July 1937
Transcribed by Linda Masters
William Stovall Wilkins, son of Pleasant and Amanda Wilkins, was born May 21, 1887, at Haney’s Corner in Ripley county, Indiana. When he was eleven years old his father died and it was necessary for him to assume the responsibilities of manhood at a very early age. When only fifteen years old he came to Fillmore county with family friends who were moving here from Indiana.
In 1887 he was married to Miss Malina Head of
Geneva. After making their home here
for a few years, they moved to Colorado but soon returned to make Geneva their
home. In 1913 Mr. And Mrs. Wilkins went
to Wyoming where they acquired a ranch and engaged in raising livestock until
failing health made it necessary for Mr. Wilkins to give up active work. At that time they returned to Geneva and
built the home where they have since resided.
They did, however, maintain their Wyoming interests and made frequent
visits there.
Their four children were all present at the funeral
service Friday morning: Earl H. of
Geneva; Mrs. J. B. Milstead of Chugwater, Wyo.; William R. of Geneva and Gerald
R. of Rock Springs, Wyo.
On the 25th of May, Mr. And Mrs. Wilkins
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a fitting climax to fifty years of
unusually happy and devoted married life.
Mr. Wilkins has been in failing health for several years
but was bedfast less than two weeks before the end came in the afternoon of
July 6, 1937. He is survived by his
wife, Mrs. W. S. Wilkins, his aged mother, Mrs. Amanda Mathews, the four
children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandson.
His life was characterized by unselfish and loyal
devotion to his family, an unusual charity and tolerance for all with whom he
came in contact and absolute integrity in all of his dealings. To his children the memory of their parents’
home is a priceless heritage.
He united with the Geneva Methodist church in 1895 during
the pastorate of Rev. Orrin W. Fifer, Mrs. Wilkins having previously united
under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Barker, and for these more than forty years
their names have adorned the church records.
Funeral services were conducted from the late residence,
July 9, at 10 a. m. by his pastor, Rev. W. H. Shoaf. Mrs. A. H. Elder sang.
Burial was in the Geneva cemetery.