GENEALOGY OF THE COLLINS FAMILY - of South Jersey (NJ) ---------------------------- Information located at http://www.rootsweb.com/~njatlant/ On a USGenWeb/NJGenWeb Web site, June 2007 TRANSCRIBED BY GEORGE PRICE, a volunteer for NJGenWeb Please see the web site for email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber. ======================================================== Source: The Daily Union history of Atlantic City and County, New Jersey : containing sketches of the past and present of Atlantic City and county, with maps and illustrations specially prepared, by John F. Hall; Atlantic City, N.J.: Daily Union, 1900 COLLINS FAMILY The founder of the Collins family in this county was one Richard Collins, M. D., the first resident physician in Gloucester County, as it was called at that time. He came as early as 1765 to the new world, from Ireland, where he was born, May 1, 1725. A large tract of land in Galloway township was purchased by him and improved, and has since been known as Collins Mills. It is located about one mile west of Smithville, in this county. Dr. Collins was married previous to his coming to America, his one child by his first marriage being Elizabeth, who married, first John Holmes, and second, Christopher Ludlam, both of Cape May County. Dr. Richard afterwards married Sarah Griffith, of Pennsylvania, who bore him five children. Here in the wilderness Dr. Collins toiled, reared and educated his family while ministering to the physical needs of the people over a large tract of the country, embracing what is now Atlantic county, and parts of surrounding counties. Physically Dr. Collins was a giant, and even though great age came upon him, his form was erect and active. He was a man of great intellectual as well as moral force and of positive character; so much so indeed as to incline to eccentricity, in the opinion of his neighbors. Living, as he did, in the midst of Quakers, he adopted their mode of dress and speech, though he was a Roman Catholic when he arrived in America. Letters in the possession of some of his descendants prove, however, that the Doctor died in the Methodist faith. In a letter he wrote, “I have reared one son a Methodist, one a Quaker and one a Universalist, but one of these days I’ll take a shortcut and beat them all to heaven. Not long before the Doctor’s death he invited home all his accessible children and their families. Andrew Scull, Sr. a grand-child, then aged 10 years, said of him: “That he provided immense quantities of bread and honey for the children, and he remembers him alternately laughing to see them make way with it and weeping because he probably should see their faces no more. Dr. Collins died in 1808, and was buried on his farm at Collins Mills, where his tomb and those of his wife and some of his children may yet be seen. The children of Richard Collins and Sarah Griffiths were: 2. Matthew, b. May 7, 1764; d. September 29, 1851; m. (1) Judith Smith; (2) Sylvia Endicott Smith. 3. John, b. November 1, 1769: d. August 22, 1845; m. Sarah Blackman, November, 1793. 4.Levi, b. September 20, 1772; d. March 24, 1813: m. Asenath Lake, August 16, 1801 5. Alice. B. August 27, 1772; d. March 24, 1813; m. Abel Scull. A daughter, who died in infancy. 2. Matthew Collins, b. May 7, 1764; d. September 29, 1851, was a celebrated surveyor in New Jersey. He was collector of customs for the District of Great Egg Harbor from 1807 to 1809. He married, first, Judith Smith and had the following children: 6. Elizabeth. m. Richard Ireland. 7. Sophia, m. Joseph Endicott. 8. Alice (or Elsie), m. Benjamin Smith. 9, Mary, m. Jesse Clark. 10. Nancy, m. first, Reed Steelman; second, Leeds Steelman. 11. James H., m. first, Amy Wolberton; second, Abigail Strang. 12. Mark, unmarried. 13. Levi, unmarried. 14, Phoebe, m. Anthony Ireland. 15. Sarah, m. Absalom Higbee. 16. Richard, b. October 11, 1798; d. May 22. 1833; m. Elizabeth Sooy or Wilson. 17. Elisha, m. went west. 2. Matthew Collins afterward married Sylvia (Endicott) Smith, widow of Robert Smith. 6. Elizabeth Collins, m. Richard Ireland, and had Letice, m., Jacob Henry Vansorn; second Absalom Higbee. Latice and Jacob Henry Vansorn had Henry, who m. Sarah Cordery, daughter of Enoch Cordery. 7. Sophia Collins, m. Joseph Endicott, and had Rebecca, who m. Peter Wright; Harriet, unmarried; Sarah, m. Jerry Adams; John, m. ----- Smith; Joseph Henry, unmarried. 8. Alice Collins, m. Benjamin Smith, and had Lardner, Benjamin, John, Judith, Phoebe, Elisha, Sylvia, Mark. 9. Mary Collins, m. Jesse Clark. They had Ralph, d. in early life; Olive, d. in early life; Alden, d. in early life; Lizzie, d. in early life; Mary, m Jerry Adams; Jesse, d. in Andersonville prison, war of the Rebellion. 10. Nancy Collins, m. first, Reed Steelman. They had Judith, unmarried; Rainy, m. Finley; Elisha, Absalom, Wesley. 11. James H. Collins, m., first. Amy Wolberton. They had: 18. Ann, m. Samuel Slim. 19. Urbana, m. first James G. Carter, second William Griffiths Ann and Samuel Slim had Walton, m. Lizzie Jackson; Frank, m. Jennie Robinson; Emma, m. Frank Haley; Lewis, Charlotte.. 11. James H. Collins, m. second, Abigail Strang, and had: 20. Emma, m. Albert Willis. 21. Matthew, m. Jane Simpson. 22. Isabelle, m. James Allen. 23. Joseph, m. Arivilda Steelman. 24. Thomas, m. Miss Wince, of Swedesboro. 25. Lillie, m. -------Spitzer. 26. Walter, m. Nettie App. 27, Abigail, m. Jacob Lollard. 3. John Collins, b. November 1, 1760, was the second son of the pioneer, Dr. Richard Collins, and may be rightly claimed as one of the founders of Methodism in America. He converted at Smithville, this county, in 1794, he was soon licensed as a local preacher and traveled extensively through a large part of West Jersey. His wife was Sarah Blackman, daughter of David Blackman, of English Creek. She was a most loyal and efficient help-mate in his Christian labors. In 1803 he removed to Ohio with his family, and took up an extensive tract of land in Clermont County. Mr. Collins preached his first Methodist sermon in Cincinnati in 1804 and joined the traveling connection in 1804. He established the first society in Dayton, 1808, and was made presiding elder in 1819. It is said by various historians of the church that the Methodists had not, in its early days, a more successful preacher than Mr. Collins. The following is a description of him given by an eye-witness. The occasion was the quarterly meeting in Ohio. The meeting was opened by a young man who, I was informed , had been recently initiated into the ministry, He was followed by an old man dressed in linsey woolsey. He was tall and thin; his head was whitened by the frost of years; his countenance was one that men love to look upon.; there was nothing remarkable or peculiar in his features; his forehead was high and a little projecting; his eyes small and sunken; his nose thin and a little aquiline, and chin rather long. But he had an expression and countenance that is not easily forgotten. As he arose every eye was riveted on him, and such was the silence of the large assembly that the softest whisper might have been heard. I felt I was in the presence of no ordinary man. He read the parable of the “Prodigal son,” and so preached and illustrated the text that the whole assembly burst into an involuntary gush of tears, such were his oratorical powers.” After being in the west for a short time, Rev. Mr. Collins became worried over the spiritual welfare of his father, the old Doctor, who had tried the Quaker religion after renouncing Catholicism, so he returned to the old homestead at Collins’ Mills on a religious mission. Some days after his return his father said to him: “John, we are all glad to see thee, but I don’t like thy religion.” This was unexpected and greatly distress John. After some reflection he resolved to spend the whole of the ensuing night in prayer for his father. Accordingly, at nightfall, after supper, he hurried to the barn, that he might not be interrupted . Here he engaged in fervent prayer until near ten o’clock. Someone knocked at the barn door, but he made no answer. In a short time another messenger came and opening the door discovered him. This messenger was his sister, who had experienced religion and who informed him that he had been sought for in his room, at his brother’s nearby, and at other places, and that he was supposed to be in the barn. She told him their father was suffering the greatest mental agony and wished to see him. With joyful heart Mr. Collins hurried to his father and, embracing him, wept and prayed with him. The struggle continued until near daylight, when deliverance came. His father was filled with peace and joy and triumph” Life of John Collins. This briefly is part of the life of this great man who, his contemporaries claim, was the greatest apostle of Methodism through the Northwestern Territory. A sketch of his life was published by the western Book concern in 1849; to who this the writer is indebted, and also to Mrs. Ann Collins Fleming, who is the possessor of many of the letters and private papers of John Collins. He died in 1845, at the age of 76. A marble shaft marks his resting place in the little churchyard at Bethel, near the road to Ripley, Ohio. The children of John Collins and Sarah Blackman were four daughters and three sons, David, Wesley, and Richard. 4. Levi Collins, b. September 20, 1772; d. March 24, 1813; m. Asenath Lake, August 15, 1801. She was the daughter of the original pioneer, Daniel Lake and Sarah Lucas, his wife. Levi was a prosperous land owner and farmer, and lived near Port Republic. The children of Levi and Asenath Lake Collins were: 28. Samuel Griffiths, b. April 17, 1803; d. April 19,1834. 29. Esther, b. December 3, 1804; m. Peter English. 30, John, b. October 13, 1806; m. Elizabeth Clark, August 7, 1831. 31. Daniel Lake, b. July 17, 1808; d. November 5, 1887; m. Mary Ann Ingersoll, November 30, 1831. 32. Asenath, b. December 25, 1810; d. April 23, 1890; m. Jonathan Albertson, July 17, 1841. 33. Levi, b. February 24, 1813; d. March 20, 1813. 5. Alice Collins, b. August 27, 1776, m. Abel Scull, son of Joseph and Sarah Scull. They had: Joseph Scull, m. Susanna Blackman; Richard, m. Elizabeth Hickman; Andrew Scull, m. first, Eunice Scull; second, Mary Gifford; Enoch Scull, m. Ann Hickman; Mary Scull, m., first, Andrew Blackman; second, Daniel English; third, Clayton Leeds; Mary Scull, m., first, Capt. Robinson; second, David Smith; Elizabeth Scull, m. John Broderick; Nancy Scull, m., first George Hickman; second, Elvy Slim; third, William Scull. 29. Esther Collins, b. December 3, 1804; m. Peter English. They had: Albert, m., first, Louisa Albertson, of English Creek; second. Emma Sonder. Asenath, m. Nathaniel Risley. Caroline, b. September 18, 1834, m. Robert Barclay Leeds, April 29, 1852. Mariette, m. James Adams, of Mount Pleasant. Matilda, m. Solomon Carver. James T., m. Dorcas Hackney 30. John Collins, b. October 13, 1806; m. Elizabeth Clark, August 7, 1831. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Clark. They had: 34. Judith, b. September 8, 1832; d. September 8, 1832. 35. Levi, b. October 13, 1833; m. Sarah Leonard, October 8, 1861. 36. Thomas Jefferson, b. February 4, 1836; lost at sea. 37. Daniel, b. October 17, 1837; d. January 30, 1865; m. Elizabeth Lippincott, October 17, 1861. 38. Mary Caroline, b. August 25, 1839; m. William Nelson French, December 10, 1864. 30. Richard Siner, b. July 27, 1841; m. Adeline Green, May 1, 1867. 40. Georgianna, b. September 17, 1843; m. Jesse S. Clark, August 23, 1867. 41. Emeline, b. August 20, 1845. 42. Sarah Elizabeth, b. March 17. 1847; m. Dr. D. M. Stout, July 25, 1889. 43. Ann C., b. August 23, 1851; m. Rev. C. K. Fleming, April 28, 1892. Alice, b. June 21, 1853; m. Richard Ashley Cake, September 3, 1874. 35. Levi Collins, b. October 13, 1833; m. Sarah Leonard. October 8, 1861. They had: 45. Gilbert Henry, b. December 27, 1862; m. Florence Shivers Fortner, November 6, 1887. 46. Carrie Francis, b. May 1865; m. William Brooks. 37. Daniel Collins, b. October 17, 1837; m. Elizabeth Lippincott, October 17, 1861. They had: Thomas Jefferson, b. December 28, 1862; m. Mary Mitchell, December 4, 1890. 48. Daniel Newman, b. May 23, 1865. 38. Mary Caroline Collins, b. August 25, 1839; m. William Nelson French, December 10, 1864. They had: Cortland Y., b. September 27, 1866.; d. October 3, 1867. Iona , b. June 10, 1869; d. August 16, 1870. William Collins, b. July 30, 1870. Alice Matilda, b. August 22, 1872. Emma Belle, b. March 25, 1874. Bessie Virginia, b. September 2, 1875. Samuel Tilden, b. January 23, 1877. 39. Richard Siner Collins, b. July 17, 1841; m. Adaline S. Green, May 1, 1867. They had: 49. Elizabeth, b. March 5, 1868. 50. Clarence Warren, b. June 5, 1870; m. Anna Ridgway, June 29, 1898. 51. Georgianna, b. March 7, 1872; m. Charles N. Blake, May 20, 1891. 52, Maria Taylor, b. March 1, 1876; m. John Godbou Thomas, June 21, 1899. 31. Daniel Lake Collins, b. July 17, 1808, at Collins Mill, near Smithville, Atlantic county, N. J. was bound out to his mother’s brother, Daniel Lake, when four years of age. He received his early education under said Daniel Lake, who was a Quaker and surveyor, living in Smith’s Landing , on the shore road, on land owned by John B. Smith. Daniel Lake Collins learned surveying, and when he became of age received $1600 as his share of his father’s estate (4. Levi Collins). Soon after he took a nine month’s trip through the west with Mark Lake. Upon his return he was married and lived on the Ingersoll place. His marriage took place November 30, 1831, to Mary Ann Ingersoll, daughter of Isaac Ingersoll, and Millicent Steelman, who after Isaac’s death married Jeremiah Leeds. He bought the Collin’s homestead, which extended originally along the shore road from Wood lane (Tilton Road) to the county farm, and contained about 108 acres. Daniel was very well read and a thoughtful man, contemporaries saying of him that his was one of the greatest brains this country has ever produced. In form he was large and powerful and had great endurance, part of which he attributed to abstemious habits and the cold water treatments to which he was an adherent. Also learned the trade of plasterer (mason) in Philadelphia, and cobbler, having done the family mending. His property was afterwards increased by the purchase of one third of the Daniel Lake farm, and from this he purchase and followed farming and oyster planting, making considerable money in the latter business. About 1850 he began investing his earnings in beach property, owning at different time with Col. Daniel Morris, Joseph Ireland, etc., large tracts on the now famous Absecon Beach. About ten years before his death he lived a retired life. Died November 5. 1887, and was buried by his own request in the family burying on the old Dr. Richard Collins farm, near Smithville. His children were:` 53. Isaac, b. August 7, 1832; m., first Catherine Golden, November 23, 1854; m., second Almira Garwood, June 13, 1885. 54. John. B. September 24, 1834; m. Rebecca Price, September 24, 1855. 55. Millicent, b. December 13, 1836; d. July 21, 1874; m, Henry Risley, October 12, 1854. 56. Asenath, b. April 26,1839; d. February 10, 1870; m. William A. Bowen, September 10, 1859. 57. Sarah, b. July 26, 1841; m., first William S. Crazier, January 1, 1858; second, Noah Adams, April 26, 1865; m., third, Daniel Peterson, January 29, 1875. 58. Joseph B., b. February 8, 1844; m. Eunice S. Bevis, June 16, 1864. 59. Steelman T., b July 15, 1846; m., first, Isabella O’Connell, November 10, 1866; second, Georgianna Reeves, November 7, 1886. 60. Esther Ann, b. April 4, 1849; d. December 24, 1872. 61. Nur L, b. June 1, 1856; d. May 9, 1876. 62. Mary Ann, b. November 29, 1854; m. James Lewis Risley, January 1, 1873. 53. Isaac Collins was born August 7, 1832, on the Ingersoll place, south side shore road, near the residence of John Collins, Pleasantville. He received an ordinary school education at Salem school (Smith’s Landing), and worked on the farm until 21 years of age, when he received from his brother one acre, where his present residence is. Married November 23, 1854, Catherine Golden, of Philadelphia , and built his present home In 1855. His occupation was farming and oyster planting, delivering products to Atlantic City, when the business was first started by boats and is still continuing. He is a successful large asparagus and strawberry grower, having a system of irrigation in operation during the strawberry season to overcome the usual drought. In 1881 was influenced by the united parties of Independents, Democrats, and Prohibitionists, to accept the nomination for sheriff. The fight was warm and well contested, he being successful by a majority of about 300 over his opponent, Simon Westcott. His Deputy Sheriff was Jos. A. Peck. In 1882 Isaac was nominated for State Senator, but was defeated by 300 votes by John J. Gardner. His life has been influential and exemplary, and retired from active political life, he represents a sterling type of Atlantic County’s country-gentleman. He married Mrs. Almira Garwood, June 13, 1885, some years after the death of Catherine Golden. Children of Isaac Collins and Catherine were: 63. Annie E., b. February 14, 1856; d. April 28, 1883; m. John Parcels, April 14, 1879. 64. Mary Caroline, b. May 31, 1858; m. John P. Ashmead, January 20, 1877. 65. Thomas Near, b. 1860; d. 1860. 66. Katie Near, b. 1862; d. 1863. 67. Nur J., b. March 5, 1864; m. Evaline Ireland, March 22, 1867. 68. Hugh M., b. May 18, 1865; m. Kate Blanche Newell, December 10, 1884. 69. Daniel Lake, b. April 22, 1867; m. Elizabeth Ryon, October 10, 1894. 70. Kate Golden, b. January 21, 1871; d. September 7, 1889. 71. Agnes May, b. April 1, 1876; m. John Andrews, February 20, 1896. 72. Ida, b. February 12, 1878; d. February 13, 1878. 54. John Collins, b. September 24, 1834; m. Rebecca Price, September 24, 1855. They had: 73. Burris, b. March 22, 1856; m. Sarah Elizabeth Jester, May 31, 1881. 74. John Henry, b. February 20, 1858; m. Arabella Kings, April 7, 1878. 75. Thomas Jefferson, b. April 2, 1860; d. February 6, 1861. 76. Mary Eliza, b. January 13, 1862; m. Frank Blackman, December 9, 1886. 77. Millicent Leeds, b. April 16, 1864; m. Josiah E. Risley, August 12, 1891. 78. Mark Price, b. April 23, 1867; d. September 27, 1868. 79. Alice Moore, b. January 8, 1870. 80. Haddie Nelson, b. January 15, 1872; m. Wilbur Reed, May 20, 1896. 81. Roger Moore, b. July 6, 1874; m. Sarah Clark, April 29, 1893. 82. Rebecca, b. February 16, 1867. 55. Millicent Collins, b. December 13, 1836, m. Henry Risley, October 12, 1854. They had: Mary R., b. October 10, 1855; d. August 25, 1856. John C., b. September 30, 1857; m. Mary Emma Smith, October 31, 1877. Daniel Collins, b. October 29, 1859; d. November 12, 1859. Sophia, b. June 19, 1862; m. Otto Lewis Lehman, May 1887. Laura, b. September 14, 1865; d. March 30, 1868. Garrett P., b, April 26, 1870; m. Mary Fuhrer, October 1, 1893. 56. Asenath Collins, b. April 26, 1839; m. William A. Bowen, September 10, 1859. They had: Margaret, b. September 3, 1860; m. Samuel Ireland, November 1, 1876. Catherine, b. September 2, 1862; m. Elwood Adams, May 24, 1881. William Sharply, b. August 29, 1864; d. August 9, 1865. Anna Mary, b. April 8, 1868. 57. Sarah Collins, b. July 26, 1841; m., first William Crazier, January 1, 1858. They had: Mary A., b. November 6, 1838; m. Washington Somers Conover, March 21, 1875. Sarah Collins, m., second Noah Adams, April 26, 1865. They had: Felix, b. February 22, 1866; d. March 28, 1870. Lucinda, b. April 1, 1868; d. April 3, 1870. 58, Joseph B. Collins, b. February 8, 1844; m. Eunice S. Bevis, June 16, 1864. They had: 83. Harry, b. February 5, 1865; d. September 2, 1865. 84. Annabel, b. September 26, 1866. 85. Lena, b. June 14, 1869; m. Milton Sooy, May 22, 1892. 86. William S. b. September 6, 1871. 87. Mary Ann, b. February 4, 1874. 88. Isaac Lemuel, b. April 18, 1876. 89. Emma Madalene, b. February 1, 1878. 90. Eliza A., b. May 21, 1881. 91. Nettie, b. December 27, 1886. 59. Steelman T. Collins, b. July 15, 1846; m., first, Isabella O’Donnell, November 10, 1866. They had: 92. Thomas, b. June 9, 1867; m. Ida M. Taylor, June 9, 1893. 93. William C., b. February 28, 1869; d. November 27, 1869. 94. Charles T., b. August 8, 1870; m Flora Stebbins, February 4, 1892. 95. Harry R., b. July 15, 1869. 96. Frank M., b, October 2, 1874; d. May 28, 1878. 97. Freddie G. , b. November 4, 1876; d. September 13. 1877. 98. Martha M., b. January 21, 1878; m. Joseph Wilson Collins, April 27, 1899. 99. Lilly A., b. January 9, 1880; d. October 7, 1885. Steelman afterward m. Georgianna Reeves, November 7, 1886. They had: 100. Florence, b. May 9, 1892. 101. Edwin, b. August 29, 1893. 63.Annie E. Collins, b. February 14, 1856; m. John Parcels, April 14, 1878. They had: Harry E. , b. January 1, 1879. Howard S., b. February 12, 1883; d. February 12, 1883. 64.Mary Caroline Collins, b. May 31, 1858; m. John P. Ashmead, January 20, 1877. They had: James Edward, b. May 20, 1878. 67. Nur J. Collins, b. March 5, 1864; m. Evalena Ireland, March 22, 1887. They had: 192. Earle, b. February 18, 1888. 103 Gilbert C., b. December 8, 1890. 103. Katherine, b. June 18, 1892. 105. John, b. November 1, 1894. 71. Agnes M. Collins, b. April 1, 1876; m. John Andrews. They had: James Lewis, b. December 15, 1897. 73. Burris Collins, b. March 22, 1856; m. Sarah Elizabeth Jester, March 31, 1881. They had: 106. William Jester, b. March 18, 1882; d. August 13, 1882. 107. Leon Leroy, b. March 27, 1883. 108. Emily Blanche, b. January 17, 1885. 109. Harry Burdell, b. August 7, 1887. Josie Risley, b. December 18, 1895. 74. John Henry Collins, b. February 20, 1858; m. Arabella Kings, April 7, 1877. They had: 111. Charles Lester, b. September 7, 1878; d. June 9, 1879. 112. Annie Bell, b. September 7, 1878 (twins); m. Harry Campbell, September 26, 1898. 113. Charles Lester, b. October 1, 1880. 114. Archie Mark, b. January 1, 1882. 115. Ethel May, b. December 29, 1884. 116. Bella, b. April 27, 1887. 117. Emily Jester, b. April 9, 1890. 118. Mark Roger, b. September 10, 1892; d. June 18, 1893. 119. Irene, b. May14, 1894. 120 Millie Leeds, b. September 26, 1896. 76. Mary Eliza Collins, b. Jan. 13, 1862; m. Frank Blackman, December 9, 1886. They had: Florence, b. February 4, 1889. Myrtle Somers, b. May 31, 1891. 32. Asenath Collins, b. December 25, 1810; m. Jonathan Albertson, July 17, 1841. They had: Levi Collins, b. December 6, 1844; m. Elizabeth Leeds, October 1, 1868. Elizabeth Mathis, b. July 2, 1846; m. May Humphreys, November 14, 1878. John Collins, b. September 15, 1848; m. Julia T. Young, November 27, 1871. David Lake, b. July 1, 1851; m. Eliza Endicott, November 22, 1871. Nicholas Sooy, b. August 5, 1856; m. Sophie E. Godfrey, June 20, 1880 (end)