BIO:  Thomas J. Collins, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Lower Chanceford Township, Pg 122

THOMAS J. COLLINS is a son of C. M. and Martha J. (Porter) Collins.  His father 
was born in Lancaster County in 1798, and came to Lower Chanceford Township about 
1808 with his parents, David and Dorcas Collins, who purchased about 300 acres of 
land about two miles from McCall’s Ferry.  Mr. Collins is a third son of a family 
of ten children, and was born August 6, 1839.  His father, in connection with his 
farming interest, for many years conducted the blacksmithing business.  The sons 
were trained on the farm, and educated at the schools of the district.  In 1862 
our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers for nine months, and participated in the battles of Antietam and 
Fredericksburg.  At the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned home, 
but soon afterward re-entered the service, enlisting for three years, or during 
the war, and joined the Twenty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry.  They were 
sent immediately to the front, and did valiant service in the terrible battles of 
the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg.  Mr. Collins had the honor of being 
present at the time Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant at Appomattox, on April 9, 
1865, and was wounded at the engagement at this place.  At the close of the war 
he returned home to Lower Chanceford, and in 1868 took charge of the homestead 
farm of 120 acres, which he bought.  He has one surviving sister, Sarah J. 
Collins, who resides with him.