WILKINSON. CAPTAIN WILLIAM OF EARBY

[Stanley]

WILKINSON. CAPTAIN WILLIAM OF EARBY

On Saturday last the remains of Captain William Wilkinson, a native of Earby, were interred with military honours at Christ Church Colne.
Captain Wilkinson was born at Earby in 1820, where he lived for some years. Having a taste for military life he joined the army at the age of sixteen and soon after he was sent to India where he served ten years as a private and later as corporal- sergeant. One day the colonel of his regiment found him studying higher mathematics and advised him to go in for an engineer’s examination. He consented, passed the examination, and joined the Royal Engineers, in which capacity he was engaged in constructing fortifications, building bridges, and other kindred work. He was the constructor of various works in Peshawar in the Khyber Pass, and at Ali Musjid. He was in India at the time of the mutiny and distinguished himself in several engagements in the neighbourhood of Dehli. His military services expired ten years ago when he was the recipient of several honours from both the East India Company and his fellow soldiers. He settled in Gisburn after his return from India. Failing health compelled him to visit Morecambe in the hope that this would somewhat recruit his health. On Wednesday last he had a fit of apoplexy from which he died. It was by especial desire , as recorded in his will, that military honours were accorded him at his funeral, a fitting close to a life spent in the service of his country.

“Extracts from the Colne and Nelson Times and the Burnley Gazette 1875-1880”
Date 23rd August 1879
Transcribed by Bob Abel, used with his permission.
These articles also appear on the Earby & District Local History Society web site www.earbylocalhistorysociety.co.uk