Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 944-945.

BIRKET M. ELKINS, one of the old and respected pioneers of Wells County, residing on section 20, Jackson Township, was born in Culpeper, now Rappahannock County, Virginia, September 9, 1803, a son of Philip and Sarah (McCormick) Elkins, who were natives of Virginia, of Irish descent. The father served in the war of 1812, participated in several battles, and for his service received a land warrant. The parents emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, in an early day, where the mother died. They had a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The father was again united in marriage, and came with his family to Indiana, settling in Jackson Township, Wells County. He subsequently went to Missouri, where he died. His son, Philip Elkins, is the father of Stephen B. Elkins, who was manager of Blame’s presidential campaign. Birket M. Elkins, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, where he received a good common-school education. He was married November 22, 1824, in Virginia, to Hannah Stallard, who was born in Virginia March 8, 1807, and to this union were born nine children—Andrew Jackson served as a soldier in the Union army, and died six days after returning home; Joseph C. (deceased), Daniel K. (deceased), William T., Mary E., Sarah C., Philip, Lee (deceased) and Lucretia A. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Elkins removed with his father’s family to Ohio, and in 1847 he came to Wells County, Indiana, settling on the farm where he now resides, entering 320 acres of land on section 20, Jackson Township. His first house in the then wilderness of Jackson Township was built of round logs, with clap board roof and puncheon floor. This humble cabin was afterward replaced by a hewed-log house, which he occupied until his present comfortable frame residence was erected. He cleared and improved his land until he has now one of the best farms in his neighborhood. He has prospered in his agricultural pursuits, and at one time owned 400 acres, which he has given to his children with the exception of 160 acres, which he retains for himself. Mrs. Elkins died in the fall of 1876, and in June, 1877, Mr. Elkins married Esther (Good) Colbert, a native of Henry County, Indiana, born December 27, 1833, a daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy (Batson) Good, and widow of Lewis H. Colbert. Nathaniel Good was an early settler of Jackson Township, where he lived till his death. He was a native of Perry County, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a Democrat in politics. He was a prominent citizen, and served as justice of the peace, probate or associate judge, and was assessor for several terms. He was a member of the Universalist church. By his marriage with Esther Good three children were born, two of whom are yet living—Mary J. and Nora E. Nathaniel Batson, father of Mrs. Good, was one of the early pioneers of Jackson Township, settling here about 1835. He was born in Ohio in 1808, and came to Henry County, Indiana, with his parents when a boy, and was there married to Nancy Rolfston, a native of Kentucky, born in 1809, coming to Wells County after his marriage. He was a Democrat in politics. He served several terms as county commissioner, and was frequently chosen to act as juryman. He was a member of the Universalist church. He died December 2, 1878, his widow surviving until March 25, 1881. They were the parents of five sons and six daughters. Mr. Elkins was always a farmer, following that avocation before coming to Indiana. Mrs. Elkins was first married in May, 1853, to Lewis H. Colbert, and to this union were born three children——Alonzo, Nancy Viola and Lewis H. Mr. Colbert was a native of Ohio, and came with his parents to Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, where he was married and lived until his death in September, 1858. He followed farming the greater part of his life. In his political views he was a Democrat, and served as township trustee of Chester Township for a time, to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics Mr. Elkins has always been a staunch Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and his last for Cleveland. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has served as Deputy United States Marshal for Perry County and Sergeant-at-Arms in the Ohio Legislature, as justice of the peace, and as postmaster. He was also a member of the State Legislature, representing Wells and Adams counties in the session of 1851—’52, and also served one term as county commissioner, serving in these positions to the best interests of his township or county. Mr. Elkins united with the Masonic fraternity on becoming of age, and is now a member of Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Warren, Huntington County, Indiana