Judicial portrait of Wilkins, 1888, by A. Bradish.
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.[1][2] He was recorder for Detroit, Michigan, in 1837.[1]
John M. Snowden, who stood high in favor with President Jackson, recommended Wilkins for appointment to the office of district court judge.[citation needed] 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!"[citation needed]
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).[2] He also served on the Board of Regents for the University of Michigan, from its creation in 1837 until 1842.[3]
Later service and death
Wilkins was a retired attorney in Detroit from 1869 to 1872.[1] He died there on May 17, 1872,[1] and was interred at Elmwood Cemetery.[3]
