The Hon. Robert Charles Wilkins was born in 1782  in New York City during the American Revolution.  He was the son of Robert Wilkins Sr.  a native of England who had served in the 17th Light Dragoons. Established in Upper Canada after the War,  Robert Jr. married Mary Smith from Port Hope and of Loyalist roots.  During the War of 1812 he served initially as a Captain in the 1st Regiment Northumberland Militia under Colonel John Peters.  Later in the War he served as Commissary Agent and was noted for having done an excellent job.

For a time in the 1830s he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada.  Later in life he was also a Colonel in the Prince Edward County Militia.  Robert’s wife Mary passed away in 1847 and he followed on 28 March 1866. He had a full life of service to his Country.