Charles Henry Wilcken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles Henry Wilcken |
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Wilcken ca. 1890
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| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  German Confederation
 United States of America |
| Rank | Sergeant, Prussian Army Private (artilleryman), U.S. Army Colonel, Utah Territorial Militia |
| Battles/wars | First Schleswig-Holstein War (Prussia / German Federation) Utah War (U.S.) |
| Awards | Prussian Iron Cross |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Carl Heinrich Wilcken October 5, 1831 Eckhorst, Duchy of Holstein (now in Stockelsdorf, Ostholstein, Germany) |
| Died | April 9, 1915 (aged 84) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Christina Carolina Reiche + 3 others |
| Children | 18 |
| Relatives | George W. Romney (great-grandson) |
Carl Heinrich "Charles Henry" Wilcken (October 5, 1831 – April 9, 1915) was a German-American soldier. He was given the Iron Cross medal by the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV. This was a very important award.
When he arrived in the United States in 1857, Charles Wilcken did not speak English. But he had strong military skills and discipline. He joined the U.S. Army, which was sent to Utah. This army was involved in a conflict known as the Utah War.
Wilcken got permission to hunt for food for the army. During one hunting trip, he met some Mormons. He decided to leave the army and join them. Later, it was said that he had been captured by the Utah Territorial militia. Wilcken then joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later worked as a water manager, a city policeman, and a superintendent for a telegraph company.
Wilcken's granddaughter, Anna Amelia Pratt, was the mother of a famous American politician, George W. Romney.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
From Prussia to America
Charles Wilcken was born in Eckhorst, Germany, in 1831. He left his home in Holstein in 1857. He planned to move to Argentina to join his brothers. However, while waiting in London to sail, he ran out of money. He could only afford a ticket to New York City. His family joined him in the U.S. in 1860.
Joining the U.S. Army
Wilcken was a skilled artilleryman from Prussia. He had served as a sergeant in the Prussian Army. He even fought in the First Schleswig-Holstein War. When he came to America, he joined the U.S. Army. He was part of what was called Johnston's Army. This army was sent to Utah during the Utah War.
A New Life in Utah
Becoming a Latter-day Saint
While serving in the U.S. Army in Utah, Wilcken met members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He decided to join their faith. He then became a member of the Nauvoo Legion, which was the Utah Territorial militia.
Roles in Salt Lake City
Charles Wilcken was very tall, standing six feet four inches. He worked as a miller in Salt Lake City. This was a skill he had learned back in Prussia. He also took on many important roles in the community. He served as a water commissioner, helping to manage irrigation. He was also a municipal policeman. Later, he became the superintendent of the Deseret Telegraph Company.
Helping Church Leaders
Wilcken became a close friend and helper to two presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These were John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff. He often drove them and acted as their bodyguard. He also helped church leaders and their families during difficult times. He served as a go-between for them and their families when leaders faced challenges.
Family and Legacy
A Large Family
Charles Wilcken married four times during his life. He had a very large family, with 18 children. His first wife, Eliza Christina Carolina Reiche Wilcken, joined him in the U.S. in 1860.
Connection to George Romney
One of Charles Wilcken's grandchildren was Anna Amelia Pratt. Anna Amelia Pratt later became the mother of a well-known American politician. Her son was George W. Romney. This means Charles Wilcken was George W. Romney's great-grandfather.
