George E. WILKINS, county treasurer of Chickasaw county of Iowa, was born in Williamstown on the 25th of September, 1867, but now makes his home at New Hampton. His parents were Charles and Eliza (Stubbins), natives of England, both having been born in Somersetshire, in the town of Wookey, near Wells. They came to the United States, the father in young manhood, and the mother when a girl with her parents. They were married in Wisconsin and two or three years later removed to Iowa, settling on a farm at Williamstown, making their removal immediately after the close of the Civil war. The father purchased 200 acres of land and subsequently added to the property until the farm, which he still owns, comprised 327 acres. He resided thereon until about 1890, when he retired from active business life and removed to New Hampton, where he still makes his home. For several years, however, he has spent the winter seasons in California. His wife died in July, 1907. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and possessed many excellent traits of heart and mind.
George E. Wilkins, was educated in the district schools and in the New Hampton high school and also pursued a commercial course in the Lincoln Business College at Lincoln, Nebraska. There he become ill and afterwards resumed his studies in the Upper Iowa University of Fayette. He then went to Britt, Iowa, in April 1889, and entered the Citizens Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, thus serving two years. Later he was made cashier of the institution and was identified with the bank for a decade. In 1889 he returned to New Hampton and previously had become interested with a brother in the drug business. After his return he spent almost two years in the store and later was employed by the Deering Harvester Co. as collector, his field covering Iowa and Nebraska. He was thus engaged for three years, after which he returned his attention to the jewelry trade in New Hampton and conducted a store for seven years, when failing health compelled him to retire from that field of labor. He was advised by his physicians to live an outdoor life and removed to the home farm in order to recuperate, spending his time on the farm until his election in November, 1916, to the office of county treasurer. His first term's service received endorsement in reelection in 1918, so that he is the present incumbent in the position.
On the 23rd of November, 1892, Mr. Wilkins, was united in marriage to Miss Clara A Morrison, of Britt, Iowa, a daughter of Horatio L. and Mary A (Sawyer) Morrison, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire but were of Scotch descent. On her mothers side Mrs. Wilkins is a relative of the man who discovered Pike's Peak, which was named in his honor. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have been born a daughter, who is deceased, and a son George M. who is a sophomore in the high school of New Hampton.
In politics Mr. Wilkins has always been a republican and gives loyal and stalwart support to the party and its principles. He belongs to Arcana Lodge No 274, A F & A M , also to Adelphia Chapter, No. 75. O E S. of which Mrs. Wilkins is a past matron and is acting conductress. She is also grand representative for Vermont to the grand Chapter of Iowa. She belongs to the Christian Science Church and is keenly interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins are held in high esteem and he has long occupied an enviable position in business and political circles.
Source: History of Chickasaw and Howard Co. (1919), Vol II, pages 25 - 26 |
He was elected on the National Ticket, an exception, as all other representatives have been of Republican faith and only one was elected on Democratic ticket.
Thomas WHALEN (photo insert left) and MARY REILLY, who were natives of Ireland. In 1854 the father arrived in the new world, first lived in Georgia, then moved west to Jacksonville Township, Section 25, Chickasaw County. He died upon the old homestead in 1903. His wife was born in Massachuetts and came to Iowa with parents, Sylvester and Bridget REILLY, who located in Utica Township, Chickasaw County and were considered to be one of the oldest pioneer settlers of that area. The Catholic Church on Reilly Ridge was named in his honor, as the family donated land for the house of worship to be erected. His wife's death occurred November 18, 1893.
Mike, Sylvester, John, Charles, Roger, Mrs Gus FOX, Mary, Mrs Cornelius MULCAHY, and Mrs Leo MITCHELL.
He was a member of the 113th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry and participated in General Sherman's march to the sea. After a most creditable military record he was honorably discharged in July 1865.