Biography

L. J. Collins, M.D.

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas, Poinsett County; 1889 The Goodspeed Publishing Co.

L. J. Collins, M. D., is one of Poinsett County's most trustworthy physicians and surgeons, and as he has obtained a liberal share of public favor, it is one of the best of proofs of his skill and care. He was born in Fulton County, Ky., in 1857, and is the third in a family of three children, born to Leroy and Evaline (Murphy) Collins, who were Tennesseeans, and emigrated to Fulton, Fulton County, Ky., at an early day, where the father followed the trade of a mechanic. He still resides in Fulton, but his wife died many years ago, when our subject was but a small lad. L. J. Collins was taken to Carroll County, Tenn., after his mother's death, and there remained until he attained his eighth year, when he returned to Fulton County, Ky., and was educated in the schools of that county. From earliest manhood the study of medicine always had a fascination for him, and he determined to make that his calling through life; and in order to fit himself for active work he entered the Hospital Medical College of Louisville, Ky., and was graduated from that institution in 1877. His first experience as a practitioner was gained in Hardeman County, Tenn., but he only remained there a short time when he entered upon the practice of his profession in Wittsburg, Cross County, Ark.

After a short stay of three months in this place he located in Bay Village of the same county, remaining here until the first of January, 1881, when he came to his present location, and has a paying practice in the town and surrounding country. He has been an active politician for years, and always votes the Democratic ticket, and in 1888, was elected by that party to the State legislature from Poinsett County, and is now ably discharging the duties incumbent upon this office. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. In 1876 he was married, in Hardeman County, Tenn., to Miss Amanda Hurst, a native of Hardeman County, Tenn. To their union were born the following children: Henry, Dixie and LaFayette. Although the Doctor has resided here only a few years, he has noticed a decided change for the better in the public-school system, and in the growth and prosperity of the county.