T. A. Collins
T. A. Collins, one of Lima's prominent citizens, a member of the City Council and one of the leading insurance men, was born at Troy, Miami County, Ohio, August 6, 1862, and is a son of John and Margaret (Irvin) Collins.
The late John Collins was a valued employee of the C., H. & D. Railway for a quarter of a century. He was a man of superior mental attainments, being a thorough English and classical scholar. His death took place at Sidney, Ohio, on February 22, 1898, at the age of 86 years. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Irvin, still survives him at the age of 70 years, and resides with her son, John Collins, a well-known dry goods merchant, of Wapakoneta.
During his boyhood the parents of Mr. Collins removed from Miami to Shelby County, locating in the vicinity of Sidney, and there our subject was reared. He obtained his education in the parochial school connected with Holy Angels Church, and also took advantage of the public night schools. His entrance into business was with the Wagner Hardware Company; after three years of clerking he became a passenger brakeman on the C., H. & D. Railway, later being promoted to the position of freight conductor. After five years of railroad work, he resigned and accepted a position in the postal service at Lima, under Postmaster R. W. Meily, during the administration of President Cleveland. He was continued in this position for nearly four years, resigning to become associated with The Times-Democrat Publishing Company. He continued with this corporation as circulation manager for 15 years and five months, resigning the position January 1, 1905, for a desirable connection with the O' Conner Brothers Company, with which he is still connected.
Mr. Collins has ever been one of the active and intelligent promoters of good government in Lima and has consistently supported Democratic candidates. In the fall of 1905 he was elected councilman from the Second Ward, and has frequently proven his value as a member of that civic body.
In September, 1883, Mr. Collins was married to Margaret E. O' Conner, who is a daughter of the late much lamented and highly respected John O'Conner, one of Lima's substantial citizens. They have one daughter, Carrie. Mr. Collins and his wife are members of St. Rose Catholic Church. He is associated with various organizations; is treasurer of Lima Council No. 436, Knights of Columbus, and president of Branch No. 64, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association.