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From the 1887 History of Vernon County,
Missouri. Brown & Co., p.
398
Victor
Colin
(Farmer and
Stock-raiser, Section 13, Post-office, Nevada).
To attempt to write a reliable history
of Vernon county and not give prominent mention to the name of Victor
Colin would be something altogether impossible, for as almost a
native-born citizen of the county and one of its continual residents for
a long period, he has very properly come to be regarded as a part of
it. A sketch of the life of his father in this connection is rendered
necessary. Peter Colin, a native of France, after leaving Paris,
emigrated to the United States and located in St. Louis, where he
associated himself with the American Fur Company, under Gen. Ashley. In
the society of others a trip was made up the Missouri and Osage rivers
to the old trading post of Gireau, where he continued to remain until
his death in 1874, at the age of 77 years, one of the oldest settlers in
that portion of the country. His wife, Mrs. Mary Colin, survived two
years after her husband’s death, leaving a family of six children, all
of whom save Victor are now deceased. His birth occurred at the old
trading post just referred to, across the Osage in the edge of Bates
county, September 21, 1840, and as he grew up he became accustomed to
manual labor upon the farm his education being limited to decidedly
inferior schools then in existence. At the age of 20 he enlisted for
service in Col. Hunter’s regiment, with which he continued until
enlisting in the Confederate army under Col. McDonald, Co. B, 10th
Missouri cavalry; he was actively engaged until the close of the war,
taking part in the battles of Carthage, Drywood, Lexington, Wilson’s
Creek, Pea Ridge, Lone Jack and numerous irregular skirmishes, narrowly
escaping injury several times. Returning home Mr. Colin was married to
Miss Nannie Warson, daughter of John Warson, formerly of St. Louis
county, Mo. She died October 28, 1864, leaving one child, William. Mr.
Colin’s second wife was formerly Miss Rachel Swafford, daughter of Peter
Swafford, of Illinois, and she has borne him four children: Cora,
Frank, Mary and Lizzie. Mr. C. owns a farm of more than 400 acres lying
on both sides of the Marmaton, which he manages in a manner indicating
thorough acquaintance with the details of agricultural life.
Politically he is a Democrat, and of recognized substantial importance
and influence wherever known. Many incidents might here be inserted of
the changes which have occurred since his birth in this vicinity, though
they are referred to more generally elsewhere.
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