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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lincoln County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  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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Joyeux Collins. He whose name heads this sketch is an old and highly respected citizens of Lincoln County, Ark. His native place is in Giles County, Tenn., being born there August 5, 1825. His parents were William D. and Sander (Morris) Collins, both of the State of Virginia. To them were born eight children, three of whom are now living, viz.: Frances, Joyeux, and Maria (wife of Rufus M. Rogers). The subject of this sketch spent his school days in Mississippi. He remained with his father until after his twenty-third year, at which time he devoted his energy and attention to farming. In 1855 he moved to Marion County, Ark., and the following year to what was then Desha County, later Drew County, and now Lincoln County, living thus in the same house and in three counties. His occupation through life has been farming, and at one time he had a gin and saw-mill. During the late war Mr. Collins served long and faithfully in the Confederate army, indeed until the end of the hostilities, being all the time in active service. And although he faced danger in almost every possible form, he was never wounded or taken prisoner. In 1881 he was elected to represent Lincoln County in the Legislature, an honor that he appreciated, and a trust to which he was true. He was married to Miss Mary Ann Brown, daughter of Robert Brown. She was born in Cherokee County, Ala., in 1827, and is still living. To them have been born seven children, six of whom are now alive, viz.: Eliza, Mary E. (wife of John Searcy), William, Robert, John R., Thomas A. Zachariah. The subject of this sketch and his wife and Elizabeth and John are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which the subject is a deacon. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat. Mr. Collins’ farm numbers 340 acres of valuable and highly improved land, and by means of great natural ability and industry he has gained a fortune and endeared himself to those who know him. In the whole course of his business career he has never been sued, nor has he sued any one. He is, without doubt, one of the most enlightened men in the whole broad State of Arkansas, and does all in his power to advance every worthy cause. The father of the subject of this sketch was born in 1797, and died in the State of Mississippi in 1858. The mother died there in 1852. The former was only a young man when he went to Giles County, Tenn., and in that county they were married and lived until 1836, when they moved to Mississippi. He was a farmer and a brick-mason by occupation. He figured conspicuously in the Creek War, and also in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson. He was a son of Thomas Collins, who died in Tennessee when eighty-four years old, and who was in the Revolutionary War from beginning to end, and fighting bravely and well.

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This family biography is one of 44 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lincoln County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Lincoln County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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