Submitted by: John Branyan jbranyan@chesapeake.netSource: OLD SOLDIERS WHO HAVE LIVED IN O'BRIEN COUNTY, IA Compiled by Geo W. Schee and O.H. Montzheimer 1909, Primghar, IA [Internet preparation by Don Harrington < harrington2@earthlink.net>]. Found on O'Brien County, IA USGENWEB site.
"Wilkins, Melvin C. Resides at Sanborn, Iowa; born March 7, 1842, in Calhoun County, Mich.; father, Ira J. (born St. Lawrence County, New York), mother, Susan Willis (born Calhoun County, Mich.). Married Hanna M. Rice February 12, 1864; children: Hattie, George D., Willard T., Lulu, Jessie, Alberta, Ira and Earle. Enlisted June 24, 1861, at Marengo, Iowa, in Company G, Seventh Iowa Infantry, Fourth Brigade, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Re-enlisted December 30, 1863, and remustered January 5, 1864; served in battles at Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Lay’s Ferry, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Boonesboro, March to the Sea, Grand Review at Washington; received sunstroke at Second Battle Corinth; discharged July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Settled in O’Brien County spring of 1871, northeast section 18, Center Township. Member Kenyon Post No. 339, G. A. R., Sanborn.
Melvin had a brother, James H. Wilkins, who served in Company G, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Pleasant Hill, La., April 9,1864."
