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Below is a family biography included in The History of Cherokee County, Kansas included within the History of Kansas by William G. Cutler, published by A. T. Andreas, 1883.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM A. COLLINS, proprietor of the Cherokee Machine Works, was born and reared in Glasgow, Scotland, and was educated to the profession of machinist there. In 1861, and at the age of twenty he came to America, and, after spending a few years in the East in connection with his profession, he accepted a position from the government as Inspector of Milling Machinery in Texas, with which he was reputably connected for ten years. He then came to Joplin, Mo., and accepted the position of master mechanic of the West Joplin Lead & Zinc Company, with which he was connected for six years, after which he entered into business for himself, which he has successfully carried on since. The business is carried on by the firm of Collins & Leckie. They do general machine work, but make a specialty of mining machinery. It aggregates an income of $9,000 a year. Mr. Collins did active service in the late war in Company C, Sixty-ninth New York Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged at the end of the war. He has worked actively in the general development of this city since locating here. Has served as a member of its Councils. He has been an active member of the A., F. & A. M. Society for many years, and a member of the K. of P. Society.

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This family biography is one of 289 biographies included in The History of Cherokee County, Kansas included within the History of Kansas by William G. Cutler, published by A. T. Andreas, 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Cherokee County, Kansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Cherokee County, Kansas family biographies, click here

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