John Wilkinson was born on November 6, 1821, in Norfolk, Virginia, to parents Malvina Wilkinson and John Wilkinson Sr. He entered naval service at a young age and eventually became an officer in the United States Navy. With the onset of the American Civil War and the secession of Southern states, Wilkinson left his post in the U.S. Navy and joined the Confederate States Navy. He quickly gained recognition for his command over several key blockade runners, most notably the CSS Robert E. Lee and the CSS Chickamauga. These vessels were instrumental in breaching Union naval blockades and transporting critical supplies to the Confederacy, and Wilkinson developed a reputation for both his skill and daring in maneuvering through enemy waters. His firsthand knowledge of the sea, sharp navigational ability, and commitment to the Confederate cause made him one of the most effective blockade-running commanders of the war. Following the end of the conflict, he documented his wartime service and insights in a published memoir, contributing to historical records of Confederate naval operations. Wilkinson lived until 1891, passing away at the age of 70.
