J. S. Collins

J. S. Collins. - In passing along the Main street of San Buenaventura, in the centre of the business portion, the eye of the observer is attracted by one of the most substantial and imposing blocks in the city. That is the banking house of William Collins & Sons. A little further up the street another fine building start up promply among the rest: that is the Masonic Block, built by the same firm. Mr. J. S. Collins is the manager and cashier of the bank, and is a reserved, considerate but pleasing business man, of excellent business habits and large executive ability. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, May 21, 1847, of Scotch parentage, who came to the United States, settling in Illinois upon land which they owned and cultivated until 1864, when they came overland to California and settled in Oakland. In 1869 they purchased a tract in Ventura County and were here four years. In 1874 Mr. J. S. Collins graduated at the State University near Oakland and came to San Buenaventura, engaged in the lumber business as a member of the firm of Saxby & Collins. In 1885 Mr. Saxby died and Mr. Collins went into the Bank of Ventura, where he was a stockholder, to learn the business of banking, and for a year and a half occupied the position of teller and director. Having the capital, and seeing an opening for another bank, the Bank of William Collins & Sons was established, with a paid-up capital of $100,000 all owned by themselves: William Collins, President; D. E. Collins, Vice-President and J. S. Collins, Cashier. From the very start the business was large, and now they do the largest banking business in the county. Their farm they sold for $100,000. The subject of this sketch is highly spoken of by his fellow-citizens as a liberal gentleman. When asked for money, for town or church improvements, he shows his interest to the city by the way in which he "puts his hands into his pocket." Scotland has furnished many a scion to be grafted upon the United States tree, and it is a vigorous growth in the California climate; nor is it a bad tree for the country. Mr. Collins is also a Master Mason, belonging to both the chapter and commandery. He is President of the Board of Trustees of the city, is a deacon and the treasurer of the Presbyterian Church of San Buenaventura, being a faithful and efficient worker for the upbuilding of Christianity.

    He was married in 1877 to Miss Belle Gerry, daughter of Waite Gerry, and a native of the State of New York. They have one daughter, named Bella Walker, and born in Oakland, this State. Mrs. Collins is also a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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