Ross Wilkins was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. in Feb. 1799. He graduated from Dickinson College, Penn. in 1818 where he had studied law. He became Prosecuting Attorney in 1820 and was appointed Judge of the Michigan Territory by President Jackson in 1832. Wilkins was a U.S. District Judge from 1836 to 1869, with the distinction of never having been absent from duty. Ross died on May 17, 1872.
From the description of Ross Wilkins papers, 1827-1893. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 299755588