WILKINSON, J. J.

WILKINSON, SCHOLEY, HARPER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/16/2004 at 14:37:51

Biography reproduced from page 307 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

J. J. Wilkinson, the present incumbent of the office of county superintendent of schools, was elected in 1881, and at the election of 1883 was re-elected to the same position for the ensuing term.

J. J. Wilkinson was born Aug. 31, 1851, in Oakland Co., Mich. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Scholey) Wilkinson, were natives of England, and emigrated to the United States in 1850, locating at Detroit, Mich., where they spent one winter, then went to Oakland county, where he engaged in farming. In 1862 they removed to Shiawassee Co., Mich., which is still their home. Coming to this country a poor man, he has by hard labor accumulated a comfortable property, and is to-day one of the well-to-do farmers in this county. J. J. Wilkinson was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and afterward graduated from the High school. He then entered a store as clerk at Perry, remaining two years, afterward attended Mayhews Business College in Detroit, Mich., graduating in 1873. After leaving Detroit, he taught school several years. In 1877 he came to Kossuth county where he taught till 1881, then was elected county superintendent of public schools, was re-elected in 1883 without opposition. Mr. Wilkinson is a young man, well qualified for his position, and the interests of the schools are carefully looked after. He married Mertie Harper, a daughter of Judge A. A. Harper, of Michigan. They have three children—J. Leslie, George H. and Stanley. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.