Ross Wilkins

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Ross Wilkins (February 19, 1799 - May 17, 1872) was an American politician and lawyer from Pennsylvania, who later served as a territorial and U.S. district court judge in the state of Michigan.

Wilkins was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Major General John Wilkins, 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. Wilkins graduated from Dickinson College in 1816, then studied law and was a prosecuting attorney in Pittsburgh, 1821-1823. He then entered private practice in Pittsburgh from 1823 to 1832. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1829-1830.

In 1832, Wilkins was appointed a judge of the Michigan Territory by U.S. President Andrew Jackson on April 26, 1832. He opened court on June 17, 1832.

On July 2, 1836, President Jackson nominated Wilkins to become United States District Judge of the newly created District of Michigan. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 2, 1836 and received his commission on January 26, 1837. He served in this capacity until the district was dissolved and split into two districts on February 24, 1863. Wilkins was reassigned as District Judge of the Eastern District of Michigan, where he served until he resigned in December 1869. His service with the court was terminated on February 18, 1870 due to his retirement. He never missed a term in his 32 years of 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.

[edit] Letter recommending Ross Wilkins for United States District Judge

Rec'd 10 Nov. 1835
Pittsburgh 5th Nov 1835
Gen. A Jackson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson
Pres. U States
Dr Sir
Having understood that the friends of Ross Wilkins Esquire of Michigan have named him to your excellency for an appointment to the office of United States judge of Michigan, I beg leave most respectfully to add my recommendation also on his behalf and with certainly feel much gratified if anything I may say can have any tendency to invite his nomination. During his residence in this state, the professional and political standing of Mr Wilkins were deservedly high. Possessing a vigorous and cultivated mind he sustained himself with great credit in discharging his professional duties which his frank and gentlemanly deportment towards all with whom he had intercourse secured to him the confidence and esteem of many valuable friends. I presume that I need scarcely add that Mr Wilkins was among the closest and most firm and consisting of your excellency's political friends and that his opinion always had great weight with the republican party in his native state Pennsylvania. In short believing that Mr Wilkins' reputation are fully adequate for the station named and that this appointment would greatly and his interesting family should he obtain the appointment. I hope I may not be considered is too impertanate when I thus urge his claim upon your excellencys most serious consideration.
I have the honour to be
most respectfully yours
John M Snowden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_M._Snowden

(notes on the envelope; Mr Snowden recommends R. Wilkins M. judge-Referred to the Secretary of State AJ)
This is a transcript of a letter from the National Archives, Record Group 59, (State Department Records).

Centennial volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA., 1784-1884. From pages 200- 203 Mr. Snowden http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_M._Snowden stood high in favor with General Jackson. He had recommended a gentleman to President Jackson for an important office. 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!" Mr. Snowden's man got the office.