Dr. James Henry Wilkey

   Dr. James Henry Wilkey was born here April 19, 1825, and was a son of Carter and Brunetta (Casey) Wilkey. The father was born in Walker County, Ga, in 1797. His father was a native of Scotland, and Carter in 1818 came to Mt.Vernon. He was a house carpenter by trade, also followed that of the cabinet maker. In the early history of Mt. Vernon, he assisted in many public enterprises, among which was the erection of the first county court house in Jefferson County. In 1840, he commenced studying for the practice of medicine, and as soon as his course was completed he located where our subject now lives. In that neighborhood he continued in active practice until his death, which occurred April 3, 1876. The mother was the daughter of Isaac Casey, one of the oldest pioneers of this county.

   Our subject received his education in the schools of Mt. Vernon Township, and at the age of 17 he commenced reading medicine with his father. He continued his studies until he reached manhood's estate, and then after a year or so's practice with his father, he made his stand in Wayne County. He has since then practiced in Shadville, White County, Benton, Franklin County, Norris City, in White County, and then at Macedonia, in Hamilton County. While practicing, the death of his father occurred, and soon after that he returned to Jefferson County, and took up the mantle that had fallen from the shoulders of his father. He is now the only physician in that section. He practices over the counties of Jefferson, Hamilton and Franklin, and but few fall under the magic touch of his skillful hand, and the care of his watchful brain, but to be improved and to bless the existence of our subject. Besides his practice, the Doctor owns quite a nice farm of about 90 acres, situated in Section 36, Township 4, Range 4 east. He now has about 60 acres in cultivation. The charge of this devolves mainly on the son--Thomas M.

   Dr. Wilkey was married, Feb 25, 1847, in Hamilton County, to Lucy Goodwin, a daughter of John Goodwin, a native of Kentucky. This lady was the mother of 2 children, one of who is now living Thomas M., born March 1, 1848. Her death occurred May 6, 1850, and subject was married the second time, in September, 1856, to Mary Ann Houseworth, a daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Houseworth, both natives of Ohio. She was the mother of 4 children, and of this number there is also only one living--Peoria, wife of Louis Shelton, of Hamilton County. This lady died in 1863, and he was married the third time, Dec 2, 1865, to Emily Darnall, a daughter of James H. and Mary (Robenson) Darnall; the father was a native of Tennessee, and the mother of Franklin County, this state. The result of this union was three children, two of who are now living James H., Jr., born August 23, 1866, and Carter Wilkey, born March 16, 1876. In politics, subject is a Republican.