Atkins (or Etkins), James (1), Dd

Atkins (or Etkins), James (1), D.D.

a Scotch prelate, was born in the town of Kirkwall, in the stewardry of Orkney, and was educated at Edinburgh; from here he went to Oxford in 1638 to finish his theological studies under Dr. Prideaux. On his return to England, he obtained from the king the Church of Birsa, in the stewardry of Orkney. He was excommunicated for drawing up a declaration in behalf of the Presbytery of Orkney expressing their loyalty and allegiance to Charles II. He returned to Scotland in 1653, settled in Edinburgh, and remained there until 1660. In 1677 he was elected and consecrated bishop of Murray, Scotland, and in 1680 was translated to the see of Galloway. He died at Edinburgh, Oct. 28, 1687.