Colonel Alexander Wilkinson VD settled in Maitland in 1832 at the age of 6, where he remained for most of his life. He joined the volunteers in 1860, starting as a Private. His enlistment is shown on the Northumberland Volunteer Rifle Company Muster Roll in the Maitland City Library.
Eventually Wilkinson was successful in becoming lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Infantry Regiment, displaying his inherited military spirit.
In 1885, Wilkinson assumed command of the northern district reserves, covering a vast area from the Hawkesbury River to Tenterfield and Narrabri. He retired with the rank of colonel in 1893.
In addition to his military service, Wilkinson served as an Alderman of West Maitland for twenty-one years and held the position of Mayor multiple times between 1883 and 1904.