKINS, who were also natives of the same State. He was born on the 23d of January, 1832, in Sussex County, and when three years old was taken by his parents to Preble County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, receiving such educational advantages as the common schools of that day afforded. The family lived upon a farm and in his youth he became familiar with the manner and methods of conducting that business, but since attaining to mature years he has devoted his energies to other pursuits and engaged in various enterprises. As before stated, the year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Jefferson County, and until 1860 he was engaged in teaming. In the spring of that year he made a trip to the West, spending nine years in Colorado, during which time he was employed in mining and freighting. In the early part of 1869 we again find him in Jefferson County, and, embarking in the livery business in Fairfield, he continued operations in that line for nineteen years with marked success. He was a popular livery man and his business prospered but in April, 1888 he retired, and moved to his farm on section 12, Fairfield Township, in March, 1889.

In that township, on the 14th of April, 1870, Mr. WILKINS was united in marriage with Miss Susan Dolla MITCHELL, daughter of H. B. MITCHELL, one of the leading citizens of the county. The lady is a native of this county and by their union have been born six children, but they have lost one -- Frankie M., who died at the age of fifteen months. The other children, Frederick A.; Charlie L., Lou A.; Effie M. and Mary Anna are with their parents.

This family have a pleasant home in Fairfield Township, where hospitality abounds and where their many friends are sure of a warm welcome. Their circle of acquaintances is large and by all who know them they are held in high regard. In political sentiment Mr. WILKINS is a stalwart Republican, and in religious belief his wife is an Episcopalian.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.