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Thomas J. Collins
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, 130th Regiment, 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, 182nd Regiment. They were sent immediately to the front, and did valiant service in the terrible battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Pelersburg. 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.
Source: York County, Pennsylvania Biographical History, John Gibson, Chicago: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.