Lester L. Collins, a prosperous dairy farmer and milk dealer of Franklin, was born in this town, September 21, 1868, son of Jonathan L. and Hannah K. (Floyd) Collins. Jonathan L. Collins, who is a native of Grafton, N.H., moved from that town to Franklin, and settled upon the farm which is now occupied by his son. He improved the property, and occupied it until 1890, when he removed to another farm in this town, and is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. His wife, Hannah, who was a native of Franklin, died March 4, 1896, leaving three children, Vina A., wife of James W. Huntoon, of this town; Lester L., the subject of this sketch; and Oakey H., who resides with his father.
Lester L. Collins, after attending the common schools, completed his studies at the New Hampton Institute. He then engaged in farming, which occupation he has since carried on with satisfactory results. In 1892 he established a milk route in company with his brother. He has two hundred acres of land well adapted for pasturage, and keeps eighteen choice cows, delivering to his regular customers a large quantity of milk daily.
On August 12, 1896, Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Miss Mabel N. Greeley. Mrs. Collins is a daughter of Alonzo S. and Mary L. (Sargent) Greeley, her father being a native of Salisbury, N.H., and her mother of Hill. They are industrious farming people of East Andover.
Mr. Collins is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of Merrimac Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Order of American Mechanics of Franklin. He possesses energy and a progressive tendency, which form the essential elements of his continued success; and he is one of the most popular young men in Franklin.