My Genealogy Hound

William N. Collins, a prominent farmer of Owen Township, Lincoln County, was born in the State of Mississippi on December 12, 1856. He is a son of Zachariah and Nancy (White) Collins, natives of Virginia and Mississippi, respectively. The Collins family have resided in Mississippi for many years, and trace their ancestors back for quite a long period. In 1857 Zachariah Collins, with his family, moved to Arkansas in wagons, locating on the place where the subject of this sketch is living at the present time. Here he passed away from earthly scenes on January 14, 1888, having reached his sixtieth year. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was also a soldier in the late war. The mother of William N. died in 1883. Of their union were born eight children, six of whom lived to be grown. Mr. Collins, the subject of this sketch, commenced life for himself when he was twenty years old, first turning his attention to farming, and in 1884 he engaged in merchandise at Palmyra in company with his father and brother. After continuing in that business for one year, Mr. Collins sold the stock of merchandise, and once more devoted his attention to agriculture. He married Miss Margaret E. Ellington, daughter of M. Ellington. Their union was blessed with four children, viz.: Robert A., Mary V., Zachariah and Edgar N. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Democratic party.