In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1906) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1824, Belmont County
From History of Allen County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; hist (1885), History of Allen County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1906)
SAMUEL COLLINS, retired grocer, Lima, was born in March, 1824, in Belmont County, Ohio; son of John and Rachael (Cunningham) Collins, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in an early day, settling in Belmont County, where they passed the remainder of their days; they were the parents of nine children, six of whom are still living: William, John, Daniel, Martha (Mrs. Moore), Margaret (Mrs. Plumber), and Samuel. Our subject was educated in his native county. He was married, in 1847, to Mary, daughter of Christian Brinser, by whom he has three children: Rose (married to J. Rinkle), Daniel (married to Emma Pierson), and Perry (married to Catheriue Fenlon). In 1852 Mr. Collins came to Lima and began in the grocery business on the spot where the Collins Block now stands. In 1861 he was elected sheriff, and served until 1865. He built the Collins Block in 1874; has been very successful, financially, and is now living a retired life, respected and honored by all who know him. 4,
As printed in History of Allen County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; hist (1885). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
SAMUEL COLLINS
Representative Citizens
AMUElJ COLLINS, who is numbered with the retired business citizens of Lima, was formerly largely interested in the grocery line here, accumulating a competency and taking his place with men who have contributed largely to the development of Lima as a business center. Mr. Collins was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 6, 1824, and is a son of John and Rachel (Cunningham) Collins.
The grandparents of our subject were residents of Pennsylvania. From that State his parents removed as pioneers to Belmont County, Ohio. They belonged to that hardy, industrious class who led contented, agricultural lives and reared families which have made Ohio notable in every line of activity. Their nine children grew to maturity and all became respected members of the communities in which they subsequently settled. The parents left Belmont County in 1834 and moved to Logan County, where they lived the remainder of their lives.
Samuel Collins grew up on his father’s farm and attended the local schools. It was in 1852 that he came to Lima and established himself in the grocery business, in what is now known as the Boone Block, where he continued until he built the Collins Block in 1874, which he now owns and where he now makes his home. For many years he continued in business, took a prominent part in public matters, supported movements for various public improvements and at all times did his full duty as a man and citizen. In 1865 he retired from the grocery business and from that time to this he has been engaged in caring for his extensive real estate interests, which include many city lots and buildings and excellent farming properties.
In 1847 Mr. Collins was married to Mary Brinser, a daughter of Christian Brinser. To them Ayere born three children, viz: Rose, wife of J. Hinkle, deceased February 14, 1902; Daniel, who married Emma Pierson and resides in Lima; and Perry, who married Catherine Fenlon and makes his home in Detroit, Michigan, where he is engaged in merchandising. Mrs. Collins died December 21, 1903. Mr. Collins is a Democrat and for some years he was active politically. In 1861 he was elected sheriff of Allen County and served with great efficiency until 1865. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Red Men. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
As printed in History of Allen County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Theodore D. Robb (b. 1843)
Their biographies name Samuel Collins: Peter Ridenour (b. 1817)
The printed record stops around 1885. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.