(Taken from an 1884 history of Monroe County, Mo., submitted by Mrs. F. D. Turner, Paris, Mo.)

Mr. Wilkerson is the son of Presley and Polly (Searcy) Wilkerson, of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1826, and made their home near Columbia, in Boone County. Mr. Wilkerson, Sr. 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, he replenished their wants. At that time the county was thickly infested with wild beasts of all kinds, as well as with every variety of game.

Mr. Wilkerson died in 1876. Milton B., born January 10, 1830, in Boone County was reared on the farm in Monroe County, and for fifteen years sipped assiduously of the Pierian spring of knowledge. He then sold groceries and dry goods for his father and himself at Florida and Santa Fe eight years and later farmed for several years near Santa Fe. He was afterwards, until 1864, in the furniture business, then returned to his farming operations, which he still carries on in connection, however, with a dry goods and grocery house in Santa Fe, which contains as large and complete a stock of goods as any in the township. Mr. Wilkerson has a nursery on his farm and keeps on hand such fruits as are most hardy in this country. His varieties, which are numerous, are considered the best in the state. Mr. W. has been postmaster for four years and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all around him. Mr. Wilkerson married, February 17, 1851, Miss Amanda M. Bybee, by whom he has seven children: Ella M., wife of T. J. Wilson; Milton B., who married Miss Ada Hunt; William T., married to Miss Lucy Mussetter; Sallie M., Kelly B., Charles B. and Pet, a lovely little maid of eight summers, the darling of the family and the admired of all beholders. Mr. Wilkerson, his wife and four children are members of the Christian Church at Santa Fe.

additional information/pictures from elsewhere:

Milton B & Amenda Malvina Wilkerson -Seven Children living - 11 were born
Charley Bryant
Kelly Bridgford
William Thomas
Milton Byron (Mrs. Henry P.)
Front row Sally Moss Wilkerson
Pet Wilkerson Towson Wright
Ella Medora (?) Wilkerson Wilson