Description:This is an abridged biography from the Handsworth Magazine. The full version is available as a download. Joseph Henry Wilkinson lived at "Elm Wood", on Hamstead Hill.
Mr Wilkinson was born in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1845 and is therefore still in the prime of life. His father, the late Mr Henry Wilkinson, came to reside in Handsworth and to carry on business in Birmingham. He received his education at private schools in Birmingham and in Lancashire and afterwards at Lausunne, in Switzerland, where he acquired a thorough practical knowledge of the French language.
When residing in Liverpool he joined the Rifle Brigade of that city and on coming to Handsworth he became a member of the local company of volunteers. In a short time he obtained a commission and was appointed ensign, a rank which we believe no longer exists. His close attention to the duties of his office, his ability in the discharge of those duties; his evident love for the work and his geniality in his intercourse with the members of the force, have made him one of the best respected of volunteer officers in the country. Step by step he has won his way upward and prevailed; and now, in addition to being Lieut. Colonel, he is a Brigade-Major - the last promotion being only a fit recognition and acknowledgement of his great services in the volunteers. Under his direction and animated by his spirit the Staffordshire Volunteer Infantry Brigade has become one of the smartest and most efficient in the country.
He is an Alderman of the Staffordshire County Council and his services in this capacity have been productive of great benefit to Handsworth and its inhabitants. He was most helpful in obtaining Petty Sessions for this important district, which was following by the provision of proper and suitable Courts for the conducting of the criminal proceedings of the parish. These Public Offices were opened this year (1894) and are not only one of the chief buildings in the place, but are most admirably suited in all respects for the important public work which will be carried on within their walls.
As well as being an Alderman on the Staffordshire County Council, the Colonel is also a Magistrate for the same county. He is also treasurer of the Birmingham and Midlands Counties Sanatorium. In every effort made for the improvement of Handsworth, Colonel Wilkinson has willingly and generously borne a part. He was a liberal contributor to the Public Park Fund and, in fact, to all charitable and philanthropic works which so well distinguish the locality.