There is an unmarked grave next to Wilkes that is believed to be his wife, Jane Lovelady Leonard.
Wilkes was one of the early Methodists ministers that settled in Habersham County. He was the third son out of five that was listed as a Methodist minister.
On Dec. 22, 1857, the Georgia State Assembly divide Habersham and Lumpkin Counties and created a new County named White County. Wilkes became the first Ordinary for White County and served until 1861.
In 1861 he was recuited as a Captain in the Confederate Army in Company G, 24th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, "White County Marksmen" which was organized August 24, 1861 in Hall Co., Georgia. As a Captain, Wilkes signed many of the enlistment papers for the new recruits, most of which were dated August 24, 1861. Wilkes served as a Captain, his son James Lafayette Leonard served as a Lieutenant another son Thomas W. Leonard served as a Private.
The 24th Regiment was sent to Virginia then North Carolina and Wilkes was killed in the service of the Confedercy on March 1862 in Washington County, North Carolina.
There is an unmarked grave next to Wilkes that is believed to be his wife, Jane Lovelady Leonard.
Wilkes was one of the early Methodists ministers that settled in Habersham County. He was the third son out of five that was listed as a Methodist minister.
On Dec. 22, 1857, the Georgia State Assembly divide Habersham and Lumpkin Counties and created a new County named White County. Wilkes became the first Ordinary for White County and served until 1861.
In 1861 he was recuited as a Captain in the Confederate Army in Company G, 24th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, "White County Marksmen" which was organized August 24, 1861 in Hall Co., Georgia. As a Captain, Wilkes signed many of the enlistment papers for the new recruits, most of which were dated August 24, 1861. Wilkes served as a Captain, his son James Lafayette Leonard served as a Lieutenant another son Thomas W. Leonard served as a Private.
The 24th Regiment was sent to Virginia then North Carolina and Wilkes was killed in the service of the Confedercy on March 1862 in Washington County, North Carolina.
Inscription
He was a member of the Methodist Church about 30 years, enjoyed religion 33 years and was a licensed preacher about 10 years and a Captain of a Volunteer Company in McMillans Regiment in service of the Confederate States.
Gravesite Details
The headstone shows 16 March 1862 as his death but his military records indicate that he died on 6 March 1862.
Family Members
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