Biography - John Collinson
JOHN COLLINSON. The different residents of Knox County are distinguished for
various acts of helpfulness and honor reflecting back upon themselves in the
building up and advancement of the county. One of the important factors in her
internal machinery is the subject of this personal sketch, whose home is
situated on section 29, Lynn Township, and who has shown himself able and
willing to forward all the interests of his community.
Mr. Collinson was born in Luzerne County, Pa., March 30, 1831. His father, whose
given name was Thomas, was born and reared in Yorkshire, England. While residing
in England he was united in marriage with Hannah Codlin, and afterward, with
their two children, set sail for America, making settlement in Luzerne County,
Pa., in 1829. Our subject was the first-born of his parents' family after their
arrival here in the United States. Subsequent to their arrival here, their
family was increased by the birth of three children, while they were residents
of Luzerne County, Pa. The death of the mother occurred May 8, 1837. The father
was subsequently married to Miss Louisa Mathias, after which event they, with
their family, emigrated West. Upon their arrival in the Prairie State in 1852,
they immediately settled in Lynn Township, at which place the father's demise
occurred Jan. 28, 1881. His widow still survives, and is living with her
youngest daughter, Louisa McClure, in Lynn Township. She has attained the
venerable age of 75 years. The father of our subject had purchased a farm in
Lynn Township, which was finely improved, and upon which he erected a desirable
dwelling and necessary outbuildings.
After John Collinson arrived in this county in company with his parents, he
immediately set about to earn his own living. Dec. 25, 1855, in Stark County, he
was married to Miss Christiana Reader [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index
lists a John Collinson marrying a Christianna Reeder in Stark County on December
25, 1855]. Miss Reader was a native of Germany, where she was born Feb. 27,
1823. Her mother died when she was but a child, and consequently we have no
account of her maiden name or history. The father, John Reader, was a shoemaker,
and brought his two children, both daughters, to the United States, in 1848. The
parents at once settled in Toulon, Stark County, where they followed the
honorable and independent calling of farming until the demise of the father,
which occurred in 1851. The death of Mr. Reader was caused by being thrown from
an unmanageable horse, which he was leading by the halter, the strap of which
was fastened to his wrist. The animal, becoming frightened, viciously shied and
threw Mr. Reader to the ground, dragging him to death. Finally the strap broke,
the horse going home, leaving his victim in the road.
After the death of her father Mrs. Collinson was engaged in domestic work until
her marriage with Mr. C., to whom she has borne nine children, of whom we give
the following brief memoranda: Martha became the wife of Holman Williams, and
they are present residing in West Jersey Township, Stark County, and following
farming; Mark O. is the husband of Charlotte Stephenson, and they reside on his
father's homestead; Henry J. took to wife Emma Himer, and they make Lynn
Township their home, where they are engaged in the peaceful calling of farming;
Andrew H. resides in Iowa; Anna M. is the wife of Arthur Catton, a farmer,
residing in Stark County; Lydia A. resides at home, as does also Viola D., Oscar
C., and Ada L.
Since their marriage Mr. Collinson and wife are residing on their farm. He is
now the possessor of 236 acres of most excellent and highly cultivated land,
where he is meeting with success. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
Contributed by Pat Thomas, extracted from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical
Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 869.
