Collins, Charles, 1949-

Charles Collins was a carpenter who traveled from Fort Des Moines, Iowa, in 1850, through Nebraska, and settled in California by 1852. After an unsuccessful attempt at prospecting for gold, Collins and his two companions, John Richardson and another man named John, settled in San Luis Obispo, California. There they rented land from a local priest and farmed along with two men named John. In San Luis Obispo, Collins made and repaired wheels and buggies, doubletrees, and appliances such as cheese presses, and worked as a cooper until at least 1873.

From the guide to the Charles Collins diary and account book, Collins, Charles diary and account book, 1846-1867, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)

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