DR. JAMES HENRY WILKEY, physician and farmer, Moore's Prairie. One of the oldest native born citizens of this county, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who was born here April 19, 1825, and was a son of Carter and Brunetta (Casey) Wilkey. The father was born in Walker Co., 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 Co. 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 continue in active practice until his death, which occurred April 3, 1876.

The mother was the dau 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 Co., Benton, Franklin Co., Norris City, in White Co., and then at Macedonia, in Hamilton Co. While practicing, the death of his father occurred, and soon after that he returned to Jefferson Co., 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 ac, situated in Sec 36, Township 4, range 4 east. He now has about 60 ac in cultivation. The charge of this devolves mainly on the son--Thomas M.

Dr.Wilkey was married, Feb 25, 1847, in Hamilton Co., to Lucy Goodwin, a dau of John Goodwin, a native of Kentucky. This lady was the mother of 2 children, one of who is now living--Thomas M., born Mar 1, 1848. Her death occurred May 6, 1850 and subject was married the second time, in Sept, 1856, to Mary Ann Houseworth, a dau 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 Co. This lady died in 1863, and he was married the third time, Dec 2, 1865, to Emily Darnall, a dau of James H. and Mary (Robenson) Darnall; the father was a native of Tenn, and the mother of Franklin Co., this state. The result of this union was 3 children, two of who are now living--James H., Jr., born Aug 23, 1866, and Carter Wilkey, born Mar 16, 1876. In politics, subject is a Republican.

SOURCE: Taken for " The History of Jefferson County"
by Wm. Henry Perrin

Submitted by Carol Cicotte
Feb 2, 1998