Capt. Abraham Wilkin 1836-1906

WILKIN, ROBERTS, KITTLE, MCMANUS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 1/10/2002 at 05:31:48

Capt. Abe Wilkin.

Abraham Wilkin was born in Xenia, Ohio, November 20, 1836, and in 1857 moved to Burlington, Iowa with his parents who lived there until death called them. While in Burlington he took a prominent part in affairs, being chief of the first volunteer fire department.

Soon afterward he went to the farm of his uncle, Isaiah Roberts, near Keosauqua, living here and assisting in the erection of residence and barn and in farming.

When President Lincoln called for volunteers to save the nation he was among the first to respond, assisting in the organization of Company F. Iowa Volunteers, of which company he was chosen captain. He was in the memorable charge of that regiment at Ft. Donnellson, was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh, was brought home and nursed by his mother, and as soon as he was able returned to the front and marched with Sherman to the sea.

February 4, 1864, he was married to Miss Jennie Roberts of Keosauqua, and to them five children were born of whom but one, Carey A. of Carroll, Iowa, is living. Mrs. Jennie Wilkin died in January, 1885, while under the influence of chloroform for the extraction of teeth.

December 8, 1897, he married Miss Della Kittle of Keosauqua and to them twin babies were born; one of whom, Miss Dorothy Wilkin of Florence, Colorado, is living. The mother died a few days after the birth of her babes.

October 6, 1904, he married Miss Jennie McManus of Keosauqua, who was present at the time of his death which occurred at 1:20 o’clock Wednesday morning September 12, 1906. He was 69 years, 10 months, and 22 days old.

Three brothers, Al, Neal and John are living at Burlington and were present at the funeral services.

In official life he served as clerk in the pension department at Washington, D. C.; was postmaster at Keosauqua; Sheriff of Van Buren county for two terms; mayor of Keosauqua; and again was postmaster, which position he was filling at the time of his decease.

He had been a member of the Christian church of Keosauqua since 1867; was a life-long Republican, a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and the order of G. A. R., in all of which organizations his work will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church Thursday afternoon, Rev. Wheeler being in charge, assisted by Rev. Hawk. The Knight Templar lodge read an impressive service at the grave. The funeral was largely attended.

Source: Entler Scrapbook., vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am not related to the above subjects but post this article for those who may find it of interest.