In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1853
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
M. H. COLLINS, M. D., one of the best known physicians of Clark County, is now living in retirement in the village of South Charleston, which has been his place of residence since birth. He comes of a well known family of physicians, his father and his maternal grandfather having practiced medicine here before him.
Dr. M. II. Collins was born in the house in which he now lives, in 1853, and is a son of Dr. Elijah T. and Sarah Louise (Houston) Collins. The paternal grandfather,
Thomas Collins, came from Virginia when young and located in Clark County, Ohio. His wife's maiden name was Murray, and their union resulted in the birth of sixteen children.
Dr. Elijah T. Collins was born on a farm near Moorefield, Clark County, Ohio, January 12, 1818, and was engaged in the practice of medicine throughout his active career. As above noted he married Sarah Louise Houston, who was born in the same house as the subject of this sketch, and who was a daughter of Dr. Robert Houston. The latter came from Kentucky when a boy and engaged in the practice of medicine in South Charleston. He built the home in which Dr. Collins now resides and gave it to the latter 's mother upon her marriage. He married a Miss Pierce of Troy, Ohio, and had ten children. Elijah T. Collins was a man distinguished for his scholarly attainments. A man of deep thought and a philosopher, he gave to the public the benefit of his many years of research and investigation in numerous carefully prepared "and well written articles. His psychological research resulted in the publication of a book written by him entitled "The Soul," which is widely read and is in the library at Springfield.
Dr. M. H. Collins is the sole survivor of a family of eight children born to his parents. After a careful preparatory training, the doctor followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by engaging in the practice of medicine. He met with a high degree of success during his active practice, and numbered among his patients many of the leading families of this section of the county. He is now living in retirement at South Charleston, but still looks after his property interests here and in Illinois, where he owns land. Dr. Collins has never married. He is a Republican in politics, whilst religiously he is a member of the Methodist Church
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.