Peter Porter Collins was born in Ohio around 1800. He married Nancy Ann Wood Feb. 26,1822 in Highland Co. Ohio by Sam'l. BOYD, J.P.  Nancy was born February 01, 1800 in Washington Co. Kentucky. Nancy was the daughter of John & Margaret Wood (Grimes). John was one of the first associate Judges in Clermont Co. Ohio. Her family was associated with Daniel Boone through his many travles to the Wood/Manning Station.

     Peter and Nancy had 3 known children. David Wood Collins, Andrew Baxter Collins, & Arza Collins.

     In 1833 Peter, Nancy, & the 3 boys moved from Ohio to Edgar County Illinois. There Peter bought 120 acres of land near the Scotland Area. He paid a total of $150.00 for the land. This land was purchased through Federal Land Grants from the United States Goverment. This was land left over from the Miltary Land Grants offered to Veterens of the Revlotionary War. When the land was no longer being purchased by Veterens the Goverment opened up the land to private citizens.

      Peter died on August 30, 1835 in Edgar County, Illinois. At this point in our research we do not know where Peter is buried.

      Most of everything that Peter and Nancy owned had to be sold at auction to pay off his outstanding debts. Nancy was givin 25 acres of the land that was set off as her widowers dower. She also kept some livestock and food. At the auction Nancy bought a family Bible for $1.00. We still cannot locate this Bible.

     Nancy died October 06, 1855, in Edgar Co. Illinois and is buried in Freinds Chapel Cementary Section 1. Headstone Reads: Collins, Nancy A. Wife of Peter P. Collins d. Oct. 6, 1855 age 57 yrs.