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I (Marty Grant) don't know how (or if) I'm related to John J. Collins. I am sure he is somehow related to my ancestor Jonah Collins (c1774).
John J. Collins was born ca 1789/90 (per 1850, 1860 and 1870 census) in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC). I don't know what his "J" middle initial stands for.
I don't know who John's parents were. There are several possible suspects, but I have no solid proof connecting him to any of them. See the census analysis below for some theories. Thomas Collins (1765/70) had a proven son named "John Collins", but I'm reasonably certain it was not this same John, but there is room for doubt.
W. W. Sellers wrote about this family and stated they were not related to Thomas, et al. Here is what he wrote (anything in brackets [...] was added by me for clarification):
COLLINS "...Another family of Collins, not related, as I am informed, to those mentioned above, is that of the late John J. Collins, of the Ariel section; know nothing of his ancestry or where he came from; he was, before the war, a very substantial man and citizen; lived on a very poor place, yet he amassed a considerable fortune, did so mainly by raising young Negroes. He was married, I think, three times, married first, a Miss Wheeler, sister of General E. B. Wheeler ; she had one son, John E., and perhaps other children. John E. Collins married a Miss Davis, sister of B. F. and J. P. Davis of Marion. John E. Collins has children, about who nothing is known; he died, and his widow married a Mr. Floyd in Horry; the Wheeler wife died, and old man John J. Collins married a Miss Howard, aunt of Col. R. G. Howard, of West Marion; by the Howard wife he had sons, J. Burt and Edward Collins, and maybe others, and a daughter, who married McCrae, the father of our late County supervisor John A. McCrae; she also had another son, Malcolm D. McCrae, and daughters unknown to the writer. Edward C. Collins married a Miss Legette, daughter of Col. Levi Legette, and by her had five or six sons and to daughters. One of the daughters married Frank Fuller, and resides at Florence. Think the other daughter died unmarried. One of the sons (Woodson) died in youth; the other sons are scattered, some in this county and some in Florence. Mrs. Collins, the mother, died, and her husband Ed C. Collins went to Florida. J. Burt Collins married Miss Prudence Harrelson daughter of old Hugh H. Harrelson on the Buck Swamp near Ariel; he was killed or died in the war; his widow survived him and two daughters; the widow married again to A. P. Johnson; and the daughters married, one a Mr. Vaught and the other James Turbeville.
The war and its results seem to baffle and paralyze the efforts of old man John J. Collins; he could not adapt himself to the changed conditions and did not survive the war long, he died in June 1871, broken in spirit and in fortune; a good citizen in his day. This account of the Collins families may not be correct in some particulars, but it is given according to my knowledge and information, is not satisfactory to the writer, but is inserted as it is." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Pages 512-516)
Sellers seems to have been mixed up as to which wife was which. Other evidence shows that Mary Howard was his first wife, and that his second wife Elizabeth was a Wheeler.
If he was born yet, John would have been less than a year old for the 1790 census, so he should be enumerated in the "under 16" age group (born ca 1774/90). Several Collins listed that year in Georgetown District had at least one apparent son that age including: David Collins, Dempsey Collins, Elizabeth Collins, James Collins, Jonathan Collins, and William Collins.
John would have been about 10 years old by the time of the 1800 census, so he could be enumerated in the 10-15 age group (born ca 1784/90) or possibly in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1790/1800). Dempsey Collins had one of each; Jonathan Collins had two under 10, but they are both proven, and John isn't one of them; Elizabeth Collins had three boys 10-15; Thomas Collins had a son under 10, and his son was named "John", but it is not this same John. William Collins had one son 10-15. Of these, I'd remove Jonathan and Thomas from consideration, since they both have well documented children. That leaves Dempsey, Elizabeth and William as primary suspects.
For the 1810 census, John would have been about 20 years old, so he should be enumerated in the 16-25 age group (born ca 1784/94). Dempsey Collins had two sons in that age group; Sarah Collins (wife of Jonathan) had two, but they are both proven to be other people; Thomas Collins had one son that age also. This sort of narrows it down to Dempsey, but this isn't conclusive proof that Dempsey is John's father.
John J. Collins married sometime in the 1810-20 timeframe. His wife was (according to Sellers), a Miss Wheeler, sister of General E. B. (Edward B.) Wheeler (c1803). However, Sellers was mistaken in this, for John's first wife was Mary Howard, daughter of Richard Howard. Mary was born ca 1775/94 per the 1820 census. (Probate Roll # 344, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume One", by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).
For the War of 1812, John served as a Private in Captain Samuel Bigham's Company. He was also a Pensioner, or rather his widow was. In the Pension file (WC-31562), some family data was mentioned. (From "Pee Dee Queue" Volume XXIII, No 2 Mar-Apr 1999, Compiled by Hal R. Hendrix.)
John was listed on the 1820 census in Marion District. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were or where he was living.
1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1820 Marion Dist, SC pg 56 John Collins 100010-20010 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 26-44 (1775-1794) John J. COLLINS (1789/90) s/o ? 1 Male(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) W. Richard COLLINS (1819/20) 1 Female(s) 26-44 (1775-1794) Mary HOWARD Collins (1775/94) wife 2 Female(s) 0-9 (1810-1820) Daughter? (1810/20) --> gone by 1830 Sophia COLLINS (1819/20) daughter
Mary Howard Collins died between ca 1825 and 1830, for sometime in there, John married Elizabeth Wheeler. She was born ca 1805/06 in Marion District. Her maiden name was given by Sellers as "Howard", but he was mistaken, I think. She must be the sister of General Edward B. Wheeler (c1803) as mentioned by Sellers. The widow's pension filed by John J. Collins' 3rd wife lists his previous wife as Elizabeth "Wheeler". I don't know who her parents were. There were no Wheeler's in Marion in 1800 or 1810. By 1820 Edward B. Wheeler was the only on there in Marion, and he was just 3 or 4 years older than she was, but born in NC.
John was listed on the 1830 census in Marion District, in fact there were two John's listed, but census analysis makes it fairly easy to sort them out. The other was son of Thomas Collins. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell where John was living or who his neighbors were.
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Marion Dist, SC pg 10 John Collins 2110010000000-0110200000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 30-39 (1790-1800) John J. COLLINS (1789/90) s/o ? 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) W. Richard COLLINS (1819/20) son 1 Male(s) 5-9 (1820-1825) John E. COLLINS (1824/25) son 2 Male(s) 0-4 (1825-1830) Son? (1825/30) --> gone by 1840 Edward G. COLLINS (1829/30) son 2 Female(s) 20-29 (1800-1810) Elizabeth WHEELER Collins (1805/06) wife Sister? Sister-in-law? (1800/10) --> gone by 1840 1 Female(s) 10-14 (1815-1820) Sophia COLLINS (1819/20) daughter --> m bef 1840 1 Female(s) 5-9 (1820-1825) Daughter? (1820/25) --> gone by 1840
John J. Collins was listed on the 1840 census in Marion District. There were three John's listed, but the use of the middle initial for this John makes it clear who was who. He was listed two houses from William Collins (c1800) son of Jonathan.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Marion Dist, SC pg 179 John J. Collins 2111000100000-1000010000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 50-59 (1780-1790) John J. COLLINS (1789/90) s/o ? 1 Male(s) 15-19 (1820-1825) John E. COLLINS (1824/25) son 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1825-1830) Edward G. COLLINS (1829/30) son 1 Male(s) 5-9 (1830-1835) Joel B. COLLINS (1832/33) son 2 Male(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) David F. COLLINS (1834/35) son Son? (1835/40) --> gone by 1850 1 Female(s) 30-39 (1800-1810) Elizabeth WHEELER Collins (1805/06) wife 1 Female(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Daughter? (1835/40) --> gone by 1850
John Collins and family were listed on the 1850 census in Marion District, next door to son John E. Collins. No other Collins were nearby.
1850 MARION DIST, SC Page 46 House/Family # 686/ 689 - Twp COLLINS JOHN J 60 M W FARMER 5000 MARION 1789/1790 COLLINS ELIZABETH 44 F W MARION 1805/1806 COLLINS EDWARD 20 M W MARION 1829/1830 COLLINS JOEL 17 M W MARION 1832/1833 COLLINS DAVID 15 M W MARION 1834/1835 COLLINS ZILPHA 8 F W MARION 1841/1842
For the 1860 census, John and family were still in Marion District. They were near several of their married children.
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 134B House/Family # 2092/2062 -- MARION Twp MARION P.O. COLLINS JOHN J 70 M W FARMER 8000 50000 SC 1789/1790 COLLINS ELIZABETH 52 F W SC 1807/1808 COLLINS JOHN B 25 M W MILLER SC 1834/1835
Elizabeth died sometime in the 1860's, and John married again to Frances C. Matilda Davis. Sellers mentioned that John married three times, but did not give any data on the third wife, not even her name. According to Frances's widows Pension application, they married on 21 Oct 1863 in Marion, and that she had previously been married to a Gasque. Her maiden name was not given, nor the given name of her first husband. However, a quick check of the 1860 census shows her as the apparent wife of John D. Gasque. They were married before 1850, and seemed to have no children per the 1850 and 1860 census. In both years, a Mary Adams (c1815) was living with them. Could that be Frances's sister? Her tombstone lists her as "Matilda Davis Collins", so her maiden name must be "Davis".
John and Frances were listed on the 1870 census in Legette Township in Marion County.
1870 MARION CO, SC Page 143 House/Family # 68/ 68--LEGETTE Twp MARION CH P.O. COLLINS JOHN J 80 M W FARMER 1000 500 SC 1789/1790 COLLINS FRANCIS C M 54 F W KEEPING HOUSE 300 SC 1815/1816
John J. Collins died 25 May 1871 (per the Widow's Pension Application), or June 1871 per W. W. Sellers. For some reason his Estate was not probated until 1881. On 17 Jan 1881, someone (not named!) applied for letters of administration for John J. Collins "late died more than six months since". This record does not name any of his children. (Probate Roll # 1338 , published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume Two", by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).
Frances Matilda was listed on the 1880 census with her step-grandson Benjamin F. Collins (son of John E. Collins). ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
According to her Widow's Pension, she died on 10 May 1898, presumably in Marion County. She is buried at Ariel Baptist Church Cemetery, her tombstone has no birth date, but lists her name as "Matilda Davis Collins" and gives the same death date I mentioned above.
John J. Collins had quite a few children per the various census records. Several are proven by various probate and equity records, but I've not found a comprehensive list of his children. However, the available records do prove seven children, leaving five unknowns. Sellers mentioned several of the children also.
Unknown Daughter (1810/20). John J. Collins had an apparent daughter this age. She was home with him in 1820 (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), but gone by 1830, so probably married or dead by then. I have not yet found a record of who this daughter was.
W. Richard Collins was born ca 1819/20 (per 1850 and 1860 census). He is a proven son of John J. Collins via a roundabout way. In his own Will he names his brother John E. Collins and sister Sophia McRae. Sophia is a proven child of John J. Collins via an Equity record, so that also proves Richard.
I don't know what his first initial of "W" stands for, but "William" is certainly a strong possibility.
Richard was apparently home with his parents for the 1820 census (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20) and apparently home still in 1830 (age 10-14, born ca 1815/20).
Richard married Elizabeth Ann Phillips between 1830 and 1840. Elizabeth was born ca 1809/10, and was a daughter of Phillip and Elizabeth Lewis Phillips. This is proven by Equity records. Sellers also mentions it, but mistakenly lists Elizabeth as daughter of Zachariah Phillips, who was actually her brother:
PHILIPS. "Elizabeth Philips, daughter of Zack Philips, Sr., married Richard Collins, and Celia married Addington James; have no information as to their posterity, if they had any." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Page 466)
They were listed on the 1840 census, but not near any other Collins.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Marion Dist, SC pg 156 W. R. Collins 0000100000000-0000010000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 20-29 (1810-1820) W. Richard COLLINS (1819/20) s/o John J. Collins 1 Female(s) 30-39 (1800-1810) Elizabeth PHILLIPS Collins (1809/10) wife
They were listed on the 1850 census next door to Alfred Collins (c1830), probably a son of Moses Collins (c1800), relationship unknown. Niece Anna Mariah James was living with them (daughter of Addin W. James and Celia Jane Phillips).
1850 MARION DIST, SC Page 17 House/Family # 264/ 266 - Twp COLLINS RICHARD 30 M W FARMER MARION DIST, SC 1819/1820 COLLINS ELIZABETH 40 F W MARION DIST, SC 1809/1810 JAMES MARIAH 12 F W MARION DIST, SC 1837/1838
Richard and wife were listed on the 1860 census in Marion, next door to Charles Collins (son of William S. Collins).
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 31 House/Family # 459/ 459 -- MARION Twp MARS BLUFF P.O. COLLINS W R 40 M W FARMER 1500 5000 SC 1819/1820 COLLINS ELIZABETH 39 F W SC 1820/1821
W. R. Collins made his Will on 13 Apr 1860 naming wife Elizabeth Ann Collins, brother John E. Collins and sister Sophia Collins McRay (his full siblings, he didn't mention any of his half siblings). He named William J. Baker as Executor. Witnessed by C. G. Collins (Charles G. Collins), Jacob Benson and C. B. Eagerton. Baker refused to qualify as Executor, so Charles G. Collins petitioned to become administrator and was appointed 1 Oct 1860. (Probate Roll # 1279, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume Two", by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).
I was unable to locate widow Elizabeth on the 1870 census.
Elizabeth was listed on the 1880 census in Rowell Township with her niece Mary Phillips. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Richard and Elizabeth had no children.
Sophia Collins was born ca 1819/20 (per 1850 census) in Marion Dist, SC. In 1850 she was the same age as her brother W. Richard Collins, so perhaps they were twins, or else one of their ages were wrong. She is a proven child of John J. Collins as named in an Equity record.
Sophia was apparently home with her parents for the 1820 census (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), and apparently still home in 1830 (age 10-14, born ca 1815/20).
Sophia married Neill A. McRae sometime between 1830 and ca 1838 in Marion Dist, SC. He was born ca 1809/10. I don't know who his parents were. There was an Effa McRae with them in 1850, aged 60 (born ca 1789/90) who could be his widowed mother.
I did not find them on the 1840 census.
They were listed on the 1850 census in Marion District, just 10 houses from her parents.
1850 MARION DIST, SC Page 45B House/Family # 676/ 679 - Twp McRAY NEAL 40 M W FARMER 600 MARION 1809/1810 McRAY SOFIA 30 F W MARION 1819/1820 McRAY JOHN 12 M W MARION 1837/1838 McRAY MARY 10 F W MARION 1839/1840 McRAY CHARLOTT 5 F W MARION 1844/1845 McRAY EMILY 3 F W MARION 1846/1847 McRAY ARCHIBALD 0 M W 1/12 MARION 1849/1850 McRAY EFFA 60 F W MARION 1789/1790
By 1859, the McRaes had moved to Bulloch Co, GA as proven by an Equity record. In February 1859, Sophia McRae, by "next friend" John J. Collins (her father), made a case in the Court of Equity against her children. She stated that on 2 Feb 1849 John J. Collins, her father, deeded her and her children land that was to be free from control of her husband, though John J. Collins retained his life's right to the land. She stated that her father was willing to release his claim so she could sell the land. The record also named her husband Neill A. McRae, and children John A., Mary Ann, Charlotte C. and Emily McRae, and Archibald, Malcom and Richard McRae. She also said the family had removed to Bulloch Co, GA. (Equity Roll # 389, "Marion County South Carolina Extracts from Equity Rolls", by Lucille Utley)
So, apparently I would find more data on them in Bulloch Co, GA. Neil A. McRae was listed on the 1860 census index in Bulloch Co, GA. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
They were probably still there in 1870, but I don't have the listing.
Neil died sometime before 1880, for by then, Sophia and most of the children were back in Marion County, South Carolina. Son John A. McRae had come back by 1870.
John E. Collins was born ca 1824/25 in Marion Dist, SC. He is a proven child of John J. Collins in that he was named as a brother to W. Richard Collins in his 1860 Will. I don't know what John's middle initial of "E" stands for.
John was apparently with his parents for the 1830 census (age 5-9, born ca 1820/25), and still apparently home in 1840 (age 15-19, born ca 1820/25).
John E. Collins married Ann Catherine Davis before ca 1849. She was a child of Benjamin S. Davis and Julia F. --- Davis. This is proven by Davis Probate records, and Sellers also mentions it.
They were listed on the 1850 census next door to his parents.
1850 MARION DIST, SC Page 46 House/Family # 687/ 690 - Twp COLLINS JOHN E 25 M W FARMER MARION 1824/1825 COLLINS CATHERINE 22 F W MARION 1827/1828 COLLINS BENJAMIN 1 M W MARION 1848/1849
John and family were on the 1860 census just three houses from his parents.
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 134B House/Family # 2095/2065 -- MARION Twp MARION P.O. COLLINS JOHN E 36 M W FARMER 7000 SC 1823/1824 COLLINS CATHERINE 32 F W SC 1827/1828 COLLINS BENJAMIN 12 M W SC 1847/1848
For some reason, several of their children were living with Elizabeth Caves in 1860, perhaps she was a grandmother to Catherine or something.
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 129B House/Family # 2003/1973 -- MARION Twp MARION P.O. CAVES ELISABETH 70 F W DOMESTIC 200 SC 1789/1790 COLLINS ELISABETH 10 F W SC 1849/1850 COLLINS ANN 8 F W SC 1851/1852 COLLINS LOUISA 6 F W SC 1853/1854
For the Civil War, John E. Collins, served as a Sergeant in Company H, Orr's Regiment of Rifles. He was promoted from the ranks to Sergeant. He was killed at Horse Shoe in May 1864. ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Pages 577-581)
Sellers mentioned this family briefly in the Davis section of his book (anything in brackets [...] was added by me for clarification):
DAVIS. "Catherine Davis [daughter of Benjamin S. Davis], who married, first, John Collins, and he died and the widow married Hugh James Floyd, of Horry". ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Page 451)
I am also a Floyd researcher, and this particular Hugh James Floyd is my Uncle. They married ca 1863-1867, for Hugh died on 7 Feb 1867 in Horry District, SC.
Twice widowed Ann Catherine is listed on the 1870 census in Horry County in Gallivants Ferry Township with her daughter Ann Chesnut.
1870 HORRY CO, SC Page 90B House/Family # 552/ 553--GALLIVANTS FERRY Twp CHESNUT D R W 40 M W FARMER 500 250 SC 1829/1830 CHESNUT ANN 18 F W AT HOME SC 1851/1852 CHESNUT ROBERT C 2 M W SC 1867/1868 FLOYD A CATHERIN 43 F W AT HOME SC 1826/1827 COLLINS LOUISA 13 F W SC 1856/1857
She was still there in 1880, with the same daughter. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Son Benjamin F. Collins was in Marion in 1870 and was still there in Legette Township in 1880, marital status said married, but no wife was listed. His step-grandmother Matilda was with him, as was his cousin Emily McRae.
Ann Catherine Davis Collins Floyd died on 5 Oct 1906 and is buried at Old Zion Cemetery in Horry Co, SC.
Unknown Daughter (1820/25). John J. Collins had an apparent daughter this age. She was home with him for the 1830 census (aged 5-9, born ca 1820/25), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then. I have no clues who this might have been.
Unknown Son (1825/30). John J. Collins had an apparent son this age. He was home with him for the 1830 census (aged "under5", born ca 1825/30), but gone by 1840, so probably married or dead by then. I have no clues who this might have been.
Edward G. Collins was born ca 1829/30 (per 1850, 1860 and 1870 census) in Marion Dist, SC. I don't know what his "G" middle initial stands for. Sellers lists him with a "C" middle initial, and some records show the "C", while others show "G".
He was apparently home with his parents for the 1830 census (aged "under 5", born ca 1825/30), and home in 1840 (aged 10-14, born ca 1825/30). He was home with his parents in 1850 ("Edward" age 20, born Marion).
Edwards married Mary Legette before ca 1854 in Marion Dist, SC. Mary was born ca 1833/34, daughter of Levi Legette and Zilpha Evans. (Levi was a son of David Legette and Rebecca Wood).
They were listed on the 1860 census in Marion District, next door to Catherine Baker (c1780) who had a Mary Collins (c1840) living with her. I don't know who Mary was, if closely related to Edward or not.
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 25 House/Family # 360/ 360 -- MARION Twp MARS BLUFF P.O. COLLINS E C 30 M W FARMER 1500 500 SC 1829/1830 COLLINS MARY 26 F W SC 1833/1834 COLLINS R C 6 M W SC 1853/1854 COLLINS L D 4 M W SC 1855/1856 COLLINS L L 1 M W SC 1858/1859
For the Civil War, E. C. Collins, served as a Sergeant in Company F, Fourth Regiment of Cavalry. ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Pages 581-585)
Edward and family were listed in Legette Township for the 1870 census next door to Mary, widow of James Collins (c1792).
1870 MARION CO, SC Page 142 House/Family # 52/ 52--LEGETTE Twp MARION CH P.O. COLLINS EDWARD G 40 M W FARMER 246 100 SC 1829/1830 COLLINS MARY 34 F W SC 1835/1836 COLLINS RICHARD C 16 M W SC 1853/1854 COLLINS LAWRENCE D 14 M W SC 1855/1856 COLLINS LUTHER L 11 M W SC 1858/1859 COLLINS WOODSON 9 M W SC 1860/1861 COLLINS EDWARD M 7 M W SC 1862/1863 COLLINS ROSALEE 4 F W SC 1865/1866 COLLINS ELIZABETH 2 F W SC 1867/1868 COLLINS SION 1 M W SC 1868/1869
Edward and family were in the 1880 census in Marion Township, so they must have moved in the 1870's. They were not listed near any other Collins. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Sellers mentioned Edward's family in the Legette section of his book:
LEGETTE. "Mary, the second daughter of Col. Legette, married Mr. Edward C. Collins; they had and raised several sons and two daughters; dont know the names of either sons or daughters, except one son, Lawrence, who is clerk for the dispensary and Florence. One of the daughters married Frank Fuller; they reside in Florence. Think the other daughter is dead." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Page 370)
I don't know which daughter married Franklin Fuller, for he was single in 1880 (and coincidentally, living next to W. W. Sellers). He also mentioned her in his write-up of the Wayne family:
WAYNE. "The next daughter of old man Wayne, Elizabeth married Wyatt Fuller; by this marriage three children were born, two sons, Frank and George, and one daughter; Fuller and his wife are both dead. Of the sons, Frank was merchandising in Florence, the last the writer knew of him; he married a Miss Collins." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, page 368)
Joel Burt Collins was born ca 1832/33 (per 1850 census) in Marion Dist, SC. I don't know what his "B" middle initial stands for. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census (aged 5-9, born ca 1830/35), and home in 1850 ("Joel" age 17, born Marion). He was still home in 1860 ("John B." (sic), age 25, born SC).
Joel's brother David F. Collins died shortly after the 1860 census, and Joel married his widow Prudence A. Harrelson before 9 Oct 1860. Prudence was born May 1831 (per 1900 census). Prudence was a child of Hugh H. Harrelson and Elizabeth ---. Equity records prove Prudence's parents, and her marriage to Joel B. Collins.
Joel B. Collins served during the Civil War as a Private in Company L, 21st Regiment Infantry, SC Volunteers, and was killed on Darbytown Road in July 1864. ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Pages 572-577)
Widow Prudence married Absalom P. Johnson sometime ca 1865 or thereabouts.
Prudence and family were listed on the 1870 census in Marion Township.
1870 MARION CO, SC Page 198B House/Family # 384/ 408--MARION (PART 2) Twp MARION P.O. JOHNSON ABSALOM P 28 M W FARMER SC 1841/1842 JOHNSON PRUDENCE A 33 F W KEEPING HOUSE SC 1836/1837 JOHNSON ANN ELIZA 8 F W SC 1861/1862 JOHNSON MATTY E 5 F W SC 1864/1865 JOHNSON JOHN M C 3 M W SC 1866/1867 JOHNSON ABSALOM P 0 M W 8/12 OCT SC 1869/1870 COLLINS MARY 13 F W SC 1856/1857 COLLINS SARAH 7 F W SC 1862/1863
Prudence and family were still in Marion County for the 1880 census, in Legette Township, living with her widowed mother. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
I found Prudence on the 1900 census in neighboring Horry County, SC in Gallivants Ferry Township. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Prudence seems to have one child by David F. Collins (daughter Mary) and one by Joel (daughter Sarah), and several with A. P. Johnson.
David F. Collins was born ca 1834/35 (per 1850 census) in Marion Dist, SC. I don't know what his "F" middle initial stands for. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census (aged 5-9, born ca 1830/35), and home in 1850 ("David" age 15, born Marion).
David F. Collins married Prudence A. Harrelson before ca 1860. Prudence was born May 1831 (per 1900 census). Prudence was a child of Hugh H. Harrelson and Elizabeth ---. I base this marriage on their 1860 census entry, but Sellers doesn't mention it, and there is some data that seems to contradict it. (See the Civil War record below, for instance).
They were listed on the 1860 census next door to his parents.
1860 MARION DIST, SC Page 134B House/Family # 2093/2063 -- MARION Twp MARION P.O. COLLINS D F 27 M W FARMER 500 SC 1832/1833 COLLINS PRUDENCE 24 F W SC 1835/1836 COLLINS MARY E 0 F W 5/12 SC 1859/1860
Apparently, David died before 9 Oct 1860, for as of that date, Prudence was listed as being the spouse of his brother Joel B. Collins. See Joel's entry above for more on Prudence. There may be a mistake here with the 1860 census, for there is a Civil War record for a D. F. Collins dying at Georgetown. Since the Civil War was from 1861 to 1865, could it be that David was never married to Prudence, and that the 1860 census is in error?
For the Civil War, D. F. Collins, served as a Corporal in Company L, Tenth Regiment of Infantry. He died of disease at Georgetown (no date given). ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Pages 599-602)
Unknown Son (1835/40). John J. Collins had an apparent son this age with him on the 1840 census (aged "under 5", born ca 1835/40). He was not home in 1850, so either dead or living elsewhere by then (too young to have married).
Unknown Daughter (1835/40). John J. Collins had an apparent daughter this age with him on the 1840 census (aged "under 5", born ca 1835/40). She was not home in 1850, so either dead or married by then. This could be the same person as Zilpha (c1842) listed below, if her birth of 1842 is off slightly.
Zilpha Collins was born ca 1841/42 (per 1850 census) in Marion Dist, SC. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census ("Zilpha" age 8). I did not find her in 1860, so she was probably married or dead by then.
Sellers mentions her in his book in the Williamson section (anything in brackets [...] was added by me for clarification):
WILLIAMSON. "Solomon M. Williamson [son of Joseph Williamson and Emma Wise] married Zilpha Collins, daughter of John J. Collins, and to them were born two sons, John S. and Ferdinand Williamson." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Page 430)
Accordingly, I looked up Solomon on the census records. Solomon M. Williamson was born ca 1835/36 in Marion District, son of Joseph Williamson and Emma Wise. Solomon and Zilpha married sometime between 1850 and ca 1859 in Marion District.
They were listed on the 1860 census, in fact, they were listed twice. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Solomon died in the 1860's, for Zilpha was listed on the 1870 census as an apparent widow. Sellers lists "Sol. M. Williamson" as killed at Swift Creek on May 9, 1864. ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, Page 577).
Zilpha was listed on the 1870 census in Legette Township, next door to her father. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Zilpha was listed on the 1880 census in Legette Township, with two young children (both born in the 1870's) listed as her kids. If they really are hers, they must have been born out of wedlock. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. John J1 Collins Pvt, born 1789/90 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died 25 May 1871 in Marion Co, SC. He married (1) bef 1820 in Marion Dist, SC Mary Howard, born 1775/94; died 1825/30 in Marion Dist, SC, daughter of Richard Howard; (2) in 1825/30 in Marion Dist, SC Elizabeth Wheeler, born 1805/06 in Marion Dist, SC; died 1860/70 in Marion Dist, SC, daughter of (---) Wheeler; (3) on 21 Oct 1863 in Marion Dist, SC Frances C Matilda Davis, born 1813/14 in Marion Dist, SC; died 10 May 1898 in Marion Co, SC; buried in Ariel Baptist Cem, Marion Co, SC.
Children of John J Collins Pvt and Mary Howard were as follows:
2 i W Richard2 Collins, born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died Jul 1860 in Marion Dist, SC. He married in 1830/40 in Marion Dist, SC Elizabeth Ann Phillips, born 1809/10 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC, daughter of Phillip Phillips and Elizabeth Lewis.
+ 3 ii Sophia J2 Collins, born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. She married Neill A McRae.
+ 4 iii John E2 Collins Sgt, born 1824/25 in Marion Dist, SC; died May 1864 in Civil War. He married Ann Catherine Davis.
Children of John J Collins Pvt and Elizabeth Wheeler were as follows:
+ 5 i Edward G2 Collins Sgt, born 1829/30 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. He married Mary Legette.
+ 6 ii Joel Burt2 Collins Pvt, born 1832/33 in Marion Dist, SC; died Jul 1864 in Civil War. He married Prudence A Harrelson.
7 iii David F2 Collins Cpl, born 1834/35 in Marion Dist, SC; died 1861/65 in Georgetown, Civil War.
+ 8 iv Zilpha A2 Collins, born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. She married Solomon M Williamson Pvt.
Generation 2
3. Sophia J2 Collins (John J1), born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. She married bef 1838 in Marion Dist, SC Neill A McRae, born 1809/10 in Marion Dist, SC; died bef 1880 in Bulloch Co, GA.
Children of Sophia J Collins and Neill A McRae were as follows:
+ 9 i John A3 McRae, born 6 Mar 1838 in Marion Dist, SC; died 26 Oct 1911 in Marion Co, SC; buried in New Life Cem, Marion Co, SC. He married Martha J.
10 ii Mary Ann M3 McRae, born 1839/40 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC.
11 iii Charlotte C3 McRae, born 1844/45 in Marion Dist, SC.
12 iv Emily3 McRae, born 1846/47 in Marion Dist, SC.
13 v Archibald3 McRae, born 1850 in Marion Dist, SC.
14 vi Malcolm3 McRae, born 1852/53 in Marion Dist, SC.
15 vii Richard3 McRae, born 12 Jan 1857 in Marion Dist, SC; died 2 Jun 1935 in Marion Co, SC; buried in Old Neck Cem, Marion Co, SC.
16 viii Rebecca3 McRae, born 1863/64 in GA.
17 ix Mattie C3 McRae, born 1865/66 in GA.
4. John E2 Collins Sgt (John J1), born 1824/25 in Marion Dist, SC; died May 1864 in Civil War. He married bef 1849 in Marion Dist, SC Ann Catherine Davis, born 18 Dec 1826 in Marion Dist, SC; died 5 Oct 1906 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC, daughter of Benjamin S Davis and Julia F (---).
Children of John E Collins Sgt and Ann Catherine Davis were as follows:
18 i Benjamin F3 Collins Pvt, born 1848/49 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC.
19 ii Elizabeth3 Collins, born 1850 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1860 in Marion Dist, SC.
+ 20 iii Ann Matilda3 Collins, born 10 Feb 1853 in Marion Dist, SC; died 5 Sep 1905 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC. She married D W M Chesnut.
21 iv Louisa3 Collins, born 1856/57 in Marion Dist, SC.
5. Edward G2 Collins Sgt (John J1), born 1829/30 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. He married in 1850/54 in Marion Dist, SC Mary Legette, born 1833/34 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC, daughter of Levi Legette Colonel and Zilpha Evans.
Children of Edward G Collins Sgt and Mary Legette were as follows:
22 i Richard C3 Collins, born 1853/54 in Marion Dist, SC.
23 ii Lawrence D3 Collins, born 1855/56 in Marion Dist, SC.
24 iii Luther Legette3 Collins, born 1858/59 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Susan Elizabeth Campbell, born 1868/69 in Marion Co, SC, daughter of John Caldwell Calhoun Campbell Pvt and Emma E Gregg.
25 iv Woodson E3 Collins, born 1860/61 in Marion Dist, SC.
26 v Edward Morgan3 Collins, born 1862/63 in Marion Dist, SC.
27 vi Rosalee L3 Collins, born 1865/66 in Marion Dist, SC.
28 vii Mary Elizabeth3 Collins, born 1867/68 in Marion Dist, SC.
29 viii Sion3 Collins, born 1868/69 in Marion Co, SC.
6. Joel Burt2 Collins Pvt (John J1), born 1832/33 in Marion Dist, SC; died Jul 1864 in Civil War. He married in 1860 in Marion Dist, SC Prudence A Harrelson, born May 1831 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1900 in Horry Co, SC, daughter of Hugh H Harrelson and Elizabeth (---).
Children of Joel Burt Collins Pvt and Prudence A Harrelson were as follows:
30 i Mary E3 Collins, born 1859/60 in Marion Dist, SC.
31 ii Sarah3 Collins, born 1862/63 in Marion Dist, SC.
8. Zilpha A2 Collins (John J1), born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. She married in 1850/59 in Marion Dist, SC Solomon M Williamson Pvt, born 1835/36 in Marion Dist, SC; died 9 May 1864 in Swift Creek, Civil War, son of Joseph Williamson and Emma Wise.
Children of Zilpha A Collins and Solomon M Williamson Pvt were as follows:
32 i John C3 Williamson, born 1858/59 in Marion Dist, SC.
33 ii Joseph Ferdinand3 Williamson, born 1860/61 in Marion Dist, SC.
Generation 3
9. John A3 McRae (Sophia J2 Collins, John J1), born 6 Mar 1838 in Marion Dist, SC; died 26 Oct 1911 in Marion Co, SC; buried in New Life Cem, Marion Co, SC. He married bef 1860 in Marion Dist, SC Martha J, born 1836/37 in Marion Dist, SC.
Children of John A McRae and Martha J were as follows:
34 i Rebecca4 McRae, born 1859/60 in Marion Dist, SC.
20. Ann Matilda3 Collins (John E2, John J1), born 10 Feb 1853 in Marion Dist, SC; died 5 Sep 1905 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC. She married in 1860/68 in Horry Dist, SC D W M Chesnut, born 26 Feb 1829 in Horry Dist, SC; died 22 Oct 1901 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC.
Children of Ann Matilda Collins and D W M Chesnut were as follows:
35 i Robert Charles4 Chesnut, born 29 Sep 1867 in Horry Dist, SC; died 9 Nov 1891 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC.
36 ii John E4 Chesnut, born 1870/71 in Horry Co, SC.
37 iii Jessie V4 Chesnut, born 20 Apr 1872 in Horry Co, SC; died 31 Jun 1877 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Old Zion Cem, Horry Co, SC.
38 iv William P4 Chesnut, born 1874/75 in Horry Co, SC.
39 v Mary S4 Chesnut, born 1878/79 in Horry Co, SC.
40 vi Julia M4 Chesnut, born 1878/79 in Horry Co, SC.
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