My Genealogy Hound

John A. Wilkerson is justly entitled to prominent recognition in this volume as one of the county’s capable and reliable public servants. He was elected to the office of county treasurer in 1884, and has served in that capacity up to the present time, discharging his duties in an acceptable and efficient manner, and with credit to himself and constituents. Born in Lafayette County, Miss., in 1838, he was the second in a family of five children born to Allen and Nancy M. (Coffey) Wilkerson. The father was a native of Southern Alabama, and was married in Perry County, Ala., to Miss Coffey, originally from North Carolina, afterward moving to Mississippi, where he engaged in farming, opening up a farm, and in November, 1855, settled in Drew County, Ark., on a farm. His death occurred in August, 1856. His excellent wife passed away in De Soto County, Miss., in 1849. John A. Wilkerson was reared to farm life, obtaining a district school education in De Soto County, and later accompanied his parents to Arkansas, in 1855. In 1860 he came to Pulaski County, locating near Little Rock, and embarked in farming, but at the outbreak of the war enlisted, in 1861, under Capt. H. H. Beauer, and joined the First Arkansas Infantry (which was later formed into the Second Arkansas Battalion, under Maj. Bronaugh). He served under him until after the Seven Days’ fight at Richmond, when the regiment was disbanded, following which he was assigned to the Third Arkansas Infantry, July 16, 1862. He remained in Texas with Brig.-Gen. Longstreet’s corps until the close of the war, taking part in all the Virginia campaign. He was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, also at Gettysburg, and was paroled at Baltimore in 1863, going thence to De Soto County, Miss., where he remained until hostilities had ceased. Returning to Pulaski County, Ark., in 1865, Mr. Wilkerson resumed farming, and in 1867 came to Saline County, where he purchased land in Liberty Township. He was married in July, 1867, to Sarah E. Brewer, an estimable lady and a native of Tennessee. In 1885 they moved to their present residence, near the corporate limits of Benton, where Mr. Wilkerson is also engaged in farming. He is an active and influential Democrat and served as constable in Liberty Township, here also winning approval, as he has done in his present position. He has always taken an active interest in educational work, serving on the school board of Liberty Township for six years. Mr. Wilkerson is a member of Saline Lodge No. 1319, Knights of Honor, in which he holds the office of assistant dictator. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They have been blessed with ten children, nine of whom are living: William Allen, Mary Elvira, Nancy Louisa, Maggie Jane, Lizzie Rosina, Mattie A. (who died in 1881, aged ten months), Mandy May, John Lockert, James and Tandy Walker. Mr. Wilkerson is well known as identifying himself with every movement designed for the good of his community. He has been a participant in the development of Saline County’s affairs, and well deserves the esteem in which he is held.