BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890. Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater. Page 687. ROBERT WILKINS Robert Wilkins, a leading citizen of Belmont county, was born in 1816, a son of James and Lydia (Boggs) Wilkins, the former of whom was of Welsh, and the latter of Irish, descent. His father removed with his parents to Westmore- land county, Penn., and there grew to manhood, and learned the saddler's trade. At this occupation he worked for some time in Pennsylvania, and then came to Belmont county, some time before the beginning of the present century. He entered a section of land on a part of which Belmont now stands, and remained there until 1805, when he sold out and removed to 160 acres, which he purchased, one-fourth mile north of St. Clairsville. Here he lived until his death in 1851. He was an active and influential politician, and was a fearless and effective advocate of the principles, first of the whig, and then of the republican, party. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm where he now lives, and in 1838 he was married to Margaret Murry, a native of Virginia, who came to this county with her parents. To this union were born six children, four of whom are living: Lydia, John M., Ella and Robert M. Mr. Wilkins has a fine farm of 150 acres, one of the best improved in the county, and also has 295 acres in Morgan county. He gives much attention to stock-raising, and is one of the leading sheep growers. He is an enterprising citizen, and contributed liberally to the contest on behalf of St. Clairsville for the possession of the county seat.