WILKIN, John 1804 - 1894

WILKIN, NICHOLSON, SPECK, STEPHENSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/16/2006 at 14:38:10

"The Fairfield Tribune"
April 4, 1894
Page 7, Column 3

A PIONEER GONE. John WILKIN... at his home in the north part of town Monday evening at half past 7 o'clock... In 1835 he came to this country and settled in Utica, N.Y., where he remained for a short time working at his trade, that of cabinet maker. From there he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived some years. During his stay in Cincinnati, he was married to Miss Beatrice NICHOLSON. In the spring of 1839, it is said, he purchased a horse and together with brothers-in-law rode to central Illinois, but on finding the price of land higher than he expected, came on to this county and located in Lockridge township, his wife joining him about a year afterward. She did not live long after coming to this county and died in March, 1841, leaving three children, James, Beatrice and Jennie. The latter is the only one living, and has kept house for and taken care of her father. James died while young and Beatrice became the wife of Mr. J. R. SPECK. She died at her home three miles east of town some years ago. Later the family of Mr. WILKIN removed to Buchanan township where they made their home until about three years ago, when they came to this city. Episcopalian Church. He was 81 years old....

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"The Fairfield Ledger"
April 11, 1894
Page 3, Column 9

COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE.

THE LIFE OF JOHN WILKIN.

'Editors Ledger':-- John WILKIN, who died in this city the 2d inst., was a pioneer settler of Jefferson county. He was born in Yorkshire county, England, May 7th, 1804. He was given the opportunity for a good education and made such rapid advances in his studies that at the age of twelve years he was quite proficient in Greek and Latin and had acquired a knowledge of French and mathematics. When fourteen he was apprenticed to a cabinet maker, and worked seven years at that trade, a portion of the time in Liverpool. In 1835, accompanied by his mother and sister, wife of Robert STEPHENSON, sr., he came to the United States. They resided for a short time at Utica, N.Y., and then removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. There Mr. WILKIN was married to Miss Beatrice NICHOLSON, also a native of Yorkshire county. In 1839 Mr. WILKIN came to this county and entered a claim in Lockridge township, a short distance east of Four Corners. His family followed him the next year, and its members were scarcely settled in their new home before them other died, in March, 1841. Three children were born to the young parents -- James, who died in infancy, Jennie, who survives her father, and Beatrice, wife of J. R. SPECK, who died at the age of forty-two. In 1870 Mr. WILKIN removed from Lockridge to Buchanan township, and in 1891 he came to this city. He was a worthy and honored citizen of Jefferson County for more than half a century. For education, intelligence and sterling integrity, he stood as an advocate and example; for kindness of heart and hospitality in the home he was well known to all his friends. He was a man without enemies, of large charity, clear judgement and kindly impulses. Both Mr. WILKIN and his wife were members of the Episcopal church in early life, but lack of opportunity prevented them from acquiring membership in that denomination in Iowa. The remains were interred Wednesday afternoon, Rev. E. L, Schreiner conducting the funeral services.

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