John Wiley Wilkin (1890)

BARTON, BURKS, STANFIELD, WILKIN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 12/11/2007 at 09:41:45

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Friday, April 25, 1890
Page 4

County and City

Mr. J. W. Wilkin, father of Mrs. G. M. Stanfield, died in this city last Saturday while on a visit to his daughter. For many years he lived in the northern part of this county. About thirteen years ago he removed to Kansas, where his home has been since. Last fall his health failed so rapidly that he went to a health resort for treatment. He came this spring to visit his friends and relatives in this county. He arrived in Winterset Saturday, the 18th inst., and in one week from that time he passed away.

The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanfield on Sunday afternoon, and on Monday the remains were taken to Booneville and laid at rest near his old home. Mr. Wilkin was twice married. His first wife, who was the mother of Mrs. Stanfield, of W. L. Wilkin, formerly of this county, and some other children, died many years ago. His second wife died about three months ago.
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Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Friday May 2, 1890
Page 3

DEATH’S DOINGS

DIED—John W. Wilkin, on April 19, 1890, at the residence of G. M. Stanfield; aged 69 years, 9 months, 27 days.

The deceased was an old resident of Madison county. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, June 23, 1829. He was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Barton June 15, 1841. In 1850 he, with his family, emigrated to Polk county, Iowa, where they lived three years. They then moved to Dallas county. His wife having been deceased Feb. 13, 1856, he was agin joined in marriage, with Mary Elizabeth Burks, December 7, 1860. In the spring of 1876 he moved to Madison county and settled five miles east of Winterset. Here he made his home until 1877, when he moved to Jewell county, Kansas, where he lived until the fall of 1879 when he went to Trego county, Kansas. His failure in health was last May. He became much worse in June and was being treated for rheumatism. He was unable to find relief there and in October came to Kansas City. He gained in health and was able to be up and walk around. On the 23d of January, his wife died; since then he has failed rapidly.

About two weeks before he died, he was very anxious to return to Winterset, where he might be among his old friends and acquaintances.

Accompanied by his youngest daughter, he arrived in Winterset Saturday evening, April 12th. Although he was here so short a time, many of his old friends and neighbors called to see him. He was unable to converse much with them, but was always glad to meet them. He had no hope of recovery, and was prepared and waiting for the time when he would be called to the home where there is no parting nor sorrow.

On the morning of his death he seemed to realize that he had only a few hours more to suffer. He talked of his hope of a happy future, and said he was soon going to meet mother.

He was asked if the twenty-third Psalm would apply to his case. He said, “Yes,” for though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” he feared no evil.

Toward the last he became easier, and was asked if he was afraid to die. He replied, “No, I hope every breath may be the last.” He kissed us good-bye, and said he was nearly gone. His death was calm and peaceful.

He was a life-long member of the U. P. church, and died as he had lived—trusting in his Redeemer. He leaves a large family, all of whom are married except his youngest daughter.

His funeral sermon was preached at the residence of his daughter, on the Sabbath, at 3 p.m. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Horswell, assisted by Father McCaughen. Early Monday morning his remains were taken to the family burial grounds, near Boonville (Booneville), Dallas county.

The funeral was held at 3 p.m. All his old neighbors had gathered there to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory.
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Coordinator's note: Census records and his date of marriage indicate that he was born in 1820 rather than 1829 and he moved to Madison County in 1866 rather than 1876.