John Pilkington is a native of Lancashire, England, born March 1, 1825. He left his native county in 1848 for Australia, and remained there until February, 1852, when he returned to England, and in March, 1853, came to the United States. He spent about two years in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, Pa., then came West stopping one year in Peoria, Ill. From there he went to New Orleans, La., and in 1858 settled in Clayton County. He has traveled quite extensively, and has visited many of the principal cities of the world. In 1865 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. Upon leaving the service he returned to Clayton County, and settled on his present farm of 171 acres on section 2 and 11, Elk Township. His land is under excellent cultivation, and thoroughly stocked. In connection with farming he is engaged in the manufacture of brick, and made the first brick in the township in 1871. He has been twice married, first in England, on June 8, 1845, to Mary Dickinson, who died in Pennsylvania in 1854, having been the mother of five children, viz.: Robert, born April 24, 1846, died on a voyage to Australia in 1848; Thomas, born April 29, 1848, on the sea, died in 1849 in Australia; Rachel, born April 28, 1850, died on the Atlantic Ocean in 1853; Ellen, born Sept. 26, 1852, died in 1854; and John born Nov. 28, 1854, died in December of that year. Mr. Pilkington was again married on April 21, 1856, to Elizabeth Stewart, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 26, 1832. Five children have been born unto them - F.T., born May 26, 1858; Mary, born Sept. 22, 1860, died Aug. 15, 1864; R. A. born Aug. 6, 1862; W. J., Aug. 4, 1868; and C. S., Dec. 14, 1871. Mr. Pilkington has held the office of Justice of the
Peace four years, and other public positions of trust. He
votes the Republican ticket. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.
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