Last revised: 04/05/01 08:51 PM
A large amount of information for the Collins & Spears family came from the book 'Pioneer Stock: The Collins & Spears Family in Eastern Kentucky' 1998. This information was used and repeated here with the permission of the author, Paulina Garza.
Copies of this book are available from: Paulina Garza, 6536 MacBethway, Eldersburg, MD 21784
Reunion information: See Patrick Collins Summary
The Speer, Speers, Spears family name went through some changes.
The original progenitor was probably Andrew Speer who was born about 1660. The place of birth is not known, but legend has it he came from Ireland and settled in Somerset Co., Maryland about 1686. His wife's name was Jean, who also was probably born in Ireland about 1663.
Andrew had two children by Jean (Henry and Andrew Jr.). Jean may have died as a result of Andrew Jr.'s birth. Andrew was born 1688 the same year Jean died.