Source: COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

(Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, and of Many of the Early Settled Families.)

Illustrated. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1901.

Page 1451

TIMOTHY C. COLLINS, of Farmington, has the distinction of having won the proud American title of a self-made man. His great determination and energy have enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to prosperity. Mr. Collins was born in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut, December 20, 1855, and is a son of Cornelius Collins, a native of County Cork, Ireland, where he continued to make his home, engaged in farming, until at 40 years of age he emigrated to this country. He worked in a shop at Bristol, Connecticut until his death July 16, 1880. His first wife died leaving two children: Patrick, now a resident of Forestville, Connecticut; and Mary, of Hartford. For his second wife he married Miss Katherine Sullivan, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, who died in Bristol in 1805. By the second union four children were born, namely: Timothy C., our subject; James, deceased; Daniel a resident of Forestville; and Catherine, deceased.

Timothy C. Collins is indebted to the public schools of Bristol for his education, and at that place he began to earn his livlihood, at the age of 13 years, by working for Henry Muzzey. Coming to Farmington, in 1874, he was in the employ of Dr. Franklin Wheeler, for five years, and for the past 20 years has been engaged in the cattle business in Farmington, handling Jersey and other fancy stock. Two years ago he was severely injured in a runaway accident, which necessitated the amputation of the left leg, near the hip, but notwithstanding he is thus handicapped he is still one of the most active and energetic businessman of the town. As a Democrat he takes quite a prominent part in local politics, and has held several town offices, including that of selectman of Farmington. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman in New Britain, and of the Foresters and Knights of Pythias in Unionville.

Mr. Collins was married in Farmington to Miss Mary Gelligan, and to them have been born four children: Henry, Catherine Mary, Mary Elizabeth and Julia Frances.