Milo Willis Wilkinson 1853 - 1904

WILKINSON, SQUIRE

Posted By: Linda H Meyers (email)
Date: 6/2/2008 at 16:53:25

Milo Willis, youngest son of John and Ora Wilkinson, was born at Rock Run, Ill., April 1, 1853 and died at Mapleton Iowa, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1904. He was united in marriage to Miss Olive Squire at Nevada, Iowa, Nov. 27, 1873. He bowed to the obligations of the cross and united with the Methodist church during a revival meeting held at Pleasant Grove church a few years after his marriage. He was initiated into the Masonic fraternity Feb. 23, 1888, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason May 31 of the same year, continuing to the day of his death a brother beloved in Arcadia Lodge No. 249. In 1891 he was advanced to Joshua Chapter No. 127. As a man and as a Christian gentleman our brother was above reproach. Genial, unobtrusive and real, having a hearty repugnance to shame and vices, he could not with his standard of a good conscience compromise with either. While Mr Wilkinson was perhaps not a born leader of armed and drilled troops, helmeted and plumed with brilliant plans and renowned victories, he nevertheless made good use of his talents among the rank and file. He enlisted from a strong conviction of duty and was therefore ready for work in the trenches or on the field, accepting his opportunity with a thankful heart glorying in that he was accounted worthy of such honor, until his great commander transferred him to an advanced department where he receives distinguished honors and corresponding rewards. The funeral service was conducted in the Methodist church Sunday afternoon, Oct. 21, 1904, by Rev. Andrew M Shea, after which the beautiful burial service of the Masonic fraternity was used at the grave in the Ames cemetery.

---from a local newspaper