My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK COLLINS, the well-known dealer in real estate and residence property at St. Joseph, was born in Portage County, Ohio, January 19, 1842. His father, Dr. Lyman Collins, was a native of New York and an early settler of Ohio, who in 1860 came to St. Joseph and engaged in fruit-growing. He made a specialty of raising peaches and was also quite successful with other fruits. A man of great energy and force of character, he was prominently identified with the best interests of this city, and his death, which occurred here in 1881, was deeply mourned by his friends and associates. His wife was known in maidenhood as Harriet Whittlesey, being the daughter of the Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Comptroller of the United States Treasury during the administration of President Lincoln. She was born in Canfield, Mahoning County, Ohio, and died at St. Joseph during the month of December, 1892.

The only surviving members of the family are the subject of this sketch and his sister, the widow of O. B. Dickinson. The first-named grew to manhood in Portage County, Ohio, where under the careful guidance of his parents he was trained for a position of usefulness and honor in the business world. Leaving the old home, he sought the city of New York and there secured a clerical position in a hat manufactory. After sixteen years thus spent, on account of ill health he left the city and came West to St. Joseph, where he purchased a fruit farm and engaged in the cultivation of fruits. The change of occupation and the outdoor exercise proved so beneficial that he soon recovered his former physical health.

Forming a partnership with W. A. Preston, under the firm name of Preston & Collins, our subject embarked in the lumber business, and engaged with considerable success in the manufacture and sale of building material and lumber. In 1891 he disposed of his interest to Mr. Preston, and since that time has devoted his attention and capital to the real-estate business, in which he has gained prominence as well as material success. He has laid out what is known as the Preston & Collins Addition to St. Joseph, containing some of the most desirable building lots in the city. He has also platted another addition, known as the Collins Addition, upon which he has erected a number of comfortable dwellings. Not long ago he moved into a commodious and elegantly furnished residence, fitted up in an attractive and modern style, and embellished with all the conveniences and improvements. Here he and his wife are tranquilly and happily passing their days, and here, with the most cordial hospitality, they welcome their many friends.

The marriage of Mr. Collins took place in 1865, and united him with Miss Harriet C., daughter of William W. Whittlesey, of Canfield, Ohio. One daughter, Ellen W., was born to bless the union; at the present time she is a teacher in the Chicago schools. She is a well-educated and highly accomplished young lady, and is a successful teacher. Mr. Collins is interested in educational matters and has served on the School Board for some time. He is also a member of the Board of Water Commissioners. In politics he affiliates with the Republicans and advocates with enthusiasm and fidelity the principles of the party. Socially, he is identified with Pomona Lodge No. 281, A. F. & A. M.