Some Observations on the Collins Family of Perry Co, KY.

Although I don't claim to be an expert on the Collins Family I have done enough work on this family to be able to try and correct a couple of errors that I see over and over again when I see them listed on various web sites. The one Collins that I'm most concerned about is my gr gr grandfather, John Collins b. Sept. 1846 as listed below.

  • Archibald Collins m. Nancy Huff
    • Whether or not Arch & Nancy Collins had other children, I don't know. John Collins was my main concern and by the 1880 Perry Co, KY census John has married to Mariah Campbell and has 6 children, 5 living.

  • John Collins m. Mariah Campbell

    • I'd like to point out here, our John Collins is not John W Collins

    Our John Collins shows up on the Perry Co, KY tax list in 1868 just after he turns 21. John W Collins first appears 6 years after our John in 1874. Our John Collins is also on the 1874 Perry Co, KY tax list plainly states that his nearest neighbor is Archible Collins, his father. John W Collins' nearest neighbor is Andrew Miller. This is nowhere near our Collins family and I don't believe that they are related in any way. I have not researched this family but doing so might confirm it.

    Another mystery for John Collins is in the 1900 Perry Co, KY census where he shows up married to a Susan Campbell. What makes it interesting is that the census taker wrote that they have been married for 6 years. From the ages of the children living with John & Susan the correct length of time for their marriage I believe should be 16 years.

    The 1900 Perry Co, KY. census has the following for John & Susan Collins....

  • John Collins Sept 1846 married 6 years (should be 16 years)
  • Susan Collins Dec 1854 married 6 years 9 children 7 living
  • Clark Collins Feb 1882 (he is listed as Clark Campbell on later census records)
  • Harvey Collins Sept 1884
  • Harrison Collins July 1889
  • Margaret Collins Feb 1890
  • Robert Collins Nov 1895

    • What I gather is that Susan's youngest son from her previous marriage, Clark is living with them and the other 4 children are John & Susan's. John's ex wife, Mariah is living with her oldest son Arch Collins and his family at that time.

    If anyone can add to or correct anything contained herein, please email me. Thanks.

    Jimmie Jackson
    9 July, 2011