Robert Akins : Short Biography

Robert Eaken(s) or Akins, born Ahoghill, Antrim in 1736.  Emigrated to Maryland, US in about 1753, and then again probably in 1760.  Died in Cecil County, Maryland in 1806.  Sons James Akins and Samuel Akins, daughter Ann Whitelock. 
Father William Eakens, (1700 - 1784) emigrated to Maryland,  brother William Eakens probably born 1738, emigrated to the Peach Bottom on the Susquehanna River in Harford County, Maryland, then to Pennsylvania.  Brother Samuel stayed in Ireland, removed from Ahoghill to Ballybeg.  Father of William Eakens was also William Eakens, buried in the Old Churchyard, dates of birth and death unknown.  Presbyterian.
William Eakin was appointed as administrator of his deceased father William Eakin in County Antrim, Parish of Ahoghill, Diocese of Connor in 1765 by the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor.
Letter from Samuel Eakin/Akin to his brother Robert Eakin/Akin:

Ballybegg, May 5, 1784

Dr Brother

I am happy to inform you that I am in perfect health at present thanks be to the almighty God hoping these will find you and family in the same.
I retune you my hearty thanks for your brotherlxlove in sending me the buck skin which received in good order.  I am in need of another which if you will be so kind to send me and 
also let me know if you are in need of any tools or article and I will send it to you.  
Saml Carsons flaxseed hogs head proved very bad and run out a great deal the seed.  Babby Hill is not like to come to a good state of health. I feel she is strong dekea.  Henry Cowan is lying very bad in a pleurisy the rest of Wm Cowans family is well.  Job Hamilton of Ahoghill is very much obliged for to mention about his brother and begs you may write all you know about him.  It appears we would have some troubled times here.  You will see a news paper with George Nicholl which will help you to forma judgement of the affairs of this country.  I saw enclosed to him this even from Jam Hamilton to Geo Nicholl directed in your care to whom I refer you for information our markets here are very dear meal sells at 16 or 17 cents P.H. potatoes 20-22 cents per bushel from 5-6 p 11. Wheat is 13/6 p 11.  Your brother Burnside and families are all well and rec the buckskin Jam Hamilton wrote you some time ago but rec no answer.  I am informed that Robt Cowan is married I request you may let me know if he is well married.  Rot Cowans father complains that he did not write to him.  I would be glade you would advise him to write to his father.  Wm Hill of Larn is dead.  Jno Grier is well and not yet married.  Jno & James Brown & family is well.  Tho. Brown is married and well.  Jinny Buck begs you may inquire about her brother and sister, Sam Yours wife is dead and he is married again.  Tho. Mulen is well and got a good passage home.  
Your brother until death

Saml Akin

No Date or place

Dr Brother

I embrace this opportunity of Letting you know that I am in good health at present thanks be to God for it and all the other mercies which ---- received ---- I have nothing material to inform you of being sensible that by reason of so many going to America that you will be more circumstantially informed of the General Occurrences that happen here I mean respecting Taxation Laws and Government.  I can do having at present no opportunity of being acquainted with same therefore I will pass it by and acquaint you of our domestic affairs.  In your letter Wm Cowan you required to know how Babby Hill was I hope she is in the Regions of Bliss for she departed this life the 4th of June last after a tedious and painful disease (the Jaundice) and since that time her parents has enjoyed but little health.  Hugh being mostly confined to his bed and Jenny was very much indisposed for several weeks but thanks be to God she is very much recovered.  The last letter I wrote I informed that I sent a Bible I did not for the purchasing of it was neglect Wm Cowan and family are in health as are the Carson James Gilles Charles do.  John Grier Wm Blair John James and Thomas Crown's families are well. Be pleased to enquire concerning Hamilton's brother when you write again be more particular of informing concerning the country and I am Dr Brother 
Samuel Aiken