Biography of Ben F. Collins, Bowie County, Texas *********************************************************** Submitted by: V Richardson Date: Apr 2000 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/bowie/bowitoc.htm *********************************************************** Is a native of the Blue Grass State-a thorough-bred, dyed-in-the-wool Kentuckian, born and reared in the far-famed, blue-grass region of the "dark and bloody ground", seventy-eight years ago. Mr. COLLINS saw much active service during the Civil War under that gallant, and now famous General John H. MORGAN, and traces his lineage far back to those early days when his ancestors fought with "Old Hickory" in his bloody carnage, and thence on to New Orleans, where, on that memorable 8th of January, 1814, "He led them down to the cypress swamp, The ground was low and mucky, There stood John Bull in Martial pomp, But here was old Kentucky." He is Justly and popularly recognized as one of Texarkana's staunchest pillars, and though now, a little unfit physically, his mind and brain are still alert and active, and his wise counsel often sought, especially in financial and civic matters pertaining to the city. Though now in the "sere and yellow leaf",-- a little past seventy-eight, he is in the enjoyment of vigorous health, and notwithstanding he owns two automobiles, he very often walks from his home, several blocks distant, to the office of Judge WATLINGTON, his confidential friend and business confere: thence, as the exigency often arises, he goes on a round of purchases, generally cucumbers, and after much other business, again returns home afoot. Mr. COLLINS is a cheery, affable, fun loving old-time Southern gentleman, frank and independent in his views; of very strong convictions, and bold and outspoken in what he believes to be right. He is methodical and painstaking in all he does, the main secret he says, of his success in life, and his fine, vigorous health, longevity and congenial spirits, he attributes the moderate use, in his early years past, to a constant breakfast diet, solely of raw cucumbers. These he must always have for breakfast, summer and winter, and if without cucumbers, there is no breakfast for him. His winter supply is of curse, shipped from a warmer climate. A long and continued happy life to you, Mr. COLLINS; and tough at last that pure old K. B. has gone: "Glimmering through the dreams-of things that were',--May your supply of raw cucumbers never run short."