William Collins, son of Daniel Collins and Dorothy Wells, was born 25 October 1759 in Stonington, New London Co., Connecticut.  He served in the Revolutionary War before marrying his wife, Polly Ross, in 1782.  Polly, born 2 April 1760, was daughter of John Ross and Hannah Saunders.  William and Polly were pioneer settlers of the towns of Brownville and Orleans, Jefferson Co., New York; Collins Landing, in the latter town, is named for the family.
        Among the children William and Polly brought with them was John B. Collins, born 18 April 1787 in Stonington.  John built a limestone grist mill with another Orleans pioneer named Peter Pratt, and the place became known as Collins Mills (today Stone Mills).  In 1806, John married Clara or Clarissa Rhodes, born 1791 in Chemung Co., New York, daughter of Joseph Rhodes and Rhoda Wheeler.
        On 11 July 1849, John was appointed keeper at Rock Island Lighthouse, taking over after the first keeper resigned.  John himself resigned on 12 April 1853.  Later, his son Joseph also was keeper of the same light.
        John died 1 May 1866, and Clara followed him on 8 October 1869.  They are buried with his parents at Stone Mills Cemetery.