William Wilkie was born in Eaglehawk in 1869. William was only twelve years old when he took on the responsibilities of providing for his mother and five brothers and sisters after the death of his father from miners phthisis in 1881. William moved interstate to take up mining in Western Australia in the 1890's, returning to Bendigo to continue mining in the district. William married Mary Clough in 1896. Elected to council for the first time in 1905, Cr Wilkie served as Mayor on two occasions. 1910 - 1911 and 1914 - 1915. Black and white mayoral portrait of Councillor William Wilkie. Photograph attached to mount board.W. Vincent Kelly / Mitchell St / Bendigocity of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo mayoress, cr wilkie, mayoress wilkie, mary clough

Black and white photograph recording the visit of his Excellency Sir John Fuller, Bart., K.C.M.G. and party to the Central Red, White and Blue Mine, Bendigo 10th June, 1911. There are two X beneath two people marking the Mayor and Mayoress of Bendigo William Henry Wilkie and Mary (nee Clough). This was in their first term as Mayor and Mayoress, their second term was in 1914/15. With the compliments of Peter McBride Minister of Mines and Forests. The photo was taken by W. H. Robinson, Bendigo. Donated by A. Wilkie, grandson of former Mayor Bendigo, William Henry Wilkie.business, mining, central red, white and blue mine