Hi Teri, I'm afraid that it isn't the same John W. Ours was born Feb 1840 in Pittsylvania Co., VA, m. Mary Jane Gilbert in 1867 had 9 children & died sometime after 1888 at his farm. I wish I could connect, the Thomas link looks interesting but then Thomas, like Collins & Smith are common surnames. Happy Familying, Laura Irby in 70 degree SE VA I have a John W. Collins that I'm trying to verify. He married Mary Giddens in Berrien County Ga. 2 of their children married into the Elias Thomas line. could there be a connection between the two families? My John W. was born about 1832 in NC. I have no other info on him except he was buried in the CatCreek Cem. in Lowndes co. Teri Schneider