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| Richard Collins, of the firm of Skelton & Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel, Big Rapids, was born in Hastings, Canada, Oct. 24, 1847, and is a son of Richard and Julia Collins. The father died in Canada, in 1864, the mother in 1849. Mr. Collins was engaged in farming and clearing up land until 1872, when he came to Big Rapids and passed five years, driving logs on the river summers, and lumbering winters. In 1878 he formed his present partnership with Thomas Skelton and opened the Central House, where they are keeping a good hotel, and doing a flourishing business. The bar is supplied with all goods common to similar establishments. Mr. Collins own a lot in the Second ward, and 40 acres of land in the Fifth ward of Big Rapids. |