Posted on: PaloAlto County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/PaloAltoObits/529 Surname: Collins, Minney, Miller, O'Donnell ------------------------- Emmetsburg Democrat Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa Wednesday, 5 Jan 1916 WILLIAM J COLLINS DEAD He Located in Palo Alto County In 1882 William J Collins died at his home in this city early Sunday morning after a somewhat protracted illness. He was quite advanced in years and the infirmities of old age were against him. The funeral was held yesterday. Services were conducted at the Assumption church. The interment was in St. John's cemetery. There were many old friends and neighbors in attendance. The pall bearers were Peter Collins, Jr., James Collins, P.F. Miller, Charles Miller and James O'Donnell, all grandsons of the deceased. Mr. Collins was born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in 1837. He grew to manhood in the land of his birth. He was married at Newcastle England, in 1858, to Miss Margaret Minney. Mr. and Mrs. Collins came to the United States in 1863. They located at Mahoney Plans, Pennsylvania, residing there until 1877, when they came west. For two years they made their home at New Hartford, this state, later they spent a year at Holland, Iowa, and in 1882 came to Emmetsburg. Mr. Collins followed railroading for many years but was finally forced to retire on account of his waning physical powers. Six sons and six daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Four sons and four daughters are dead and the good wife and mother was called to here eternal reward a number of years ago. There are two sons and two daughters living. The sons are Peter, section foreman on the Rock Island road at this place, and M.J., who is the Rock Island agent at Anita, this state. The daughters are Mrs. Patrick Miller of Emmetsburg and Mrs. Anna O'Donnell of Nevada, Iowa. All were present at the bedside of the aged father before he passed away and the absent members remained for the funeral. Mr. Collins was an honest, high minded man and he led a most edifying life. He was temperate in his habits and he had a high regard for those who observe conscientiously the precepts of religion and laws that govern society. He was quiet and humble and he gave close attention to the care of his family and his private business affairs. He was an agreeable, peaceful man and he always did what he could to promote good feeling among his neighbors. Though he had limited educational advantages when young, he read newspapers and books regularly and closely and he kept well informed on local and general topics. A warm hearted conscientious, loyal old christian gentleman has been taken to a brighter, better, world. His memory will long be revered by all who knew him. The sympathy of all is extended to the sons and daughters. Link: Palo Alto County, Iowa USGenWeb Project URL: <http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapaloal/paloalto.htm>