<p>
General <em>Harry E. Wilkins</em> was born at Geneseo, Illinois, April 22, 1861, the son of James E. and Phoebe Clarisia Gilbert Wilkins.</p>
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On October 26, 1890, General Wilkins married Miss Annie C. Kolhauff. To this union was born a daughter, Miss Margaret Wilkins, who survives her father. The wife and mother died October 7, 1903, and was buried at Arlington Cemetery in the lot where her late husband now lies. His second wife, Miss Ida S. Sanders died on June 1, 1920. On September 27, 1921, General Wilkins married Miss Jean Palmer who survives him.</p>
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General Wilkins, best known to his friends and companions as "Harry,” entered the Military Academy in the year 1882 and was graduated with the class of 1887. After more than thirty years of faithful service he retired on October 31, 1919, with the rank of colonel; but, in 1930, by Act of Congress, he was promoted to the grade of brigadier general, which temporary rank he had held from the beginning of the World War, in 1917, until his retirement. His military service was extensive, covering duty in Nebraska, Iowa, and other places in this country until 1901 when he went to the Philippines. He later served in Texas, in the Mexican trouble, and in 1914 was the Quartermaster of the Vera Cruz Expedition. In 1917, he reported to Washington and shortly after sailed for France as Assistant to the Chief Quartermaster of the A.E.F. and a member of General Pershing's staff. Returning to this country, he was in charge of the Quartermaster Depot of New York and was Zone Supply Officer. Later, he acted in a similiar capacity in Chicago.</p>
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General Wilkins was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with the following citation:—<em>For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service while in charge of the General Supply Depot of New York City.</em></p>
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After his retirement, General Wilkins lived in Des Moines and was associated with Wilkins Brothers Department Store. Up until the time of his death he was Treasurer of the Des Moines Morris Plan Bank and, until the accident which later resulted in his death, was one of its managing officers. He served as Secretary on the Iowa Volunteers Bonus Board; he was Past Commander of Argonne Post, American Legion; he was Recorder of the Iowa Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.</p>
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In February, 1940, General Wilkins suffered an accident in which he broke his hip. This injury developed into a long illness which finally resulted in his death at his home in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 15, 1941. During his illness he was always cheerful and confident of ultimate recovery. His active mind, his constant interest in his friends and business associates belied his advanced years and his critical condition. His death was a shock to all who knew him. Possessing all of the good qualities and none of the bad, he had endeared himself to his entire community.</p>
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His companions in the Iowa Commandery wrote, in part, as follows: “Harry Wilkins was the embodiment of all that was for the finest and best things in life as husband, father, comrade, friend, companion, soldier, and citizen. He was dear to us all. For the splendid service he rendered the Commandery as Recorder, we owe him a debt of gratitude. How much we shall miss him!”</p>
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General Wilkins was buried at Arlington on August 18, 1941, with full military honors. Honorary Pallbearers were Major Generals Charles D. Rhodes and Walter A. Bethel; Brigadier Generals A. O. Seaman, N. F. McClure, F. D. Evans, C. A. Hedekin; Colonel Alonzo Gray; and Lieutenant Colonel H. A. Barnes.</p>