Mildred Wilkerson is county's Oldest Settler at OSD
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Standing proudly with the Red Coats, Mildred Wilkerson proudly holds the plaque she received Thursday evening proclaiming her the Oldest Settler at the 105th Old Settlers Days. From left is Jim Brock, Tom Drew, Mildred Wilkerson, Jacie Worrick and Fritz Martin. Below, a few snapshots of Wilkerson receiving her award near the OSD entertainment stage Thursday night.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
In the midst of a thunderstorm, Mildred Barber Wilkerson was born on September 18, 1911, at a place that faded with the pages of time and exists no more – the Long Swamp near Loon Lake. 
Thursday evening, precisely 96 years, nine months and eight days, she was the recipient of something she never expected – 105th annual Old Settlers Days Oldest Settler Award.
On Thursday, Wilkerson traveled with her daughter, Gloria Baker, from her Thorncreek Township home to register her name in the annals of the Old Settlers Days at the Whitley County Historical Museum. Despite her age, she said she really had no idea she’d be Whitley County’s oldest settler to register this year. 
The only child of William and Leona Barber and bride of the late John Wilkerson, she attended Smith School and graduated with the Columbia City High School Class of 1930. She also attended six months of classes at Indiana Business College.
She attends Thorncreek Bethel Church of God on State Road 9 and has lived in the same home in Thorncreek Township since 1949. Known by many as “The Egg Lady,” she was known to have delivered fresh eggs from her farm to neighbors and others.
Back in the day, she said she and her husband loved square dancing and she still enjoys dancing. She also likes to read, care for her cats and is proud to say she does her own housework…and she doesn’t care for television, except to watch the news.
Smiling brightly as she shook the hands of the many Red Coats and well-wishers present to bestow her award on the courthouse lawn and celebrate her moment with her, Wilkerson said she was, “proud that the good Lord let me live this long.”
Though we was not present to receive his award Thursday evening, James Wise was found to be the longest continuous resident in attendance at Old Settlers Day registration and will be recognized with an award at his daughter’s home Friday afternoon.