Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MCCOLLINS, John J.
MCCOLLINS, John J. (Dubuque, IA, 1851--Unknown). The son of Barney and Jane McCollins, John received his primary education in the local public schools, later taking a course in Christian Brothers' College, which he left in 1865. During the next five years he carried papers for the Dubuque Herald and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for ten years.
In 1880 he established himself in the grocery business for seven years at the corner of Fifth and Main streets in partnership with J.J. Dunn. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. McCollins conducted the business alone for one year. James M. McFadden was admitted to partnership, and several months later Mr. McCollins sold out to his partner.
In 1889 McCollins located on government land in South Dakota, but shortly returned to Dubuque and established a buffet, which he conducted for five years. During this time he also operated the McCollins Express & Transfer Company and was also involved in the coal and wood business.
See: J. J. MCCOLLINS
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Source:
Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Association, 1911, p. 713
Irish in Iowa. Online: http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/cavanbios.htm#mccollins