My Genealogy Hound

L. J. Wilkes, grocer, Helena, Ark. There are several houses in this city that are thoroughly typical, not alone of the comprehensive growth and increasing importance of Helena as the supplying center of the growing West, but whose career is a source of public pride, delineating as they do the general business enterprise and commercial sagacity of some of our leading citizens. Such a concern is that conducted by Wilkes & Ford which was established under the firm title of Wilkes & Ford in 1884. They carry a full line of groceries, etc., and are doing a good business. Mr. Wilkes was born in Putnam County, Ga., on October 25, 1852, and is the son of Rev. T. U. Wilkes, a Baptist minister who came to Arkansas about 1861, and located at Trenton, where he passed the closing scenes of his life. The mother died in Georgia. L. J. Wilkes was quite small when he came to Arkansas, and here he grew to manhood, receiving a limited schooling at Trenton, Ark. In 1871 he came to Helena and was employed as a clerk for several years. Being economical he saved money and in 1876 went into the business for himself, taking a partner. As above stated, he formed a partnership with Mr. Ford in 1884, and they are now doing a thriving business. Mr. Wilkes is a stockholder in the Home Mutual Building & Loan Association and is a wide-awake and thoroughgoing business man. He was married in 1876 to Miss Mary Jaquess, daughter of Dr. G. D. Jaquess, of Indiana, and the result of this union has been three children: George B., Luther J. and Louisa. Mr. Wilkes is a member of the First Baptist Church, his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.