Ross Wilkins

Education and career

Born on February 19, 1799, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilkins graduated from Dickinson College in 1816 and read law in 1820. He was a prosecutor in Pittsburgh from 1821 to 1823. He entered private practice in Pittsburgh from 1823 to 1832. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1829 to 1830.

Federal judicial service

Wilkins was appointed by President Jackson as a Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Michigan Territory, on April 26, 1832, serving from 1832 to 1837, and opening his first term of court on June 17, 1832. He was recorder for Detroit, Michigan in 1837.
Following the admission of the State of Michigan to the Union on January 26, 1837, Wilkins was nominated by President Andrew Jackson on July 2, 1836, to the United States District Court for the District of Michigan, to a new seat authorized by 5 Stat. 61. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 2, 1836, and received his commission on January 26, 1837. Wilkins was reassigned by operation of law to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on February 24, 1863, to a new seat authorized by 12 Stat. 660. His service terminated on February 18, 1870, due to his retirement. He never missed a term of court during his entire service on the court.

Recommendation

John M. Snowden, who stood high in favor with President Jackson, recommended Wilkins for appointment to the office of district court judge. Shortly afterwards a friend of another applicant for the same office appeared before the President and denounced the man recommended by Mr. Snowden, as being utterly unfit for the place. Old Hickory, with eyes flashing fire, roared out: "How dare you say that? Do you think John M. Snowden would recommend a man unfit for the position? No, never by the eternal!"

Other service

Wilkins was also a member of the convention that drafted the Michigan Constitution of 1835, and also of the two conventions held in 1836 to accept terms imposed on Michigan statehood by Congress (see the Toledo War). He also served on the Board of Regents for the University of Michigan, from its creation in 1837 until 1842.

Later service and death

Wilkins was a retired attorney in Detroit from 1869 to 1872. He died on May 17, 1872, in Detroit. He was interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.

Family

Wilkins was the son of Major General John Wilkins Jr., who served in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and became the 7th Quartermaster General of the United States Army. His brother was William Wilkins, a notable lawyer, jurist and politician in Pennsylvania.