WILLIS P. COLLINS is the son of Thomas Collins (above written) and was raised on a farm in Giles County, Tenn., where he was born November 11, 1845. He received a common school education and like his father choose the free and independent life of a farmer. In 1866 he married Margaret Smith, who died in 1874, leaving four children. In 1875 he married Hannah G. Beard and to them were born five children. Mr. Collins and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His first wife belonged to the Christian Church. After his first marriage Mr. Collins resided on a farm given him by his father until 1871 when he located on a farm of 257 acres where he now resides. He is considered one of the skillful farmers of the county and is a man who commands the respect of all.

Thomas COLLINS is on the 1850 Giles County census in District 10, HH1326, age 32, born in Georgia, with Sarah [CHILDS] Collins, 33, TN, Phebe A., 8, TN, Wm. H, 7, Willis P., 4, Lucinda F., 1, all born in TN. Willis COLLINS, the father, not located, and not on the 1836 tax list.