Walter S. Wilkinson, merchant and postmaster of Bois Brule, was born in Perry County in 1850, and is the son of William and Teresa J. (Sweenk) Wilkinson (see sketch of Judge William R. Wilkinson).

His mother was the fifth wife of Mr. Wilkinson, and to her were born four children by their marriage. Those living are Walter B., Munson (who married Annie Nellis, and is now a mechanic at West Fall Brook, Cal.) and Benjamin F. (who married Julia DeLassus and is now a resident of San Diego, Cal. By a former marriage Mrs. Wilkinson was the mother of one son, J. V. Wershum, who resides upon the old homestead.

The subject of this sketch for ten years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1884, in partnership with his brother Benjamin F., he purchased a stock of goods of DeLassus & McKinzie, at Anchor Landing, and has since been engaged in merchandising. He has built up a fine trade, his sales during 187 amounting to about $9,000. Mr. Wilkinson was as successful a farmer as he is a merchant, and during his last year upon the farm raised upon 200 acres of land 5,800 bushels of wheat, that netted him over $6,000.

He has been twice married. His first wife was Emma Dickson, who died leaving one daughter, Ella May. He chose for his second wife, Carrie McPike, whom he wedded September 12, 1880. They have two children living, Lulu B. and Walter E.

  

The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.