My Genealogy Hound

COLLINS, W. M. farmer, Sec. 1, P.O. Greenfield, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., March 2, 1831. He was the second child of six children of John and Miriam Collins, whose maiden name was Piper. John was born in Maryland, and his wife a native of Kentucky, they are of Danish and Irish descent. The subject of this sketch came to this county at an early age, and with his parents settled north of Greenfield. During the time he remained at home was occupied in duties pertaining to the farm, and attended school but very little. At the age of 19 he took the “gold fever,” went to California, where he engaged in mining, in which he was successful, but his health failing him, was compelled to return home after one year’s experience in the gold “diggings.” He was married to Nancy Ruark, which event occurred in March, 1852, she was born in Kentucky, Jan. 26, 1835. Thirteen children have been the result of this union, nine of whom are now living: Lorenzo C., born July 21, 1853; James S., born Oct. 28, 1856; Miriam L., born April 5, 1860; Charles E., born April 9, 1862; Richard Y., born Feb. 2, 1864; Walter E., born Feb. 21, 1868; Willie E., born April 27, 1870; Nancy J., born Oct. 6, 1874; Rosa B., born Oct. 15, 1878. Upon his return from California he bought 120 acres of land in town 11, range 10. In 1855 sold out and bought 216 acres of land on the section he now lives, and has since added to it until he now owns 406 acres. In 1864, enlisted in the U. S. service; had been previous to this captain of a company of militia, which company (nearly all) went with him, and were incorporated in the 103d Regt. Ill. State Vol. He was anxious to join the service in the outbreak of the war, but the illness of his wife prevented, but finally went out in the 100 day service, in which he served as captain. Mr. Collins is a member of the M. E. Church, and has been since his sixteenth year. Is also a member of Fayette Lodge of A. F. and A. M., No. 107. He is a man that stands high in the estimation of his neighbors, and whose honesty and integrity are unquestioned.