WILLIS D. COLLINS, farmer, P. O. Ruddel's Mills, was born in Bourbon
County, Ky., March 13, 1810; son of Foster and Elizabeth (Matheny) Collins,
he being a son of WIlliam Collins, and a native of Virginia; she a
daughter of David Matheny, of Bourbon County, and after whom the Matheny
Church is named. Foster Collins came to Kentucky in 1797, with his mother
and three sisters; being a farmer, but a man of more than ordinary ability,
serving as Constable for ten years, as Magistrate for several years, and
as Sheriff two years. He died Feb. 22, 1847; his wife, June 27, 1835.
They raised ten children. Our subject was married Oct. 2, 1834, to Sally
Ann, daughter of Robert and Nancy (Fretwell) Palmer, old settlers of this
county, which union has been blessed with three children: Wm. L. and
Elizabeth living, and Lucinda, dead. Mr. Collins and wife are member of
the Christian church; he has held several offices, being Deputy Sheriff
under his father, a Constable for ten years, and a Magistrate for twelve
years; he was at one time guardian for twenty-one children, with all of
whom he has settled fully and honorably except four, who are not yet of
age; has settled thirty-three different estates, and done more business
of that character than any man in the county. He is and has been a
Republican since the formation of that party.
