A Wilkerson Family History

The author(s) and or original compiler(s) of this Family History is uncertain. It appears to have been compiled and recompiled by several persons over many years.  The list of authors would seem to include my Grandfather (images and transcription), one spiral note book starts with the following:

The following data (given to Sally Moss Wright) - (condensed) sent by Mrs. N. D. Owen-Aldrich, Polk, Co. Mo., (Martha
(Haines) Owen (1867-1952), wife of Nelson David Owen (1871-1950), and d/o Mary Elizabeth (Wilkerson) Haines) compiled by Mrs Mary J. Holder, Texas

In a letter to my mother, Dale W. Johnson(transcription or see image of his letter to my mother [caviat big tifs 1, 2, 3, 4]) indicates he is sending information. (more stuff from Johnson, 1983)

I have NO real way of knowing who gathered which of the data that I am attempting to organize it into a coherent mass.

I am Robert Ronald Zinn, son of Joseph Zinn and Sarah Francis Wright..

William Wilkerson was my Great Great Great Great Grandfather.

I seem to have Irish, Welse, English, Russian and Austrian ancestors, possibly with a bit of Amerindian mixed in.

William Wilkerson (Mar 3, 1761-Jun 27, 1846) (images of original text) (different version)

A family named Wilkinson emigrated from Wales. The names and dates are unknown. The family was killed by Indians, except for a son, one of three, named William, whom they took captive. He was born March 3, 1761 (location unknown), and was 7 years old at the time of his capture. William remained with the Indians about 12 years, finally escaping in winter, and made his way to Boone's Fort in Kentucky. He probably made his way to Boone's Fort because it was nearest to civilization. William wrote an account of his experiences with the Indians, and of his later life. In putting down his name William made the "Wilkinson" into "Wilkerson" and refused to change it; the name, therefore, became Wilkerson to this day. The record was given to a printer who worked at the Court House in Paris, Mo., named James Abernathy. This manuscript was said to be destroyed when the Court House burned down. [William's wife's name is unknown, perhaps she was indian or part indian]

William's #2, Presley Wilkerson (Sep 17, 1798-May 16, 1868, 6 a.m) 69 yrs 7mo 29 days 

Presley, son of William, is said to have been the first male child born in Boone's Fort, Kentucky. He was also the first of the Wilkersons to come to Missouri (in 1826). He is supposed to have come into Missouri on a pony, with seeds for his nursery stock in his saddlebags. (see also the Legends section and details about Presley and Polly and a second slightly different and shorter version of Presley & Polly)

Presley married Polly Searcy (October 26, 1805 -- 1879) born in Virginia,died in Santa Fe, Mo.   In 1820 the Searcy family came from Virginia and moved to Clark County, Kentucky, where Presley and Polly were married. In 1826, Presley and Polly and their small family moved to Missouri, settling near Columbia.

When the move to Missouri was made, other members of both the Searcy family and the Wilkerson family also migrated. Lemuel Searcy, a brother of Polly, and his family also resided in Boone Go.; sister Lucy Searcy Dooley lived in nearby Florida, Mo.

Lucy Searcy Dooley died as a result of being badly burned. "As I recall, she had been raking and burning in her yard and her dress caught fire. She lived for several days after and is supposed to have ordered her own funeral arrangements."


'Children' of Presley Wilkerson. Left to right, standing Seated: Presley's #1 William Ornsby Wilkerson born in Ky. (June 29, 1821--1911) Died in Mexico, Mo. (Worchester) in  aged 89 years, 9 months, 5 days.
Married: Dorcas Dooley (June 21, 1821--1873 ) Died near Santa Fe, Mo., aged 52 years 5 months, 13 days. The children of William and Dorcas Wilkerson were:
  1. William Darius Wilkerson (-- 19 years, 2 months, 5 days)
  2. Pleasant Monroe Wilkerson (-- ~ 87 years)
  3. Arzelia (married Lu French)
  4. John
  5. Thomas
  6. Joseph
William Ornsby Wilkerson Later Married: Margaret English
William Ornsby Wilkerson was a Confederate and held prisoner by Union forces more than once. At one point in Palmyra, Mo. he came close to being shot by firing squad. Eventually his release was obtained and he and his family moved to Wisconsin in Winter, returning after the war ended.
William Darius Wilkerson, his eldest son, enlisted in the Confederate Army. The exact extent of his service is unknown. He is thought to have been 16 years old when he enlisted and served about 3 years, dying at 19 years, 2 months, 5 days. He was captured by Union forces, contracted smallpox in prison and died. in a Union prison camp on an island near St. Louis.
Pleasant Monroe Wilkerson, second son of William Ornsby, was married to Eldora French. He died when 87 years old in Salina Co., Mo. (See also the section entitled Legends).
In 1873 William O. and Dorcas were visiting relatives when Dorcas was taken ill and died a few days later.
Monroe, Eldora, Lu & Arzelia all died in Saline Co. Joseph and Thomas died in the state of Washington. It is believed John died near Worcester, Mo.

Presley's #1, William Ornsby Wilkerson was the father of a daughter, Viola, by his second wife.

Viola married Will Atkins and their children are:
  1. Lindsey
  2. Izetta (Lebanon, Mo.)
  3. Regina
  4. Lorena
  5. Zulema
  6. Jefferson
  7. William (Lives in Virginia Beach, VA (1978))
Presley's #2, Martha Jane Wilkerson Goss was born in Kentucky (September 26, 1823 -- March 26, 1913). She was married to Joseph Goss July 1, 1841 by Elder A. Woods. He died leaving her a widow at 24 with four small children. One of these died about the same time as the father. The younger daughter, Lizzie, died from an apparent stroke some years later. The older daughter, Mary Frances, was married to Braxton Pollard on March 18, 1869 by Elder A. C. Goodrich. He was an ex-soldier who was with Lee in the siege at Richmond, Va.
John, the son of Joseph and Martha Goss, began working in a store when quite young and later had an establishment of his own, which he operated for many years. He was married to Emma Van DeVenter. (For more information on Martha Jane Wilkerson Goss see the section headed Additional Information)
Presley’s #3, Presley Marquis (Marcus) Wilkerson (December 14, 1825--September 20, 1838 aged 12 years, 9 months, 6 days, buried at Florida, Mo.)

Presley’s #4, Lemuel Perry Wilkerson (January 14, 1828, near Columbia, Mo.--March 11, 1843, near Florida, Mo.)

Milton Bryant Wilkerson & Amanda Malvina Bybee Wilkerson (the above picture can be seen on the wall in a picture of Robert Henry Wright's cabin in Alaska.

Presley’s #5, Milton Bryant Wilkerson (January 10, 1830 near Columbia, Mo.--April 22, 1914 at Mexico, Mo., aged 84 years, 4 months, 19 days, buried at Santa Fe, Mo.)

Married: Amanda Malvina February 17, 1851 (November 4, 1833-May 29, 1917, in Mexico, Mo.) Milton suffered from ill health as a result of a severe case of measles when a young man, from which he apparently recovered. But he went out too soon in a deep snow and had a relapse. He was very ill and unable to work for three years. Apparently Amanda's father, Dr. John S. Bybee, helped them financially at that time.

Amanda's mother was a Camplain--the Camplains were farmers. Dr. John S. Bybee, her father, came from England and was a slave owner. Amanda had four brothers, William, James, John(Jack), and Norman. Her only sister, Ann, married Dr. William Yowell. From the time of their mother's death Amanda and Ann never spoke to one another. It seems they had a quarrel over who was to get their mother's Bible, which she had evidently given to Amanda. As their mother's corpse lay in the adjoining room, Amanda (who was pregnant) held the Bible in her lap and Ann took it from her and left with it.

Amanda’s brother, Dr. John Bybee, lectured around the country on the Farraday Currency Theory. He went dressed like a Beau Brummel with top hat, etc. He also was well known as a phrenologist. He claimed to predict the type of person one should marry by feeling their head. Dr. John(son) and his brother James and families moved to near Portland, Oregon. James was a farmer.

Dr. John Bybee (Sr.) founded the town of Santa Fe, Missouri, and gave land for the Santa Fe cemetery and churchs. Amanda, Milton, Byron, and four other children (Nancy, John, Mary Jane, "Baby Son") were buried in the cemetery. Dr. Bybee was buried at his farm, owned later by Mattie Bess Sherman. His grave had a fence and cedar trees around it.

(See also the Le ends section)
Milton would have been pressed into the Union Army, and was taken to Mexico, but was found to be either too short or underweight, and was refused. Both armies came to the house and ransacked it. Once Amanda, aware they were coming, put on a very greasey dress. The soldiers searched the house, and discussed the fact that she couldn’t have any money on her person, such a woman, and so was saved some $900 she had in her dress pocket. Milton exchanged this money for all the gold dollars he could, and buried them.

For many years Milton served as "Elder" in the church of his faith (first a Dunkard then became a Camelite).

For years Milton suffered from poor health, yet when physically able carried on his trade. He is supposed to have made 600-700 coffins during his lifetime, also making beegums(for a time he was extensively engaged in bee culture), washing machines, etc.

Besides his woodworking, he oversaw the care of a large nursery, fully stocked with trees, shrubs, vines, orchards, vineyards, and ornamental as well as fruit and shade trees. A large drying house kept many "hands" busy during the season preparing and drying the fruit raised on the farm. Grains of various kinds were also grown and there were many head of cattle.

Milton was a tremendous user of patent medicines, trying everything that came out, and about a wagon load of empty medicine bottles were carted out of his smokehouse at one time, in Santa Fe. He would read an article and decide that description fitted his illness and try the cure.

In later life Amanda became blind. Treatments from eye specialists could not save her vision, and it handicapped her considerably as she had been very active in her lifetime. She and Milton both died in Mexico, Mo.

Milton and Amanda's eleven children were:

  1. Ella Medora (November 25, 1851-)  married Thomas J. Wilson, Feb. 26, 1874
  2. Milton Byron (Dec. 25, 1853-), married Ada Hunt
  3. Milton Bryant Wilkerson
  4. William Thomas (July 19, 1856-) married Lucy Mussetter
  5. Infant Son (January 27, 1859-February 12, 1859)
  6. John Presley (January 6, 1860-March 17, 1874)
  7. Nancy Lee (December 13, 1862-January 8, 1878)    ("She was their afflicted child")
  8. Mary Jane (November 6, 1865-August 25, 1866)
  9. Sally Moss (August 10, 1867-April 7, 1857) married Robert Henry Wright 1385
  10. Kelly Bridgeford (April 4, 1870-) married Inez Royer
  11. Charles Bryant (June 26, 1872-) married Inez Hunt
  12. Pet (July 7, 1875-) married James Towson
For more information about Milton and Amanda see the section entitled Additional Information.

Elizabeth Wilkerson Born in Santa Fe, Mo. (December 12, 1831-June 28, 1874) tuberculosis aged 42 years, 9 months, 14 days
Married: Rev. John W. Haines (March 6, 1826--1913) aged 87 years
    Children:

  1. Martha Frances
  2. Wiley Green
  3. Mary Jane
Mary Elizabeth taught school for a time, and later attended Baptist Seminary at Palmyra, Mo. It is not known the length of time spent there. During these years Elizabeth met at the Seminary a Mr. Haines, a ministerial classmate and friend of her brother Wiley. In time they were married. They lived at Santa Fe where he taught and preached. He also continued his studies, becoming proficient in languages--Latin, Greek, German, and Hebrew.

They lived for a time at Bowling Green where he was pastor of the First Baptist Church, also principle of the school. They moved to Columbia and made their home there until Elizabeth's health failed. They resorted to traveling hoping to benefit, but she died in southwest Missouri, near Lawrenceburg. Rev. Haines continued to teach and preach for years. Elizabeth died at 42, her husband at 87. He was born March 26, 1826 near Xenia, Ohio.

Wiley Green Haines (B. 1860 or 61) was left motherless at the age of 13. Four years later he planned to go with friends and families moving to Arizona. His father arranged for the trip. He returned in a few years, after which for a time he attended Southwest Baptist College, later teaching school. Then he moved to California. With the opening of the Oklahoma Territory he returned, making the "race" for land, which he later relinquished to a widow with a family.

Making his home in Hominy, Oklahoma, Wiley was placed in charge of Osage Indians for twenty years or more. For 38 years he was employed by the government as Marshal and Sheriff. While in Pawhuska, on a case in the Court House, he suffered a stroke and died, attendants being unable to revive him.

He was survived by his wife, Sarah Woodruff and the following children:

  1. John David
  2. Wiley Perry
  3. Mary Narcissa Helen (Bliss)
  4. Rhollo Lawton
  5. Elma
  6. Robert
  7. Warren
  8. Virgil
  9. Ironica Frances (several grandchildren)
  10. Martha Frances Haines (Owen)(Santa Fe, Mo. May 21, 1867 -- )
Martha, the daughter of Rev. John W. Haines & Mary Elizabeth, was united in marriage October 4, 1893 with Nelson David Owen, son of Rev. James Owen & wife Lucy. They lived for 25 years near Aldrich, Mo., where they had five children:
  1. Cletus Leonard
  2. Cary Verl
  3. Clarice Celric (deceased)
  4. Clure Halma
  5. Conrad Uval
(at least 3 grandchildren)

They later moved to Cedar County, Missouri.

Mary Jane Haines (Holder)

After teaching school several terms, Mary married David Rholls Holder Dec. 25, 1879. They had several children:

  1. Cary Clyde (U.S. Surveyor)
  2. Esther Earl (Blackwell) (teacher & housewife)
  3. Wiley (deceased)
  4. William (deceased)
  5. Lonnie (deceased)
  6. Robert Ralph (was a missionary in Tibet)
  7. Mary Jane Mosely (teacher and housewife) (her son Robert Mosely is near-famous T.V. – radio personality Guy Madison)

    8. Mary Jane's husband, Benjamin J Moseley (1893-1982), lived to be 88. There are 9 grandchildren.
Wiley Underwood Wilkerson (January 27, 1834 -- )died at Palmyra, Mo., aged 21 years.

He was a teacher for a short time, later attending Baptist Seminary at Palmyra, Mo. at the same time as his sister Mary Elizabeth. He died there of tuberculosis.

(Presley's #8)

Delilah Ann Wilkerson (April 15, 1836--March 11, 1843) aged 6 yrs., 10 mo., 27 days

(Presley's #9)

Acenath America(Americus) Wilkerson (September 6, 1839--)

She married William Clark and they lived in Florida, Mo., also living in Santa Fe for a time, later moving to Mexico, Mo. She lived with her son Leonard after her husband died.

Children:

  1. Everett
  2. Leonard
  3. Betty
  4. 0leo
  5. William W.
  6. Edgar
(Presley's #10)

Sarah Margaret Wilkerson (June 26, 1846--March 12, 1848)  aged 1 yr., 8 mo., 16 da

(Presley's #11)

Thomas Jefferson Wilkerson (April 23, 1849--March 2, 1852)  aged 2 yr, 10 mo 5 da

Milton Bryant Wilkerson (January 10, 1830--April 22, 1914) Married Amanda Malvina Bybee on February 17, 1851. (November 4, 1833--May 29, 191?)
    Children:

  1. Ella Medora (Nov. 25, 1851--about 1923)
  2. Milton Byron (Dec. 25, 1853--Jan. 24, 1931)
  3. William Thomas (July 19, 1856--in late 80’s)
  4. Infant son (Jan. 27, 1859--Feb. 12, 1859)     The "infant son" B. Jan 1859 was a "blue baby"
  5. John Presley (Jan. 6, 1860--Mar. 17, 1874)    John Presley died of a ruptured appendix.
  6. Nancy Lee (Dec. 13, 1862--Jan. 8, 1878)    Milton always called her his "affected child". She was very sharp mentally, but had a badly hunched back and did not develope right physically. He always blamed it on her having been dropped by the older children as an infant - not apt to be the cause of her deformity.
  7. Mary Jane (Nov. 6, 1865--Aug. 25, 1866)    Mary Jane had what was then called a "stomach complaint" - severe and uncontrolled diarrhea.
  8. Sallie Moss (Aug. 10, 1867--Apr. 7, 1957)
  9. Kelly Bridgeford (Apr. 4, 1870--1963)
  10. Charles Bryant (June 26, 1872--)
  11. Pet Malvina (July 7, 1875--July 3, 1967)
  12. Herbert Eugene (Aug. 9, 1922--)
  13. William Byron (Oct. 5, 1930--)
Further information (about 9 pages worth) may be obtained from Mrs. Alma Turner 416 S. Washington, Paris, Mo. 65275

Mollie Wilkerson (Jan. 29, 1887--)

Married to E. M. Mayhew. (July 5, 1882--June 11, 1960)
    Children:
  1. Ada Berniece (Oct. 21, 1924--)
  2. Ada Mayhew married Leland McElwa in. (July 24 , 1917--).

    3.     Children.
    1. Craig (Feb. 21, 1952--)
    2. David (July 8, 1955--)
    3. Lila Medora Wilkereon (Nov. 25, 1851--1923) in Mexico, Mo
Married Thomas B. Wilson in 1874 (--1920) in Mexico, Mo.
Children:
  • Florence B. D. about 1940 in Topeka, Kan.


    • Florence was married twice. First to Joe Norman in Santa Fe, Mo. They had two sons, Morris and Aubrey(?). She divorced and later married a Walton,.

 Milton Byron Wilkerson (Dec. 25, 1853--Jan. 24, 1931)
Married Ada Belle Hunt in 1881. (Aug. 7, 1859--Jar. 6, 1947)
Children:
  • Wiley Chase Wilkerson (Aug. 15, 1883--Feb. 7, 1963)
  • Horace Bates Wilkerson (Jan. 12, 1885--Nov. 28, 1971)
  • Mollie Wilkerson (Jan. 29, 1887--)
  • Alva Page Wilkerson (Jan. 14, 1892--Nov. 3, 1911)
  • Harold Hunt Wilkerson (Dec. 30, 1893--)


    • Wiley Wilkerson never married. He lived in Colorado for years.Died near Palisade, Colo. Alva never married—died at home near Santa Fe, Mo. at the age of 19.

    Horace Bates Wilkerson (Jan 12, 1685--Nov 23, 1971)
    Married Mildred P. Dusendschon August 18, 1909. (Aug. , 1886--)
    Children
    1. Ullmer (July 30, 1910--)
    2. Edna Alberta (Apr. 26, 1912--)
    3. Gilbert Fenlon (Aug, 12, 1913--)
    4. Ralph Ralston (Jan, 18, 1915--)
    5. Edward Hunt (Oct. 7, 1916--)
    6. Infant daughter (Oct. 7, 1916--At birth)
    7. Alta Dusendschon (Nov. 7, 1918--)
    8. Alma Dusenschonn (Nov. 7, 1918--)
    9. Harold Hunt Wilkerson (Dec. 20, 1893--1979)

      10. Married to Ruth Elizabeth Nevins on Feb . 22, 1922. (Dec. 12, 1397--)
      Children:
      1. Harold Hunt Wilkerson, Jr. (Aug. 13, 1923--)
      2. Hugh Jacob Wilkerson (April 15, 1931--)


        3. Harold is married to Evelyn Lehman
        Children:

        1. Eugene Robert (July 5, 1955--)
        2. June Lynn (June 25, 1957--) Married to David Furney.
        3. Hugh is married to Marylin Madsen (Jan. 20, 1931--)
    For more information contact: Harold Wilkerson 317 N. Columbus West Liberty, Iowa. 52776

    William Thomas Wilkerson (July 19, 1856--) died aged late 80's Married Lucy Mussetter ( --1921)

    Children,
    1. Bryant B. 1882 D.
    2. Juanita Grace B. 1886 D. 1971

      3. Bryant had two children,
          Lewis and Marie
      Juanita had [two children] a daughter,
          Margaret, who married Bill Moran.
          She also had a son Billy by a second marriage--he disappeared with his father when young and has never been heard of since.
    Sallie Moss Wilkerson (August 10, 1867--April 7, 1957)

    [My Great Granmother and Great Grandfather. -bz-]

    Mrs. Robert H.Wright & Children: Not shown in the picture is Here is an earlier picture of just Rob, Tennie and Roy:

    "For Uncle Byron and Aunt Ada -


    "From Papa & Mama For Tennissee
    Henry Wright & Sally Wilkerson Wright"

    Robert Henry Wright, Sally Moss Wilkerson Wright, and family spent several years mining for Gold in Alaska.There are MANY pictures taken of/by them in Alaska. Robert Rowene Wright kept a diary. They were part of a group that organized the Missouri-Alaska Gold Co. and went from Missouri to Alaska to mine for gold in the 1890's.
    Robert R Wright departing for Alaska along with his uncle Charlies B. Wilkerson and another miner on July 2, 1903.  On Tuesday June 9 - Henry, Sallie & Alaska landed in Skagway 4 P.M. came on Steamer Cottage City. Robert R., his mother and sister returned to Missouri in 1904, so that serious injuries of Robert's leg could be treated.

    In this picture, my Great Grandmother, Sally Moss Wright (seated) Robert R. Wright is standing in the rear, left of center, Minnie Wright is in the rear, right of center. I think Royer may be near middle, a little left of center. I have no idea who the rest of the people are -bz-.

      More pictures and newspaper clippings.