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William COLLINS is a son of James L. and Malinda (GILMORE) COLLINS, and was born in Granger County, Tenn., on the 18th of March, 1847. James L. Collins is a son of John COLLINS, who was born in Ireland. The latter immigrated to the United States, and soon after settled in Tennessee, where he lived and died a farmer. He died in 1859, at an advanced age. His wife died when the subject of this sketch was but one year old. James L. Collins grew to manhood in Tennessee, and was married there. After his marriage he settled on a farm, which he cultivated for about ten years. He then set out in search of a more profitable and progressive country. He traveled West, and finally settled in Greene County, Mo., in 1857. There he rented land for one year, and at the expiration of that time came to Lawrence County, where he spent the remainder of his life. During the Rebellion he served as a corporal in the Union army, and on returning home was killed by a rebel bushwhacker. Malinda (Gilmore) Collins is now living on the old homestead in Lawrence County. She is sixty-six years old, and is quite vigorous and active for one of her age. William Collins was about ten years of age when he came with his parents to Missouri. He remained with his parents during his youth, and secured his education in the common schools. In 1866 he married Susan J. WEST, a daughter of William and Eda WEST, who were among the first settlers of Missouri. To them have been born nine children, viz: Dora A., Sarah, Pierce, Etta, Clara, Bert, George, Belle and William. For a few years after his marriage Mr. Collins worked on the farm. He then removed to Lawrenceburgh, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for eight or nine years. Having accumulated money enough he then established a grocery store, to which he has added from time to time, as his means would permit, until now he has one of the largest general stores in Lawrenceburgh. Besides his business he owns some property in town, and is a influential citizen of the county. Both he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. His father and mother had a family of nine children, all of whom are living. They are William, Sarah J. (Mrs. A. J. WEST, of Lawrence County), Mary C. (Mrs. Sylvester WOLFE, of Springfield, Mo.), Martha C. (wife of Dr. JOHNSON, of Greene County, Mo.), George (of Greene County, Mo.), Agnes (wife of Frank
LOWER, of Greene County, Mo.), Praitia (Wife of Hugh PARRETT, of Polk
County), Sterling (of Lawrence County), and Nancy, who is single and lives with her mother.
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