Percival Collins
It is not "luck" that makes one fail and another succeed. It is not "fickle fortune" that brings clouds of adversity and difficulty upon one, while another has smooth and easy sailing; but it is careful, conscientious, thoughtful purpose, business tact, and command of resources that enable one to advance where another can make but little headway. Mr. Collins is endowed with these fortunate qualifications, besides possessing more than ordinary public spirit and enterprise, and enjoys to an eminent degree the confidence of social and commercial circles.
The citizens of Washington C. H. are well acquainted with Mr. Collins, whose drug store has been located on the corner of Fayette and Court Streets since 1847, with the exception of one year. He is one of the pioneer druggists of the city and, with two exceptions, his drug store is the oldest in the place. Throughout the long period in which he has been thus engaged, he has maintained the esteem of his fellow-citizens, who have always found him reliable in his dealings and courteous in manner. In addition to the drug business, he devotes considerable attention to veterinary surgery, in which he has been successful.
Born in Cabell Countv, W. Va., November 28, 1829, our subject is the son of Patrick and Hannah (Griffith) Collins, natives of Christiansburgh, Va. He was about eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Jamestown, Ohio, where his father resided on a farm until his death, when about ninety-one years old. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and in his youth learned the trade of a tailor, although he never followed it. For two years, he read materia medica, after which he studied veterinary medicine. He began to practice with Dr. Winans, of Jamestown, but soon after, in 1847, removed to Washington C. H., where he has since carried on his profession and also engaged in the drug business.
Ever maintaining a close interest in the public affairs of the community, Mr. Collins has served as Deputy Sheriff for two years, was City Marshal for four years and a member of the City Council for seven and one-half years. He is probably as well known as any citizen of Washington C. H., and is one of the most successful auctioneers in the State, having made some of the largest horse sales ever made in Ohio, Indiana and adjoining States. At a commission of one per cent, he has made as much as $156 in one day.
Mr. Collins erected a commodious residence on East Market Street, where he has resided for many years. Within this pleasant home he and his wife are wont to entertain their friends with a charming hospitality which endears them to their guests. Mrs. Collins was, formerly, Miss Eliza P. Grubbs, and became the wife of our subject, February 10, 1850. She is a cultured lady and is highly esteemed in the social circles of Washington C. H. Socially, Mr. Collins is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as one of its most prominent members.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]