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NAVIGATION
Michigan
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Also see [Railway Officials in America 1906]
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At the close of a long and useful life, it must be a pleasure to be able to transmit to our children and friends
a history of a life well spent, a good character fbrmed and maintained. As an instance of this we present to the
readers of this work Dr. Collins. Few men have spent as many years, and all of them so worthily, in the pursuit
of their profession as he who has given fbrty-one years of faithful, intelligent labor in the service of his fellow-men.
Dr. Collins is of English descent. His father, Benjamin Collins. emigrated from Cape Cod, Mass., to Herkitner Co.,
N. Y., in 1802. In 1819 moved to Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y. In 1832 to Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio. The doctor
was born in Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1803. He spent his early life at borne, leaving at nineteen
years of age to engage in teaching; he taught six years. While engaged in teaching his leisure hours were employed
in the study of medicine, reading with Professor .Jared P. Kirtland, of Poland, Trumbull Co., Ohio; attending lectures
at Fairfield College, Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. Received a diploma from college in 1828. February, 1829, commenced
the practice of medicine at Ravenna, Ohio, remaining there thirty-one years. Received an honorary degree from the
medical college at Cleveland. Moving to Michigan in 1860, he engaged in the practice of his profession ten years
longer, then retired from his profession. When the doctor moved to St. Joseph, Mich., he engaged quite extensively
in the fruit-growing business. July 21, 1830, married Miss Harriet, daughter of Hon. Elisha Whittlesey. Four children
have been born of this union; two only are living, one in St. Joseph, the other in Chicago. In 1841, Dr. Collins
was appointed postmaster in Ravenna, which office he held four years. Mrs. Collins was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio,
Oct. 13, 1810. This noble couple have walked life's journey together for nearly fifty years; they have passed through
sunshine and shadow in their home, but no discordant sound has been heard, and to-day, more than ever, they enjoy
each other's society. They received a letter, soon after they were married, from an intimate friend living in Batavia,
N. Y., by the name of C. Gilman, giving them advice, which they have attempted to follow, and many others might
be benefited by the same advice, that is, To keep 'up a little courtship so long as they live." They can review
the past with satisfaction, and look into the future with no apprehension.
FROM:
History of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan
With Illistrations and Biographical Sketches
of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
D. W. Ensign & Co., Philadelphia 1880
Press of J. B. Lippincoff & Co., Philadelphia.
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