Transcription of hand written notes made by Rob Wright. Transcribed 10/11/1998 by Robert Ronald Zinn (grandson of Robert R. Wright) These notes appear to have been written on pages from a small ledger. Some changes in format made to unify these notes with other documents being gathered.
 
My Grandfather Milton B. Wilkerson during his lifetime made six or seven hundred coffins, by actual count. He also told me that two men were shot by U.S. troops (Militia) in Santa Fe, Monroe Co Mo – in 1865 – namely Jim Jackson and John Farley. Grandfather made their coffins. By order of the Federal troops they were not buried in the grave yard but out on a hill near a "big rock" in the river, above the old covered bridge. My Grandfather having no desire to see them shot in cold blood without a trial remained at home but he heard the shots.

Jim Farly was from Texas. Jim[?John?] Jackson a Mo. Bushwacker,

These men were shot without a trial and when shot their bodies lay in the sun till night and then were carried in the house that belonged to a Mr. Rouse.

The soldiers removed their boots and would have taken their socks but Mr. Thad Combo – a returned, Regular in the U.S. Army said ["]The first man that touches them socks I will shoot dead.["]

They were buried next day – with their socks on.

My Grandmother told me that once when the Federals or U.S. troups came to their house that she had $900 in her pocket. She saw them coming and put on an old slouchy dress. The Feds didn’t know she had any money or they would have taken it.

William Wilkerson, with his family came to Mo from Clark Co. Kentucky in 1826 –

Children Presly Wilkerson was a cooper by trade, but devoted much attention to farming. He was a noted hunter and having induced many of his friends to come from Kentucky; when they needed meat they would work on his farm while, with trusty rifle "and Knife" he supplied their wants.

The country was thickly infested with wild beasts of all kind

Bears, As well as every variety of game. Mr. Wilkerson died in 1876.

Milton B. a son of P. and Polly was born January 10 – 1830 in Boone Co but was reared in Monroe Co

There were also

Re. Wilkerson Family Mason Wilkerson came to Jefferson township with his father William Wilkersons in 1829 from Clark county Kentucky, and located about four miles from Florida At the same time came his brothers and sisters. Milton B. Wilkerson married Feb 17- 1851 Miss Amanda Malvina. Bybee, daughter of Dr. John S. Bybee , ounes a founder of Santa Fe, Mo. There were 11 children born to them as were also 11 children born to Polly and Presley Wilkerson.