Career
He got permission to hunt for game to supplement the military rations. Later, to cover his defection, it was claimed that he had been captured by the Utah Territorial militia (the "Nauvoo Legion") at Fort Bridger. Wilcken"s granddaughter Anna Amelia Pratt was the mother of American politician George West. (George Wilcken) Romney.
Wilcken"s family joined him in the United States. in 1860.
Wilcken eventually had three additional wives and fathered 18 children. Six foot four inches tall, Wilcken worked as a miller in Salt Lake City, a skill he learned in Prussia.