Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.

************************************************

File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County IL, 1878

Michael COLLINS, merchant and grain dealer, Peotone; born in County Clare, Ireland, 
Oct. 15, 1845; he emigrated to America when 3 years of age, living two years in Vermont; 
then six years in Canada, when he removed with his parents to Fayette Co., IL, where he 
lived until 18 years of age, when, learning telegraphy, he worked as operator at Gilman 
awhile, then at Makanda as agent and operator for the I. C. R. R. one year, when, on 
account of ill health, he was transferred to Peotone, where he filled the different 
positions of agent and operator of the I. C. R. R., and agent for the American Express 
Co. for a period of ten years when he resigned and engaged in the grain and hay trade; 
and now, in connection with F. SCHROEDER, is largely engaged in buying and shipping grain 
to Chicago and Eastern markets; he is also engaged in general merchandise of the firm of 
SCHROEDER, SMITH & COLLINS. He married Dec. 2, 1869, Carrie FOLKE, daughter of Dr. Henry 
FOLKE; she was born in Will Co., IL, May 22, 1852; they have, by this union, three children 
- Kittie, Grace and Paul. Mr. COLLINS has held the offices of School Director and Justice 
of the Peace; is now serving his third term as Supervisor.


Additional Comments:
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.