Dr. James J. Collie, who has for a number of years been engaged in the practice of the medical profession in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, is descended from an old family whose original home was in Scotland, and he has inherited the habits of thrift, determination and perseverance which characterize the natives of that favored land. Honorable in every relation of life and earnest in forwarding the good of his fellow men in every possible manner, he has gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. As a physician he has won a distinct place of his own, and the record of his daily life is filled with evidences of the esteem in which he is held.
James Collie, father of Dr. James J. Collie, was born in Scotland, and came to this country with his wife and four children, when he was thirtyfive years of age. After giving the important subject of selecting a home due consideration he decided upon Cattaraugus, New York, where the bought a large farm in the town of Franklinville and there made his permanent home. He followed agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1899. He married, in Scotland, Elizabeth Watson, also a native of that land, who died in 1903.
Dr. James J. Collie, son of James and Elizabeth (Watson) Collie, was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus county, New York, 1866. His preparatory education was acquired in the Cattaraugus Academy, and this was followed by a complete course of study in the Long Island College Hospital, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1889. His thirst for acquiring knowledge had been a predominant characteristic of his early youth, and this characteristic has never deserted him, and is in a great measure the foundation of his later success. Immediately after his graduation he established himself in the practice of his profession in the city of New York, where he met with success, but decided that a smaller city offered a better field for the development of individual and independent methods. He therefore removed to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, in 1902, commencing a general practice in which his reputation was quickly established. Dr. Collie has applied himself with great diligence and assiduity to a study of the ills which particularly affect childhood and has made some notable observations in this field, and the success which has attended his treatment of a number of cases has been considered remarkable, not alone by the laity, but by his professional brethren; his further progress will be watched with close attention. In all probability the professional life of Dr. Collie will be spent entirely in Geneva.
Dr. Collie married in 1898, Myrtle Balch, born in Minnesota, 1876, daughter of Andrew Balch. The doctor is a staunch adherent of the Republican party; although he can spare but little time from his numerous and responsible professional duties to devote to political matters, yet he takes a lively interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the community in which he lives. His fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.