This is my brick wall. I am searching for Mary "Polly" Roark who supposely came from Harlan County Kentucky. She is found on 1860 & 70 Census of McDowell Co. WV with John W. Collins and three Collins Children, Alfred, Arnetta, and Richard. Since I have never found a marriage and I have searched SW Virginia as well as Eastern Kentucky I don't think they were ever legally married. Most of the Collins in my line are thought to be Melungeon or a tri mixture and they "took up with" leaving no paper trail behind. According to the census record John W. was born 1797-99, Mary between 1812-15. The youngest child named in the census was Richard Collins b. 1858. This would make John about 61-62 when this child was born if John was indeed the father of this child. Mary would have been past 40. Tho this is NOT impossible if also leaves room for doubt. Could these three children be grandchildren? If anybody has information on a family that fits this,please contact me. John W. Collins was s/o of Meredith Collins and was thought to be married first to Lydia Toner in Grainger Co. TN in 1821. { Marriage bonds for that marriage was signed by Griffin Collins who I believe was the brother of Meredith} If anybody has any record to verify or dispute this please contact me. Thank You, Brenda Collins Dillon