This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: winspeare Surnames: Wilkins, Betts, Rapalje, Thorn(e), Brooks, Ousterman Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.queens/1433.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Pat, I wonder if you could update your web page with the Wilkins link because the msn link no longer works. I am investigating a Queens family of Wilkinses who may have been on Long Island in the 17th century but who then expanded into Manhattan by the mid-18th. Jacob Wilkins, b ca. 1735, merchant of New York, had a brass foundry and sold his merchandise in southern Manhattan. By his first wife, Hannah Betts, he had sons John, Jacob, William, and Augustus and daughters Ann(e) and Hannah. By his second wife, Ann Rapalje, he had children, Helen and States. My newest information is that his son William, b ca. 1767, married Ann(e) Thorn(e) of Flushing in 1788 and lived there until his death ca. 1798. I have information from the same book named in this thread, COLONIAL FAMILIES, which appears to be a compilation of research donated by 20th c. researchers (who perhaps subscribed to the publication of the book). The Wilkins entry lists sources for the information, but I have not been able to check them all yet. The Jacob Wilkins connection is proved by the William Wilkins Administration of Estate records, File Box of 1787-1829, Queens Co. Surrogate's Office. Any response to this is welcome. William Wilkins apparently had children named Jacob Thorn, Cornelia (m Brooks), Ann (m Ousterman), and Hannah. These can be followed through the census and other 19th records. There are very few Wilkins in New York, Kings, and Queens Cos., before 1840. Since you have since identified Lucinda Wilkins as the daughter of Thomas Wilkins of this area and Thomas as the son of a Peter Wilkins, I am hoping we may find some connection in the 17th or 18th century. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.