John Wilkinson Dead

Highly Respected Lewiston Pioneer Passed Away Suddenly Following Brief Illness

John Wilkinson, resident of Lewiston since 1878, died very suddenly yesterday afternoon following a brief illness. Mr. Wilkinson was stricken with acute indigestion Sunday evening but was much improved Monday and Tuesday and yesterday was up and enjoyed his pipe. He shaved himself about noon but said he had not slept well Tuesday evening and would rest some during the afternoon. Mrs. Lambdin, his daughter, was in and out of his room at frequent intervals and at 3:30 o'clock found he had arisen and was seated in a chair. As she approached him, his head dropped to one side and Mr. Wilkinson had passed away.

Mr. Wilkinson first settled on a farm in upper Tammany and was engaged in farming for many years. Upon coming to Lewiston, he conducted a warehouse and later with Mr. E. W. Eaves, he joined in the organization of he Vollmer-Clearwater company. He continued with this company for a number of years and later as identified with other grain exporting concerns.

He served as county commissioner, as city councilman, as city assessor and in other capacities. He sold his farm holding in 1919 to Robert McKissick and with Mrs. Wilkinson went to Los Angeles where Mrs. Wilkinson passed away in 1920. Mr. Wilkinson then returned to Lewiston to make his home. He suffered two light strokes of paralysis in April but had apparently recovered and during the past few weeks, he had enjoyed several old-time fishing trips on the Snake river with his old friend and companion of 30 years, Robert Schleicher. These old friends caught a number of fine salmon with the hook and line and took a great deal of keen enjoyment from the sport.

Mr. Wilkinson is survived by his daughter, Mrs. W. T. Lambdin, and two sons, Claude Wilkinson, Lewiston mail carrier, and Scott Wilkinson, a civil engineer in Montana.

Mr. Wilkinson was a gentleman of pleasant personality and many fine qualities. He secured much enjoyment in his friends and they in turn loved him for himself and cherished his friendship and held in highest regard his splendid character.

The funeral arrangements will be announced today.