Fellow Collins Researchers: My most wanted Collins would be John W. Collins born 1797 va/tn died after 1870 census was taken in McDowell Co. WV. In the 1870 census he is shown with wife Mary "Polly" Roark Collins and three children Alfred b. 1853, Arnetta b. 1855, and Richard b. 1858, all born in Tazewell Co.Va. before it became McDowell Co. WV. John W. Collins was married a first time proven by a bible record of my great grandmother, wife of Richard ( above). In that record list children of John W. Collins as : John Jr, William, Cicil, Jacob, Benjamin, Margaret, Ira, Alfred, Arnetta, and Richard. I have found a record of John and Lydia TONER COLLINS marriage in Grainger Co. TN 1821. The bonds were signed by Griffin Collins whom most folks believe to be the father of this John. I believe that Griffin and Meredith Collins were brothers, or somehow related, and Griffin signed in place of Meredith. Meredith being the father of John W. Collins . I believe this to be one in the same JOHN and that Lydia was his first wife. On census records John and Lydia had the following children listed: John Jr. , William, Jacob, Benjamin, and Ira. There was no Cicil or Margaret but Cicil could have died an infant since I have found nothing on him to prove he lived to adulthood. Margaret Collins I have found married to a Riffe but can't prove it is the same Margaret. Needless to say the census comes close to a match with Grandma Fidella's bible . Can anybody out there help me with this sisuation? I would love to know for sure that I have the correct first wife. Brenda Collins Dillon Appalachain Mountain Families http://.members.xoom.com/Appalachian/index.htm