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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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S. A. COLLINS, clothier, Troy. Maj. Collins, as he is familiarly and properly termed by his hosts of friends both far and near, is a native of the Hoosier State, and was born in Pulaski Co., Ind., on the 11th of September, 1840, but, at the early age of two years, was transplanted to Buckeye soil, where he was brought up on the farm until 17 years of age; he then began the business of a contractor and builder, which he pursued quite successfully until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion; in September, 1862, he enlisted in the famous 11th O. V. I., and, taking naturally to the business of a soldier, he steadily and rapidly advanced in promotion; after the second battle of Bull Run, in which engagement he participated, he was promoted on the field, by Col. Coleman, to the office of 2d Lieutenant, as a reward for gallant services; following the varied fortunes of this gallant regiment, he participated in the actions of Frederick City and Antietam, after which the regiment was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland; here he was placed on detailed duty at Gallatin, Tenn., until he resigned his commission in September, 1863; in May, 1864, by the advice and direction of the State Military Examining Board, he accepted a Lieutenant’s commission in the 147th O. N. G., and served about four months with this regiment at Washington, D. C., and was mustered out with the regiment; since the war, Mr. Collins has been engaged mostly in the lumber trade, exporting lumber to foreign markets, and as a dealer in building lumber; in 1875, he took a prominent part in the organization of the Pearson Guards, Company C, of the 3d O. N. G., and was elected First Captain of the company, which position he held, making it one of the best military companies Miami Co. boasted; subsequently, in December, 1876, he was elected and commissioned Major of the Third Regiment, and ably assisted in suppressing the railroad riots in this State in 1877; Maj. Collins is now the proprietor of the Eagle Clothing House, in Troy, and does an extensive and increasing business in that line. He was married to Hannah Earnheart May 7, 1864; she was a native of Miami Co., Ohio, and born in Brown Township in 18x40; they have a family of three children—Effie, Arthur and Alva. The Major is ranked among Troy’s best and most enterprising young business men, and will yet win a position and competence, if personal popularity, joined to honest and earnest effort is any assurance.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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