JOHN C. COLLINS
JOHN C. COLLINS, farmer and stock-raiser, near Cedar Junction, Johnson Co., Kas., was born near Keene, in Jessamine Co., Ky. He was the eighth child of Lewis Collins, a well-to-do farmer. His mother was the daughter of George Cleveland, a wealthy farmer and stock-dealer. Both branches were natives of Virginia, coming to Kentucky in an early day. Mr. Collins never knew much of a mother's love and care, she having died when he was three years old, and his father never married again. At the age of thirteen years, having the advantage of a country school education, he went to Mortonsville, a village in Woodford County, Ky., and lived with his brother-in-law, who was a merchant, and entered his store as a clerk. He remained in Mortonsville several years, and during his stay had considerable experience in the postal service and hotel business, giving a part of his time to study. At the age of nineteen years he began the mercantile business on his own account, his father favoring him with the use of his name in the business.
Two years later, his father, who had been a companion, dies. In June, 1852, he was married to Miss Eliza C. Dishmon, of that place, and moved out to the old homestead, giving his attention to the farm until 1855, when he, with his then small family, accompanied by his brother, George L. Collins, moved to Clay County, Mo., where he followed farming and breeding of blooded stock. In March, 1860 he came to Kansas, bringing some of his best horses and cattle, Jacks and Jennies with him, and located on Cedar Creek, in a neighbourhood of Shawnee Indians, who were then thickly settled along the creek. Succeeding in the purchase of some of their timber lands, he, together with his brother, built and operated a steam saw and grist mill, and remained there during the Rebellion. He furnished a considerable amount of lumber to the Government; and also furnished lumber and built houses for the Indians, thus securing some of their lands.
In 1865 he commenced the improvement of his present farm, moved on it the following year, and continued to improve and farm until 1871. Leaving the farm in the hands of his brother, he went to Topeka to take the position of Chief Clerk of the State Treasury, conducting that office nearly four years. He removed to Olathe in 1875, and engaged in the grain business. Remained there until the fall of 1877, since which time he has resided on his farm, now well improved, with 200 acres enclosed, 50 acres planted in black walnuts, pines and other forest trees; orchards, vineyards, small fruits, etc. Pastures well set in blue and other tame grasses. Well stocked, including high-grade and thoroughbred Durham cattle. He has a family of eight children, boys and girls, the eldest daughter being married.
From William G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas, first published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL.
