Collins, Elisha

Collins, Elisha a Baptist minister, was born in Halifax County, Virginia, October 20, 1788. He was converted in 1815; was baptized April 23, 1823; licensed December 6, the same year; studied with Reverend Abner W. Clifton, and was ordained November 5, 1825. His first pastorate was with the Salem Church, near the Prince Edward County line. He became one of the earliest advocates of temperance in the country. In 1835 he removed to Tennessee, where, for a time, he found himself in an uncongenial atmosphere. A large majority of Baptists were opposed to missions, and forbade his preaching in their houses. Gradually the opposition gave way, and he became at different times pastor of the McLemoresville, Bible Union, Lexington, and other churches. He died near Lexington, in September, 1854. See Borum, Sketches of Tenn. Ministers, pages 131-134. (J.C.S.)