James Layton CollinsJames Layton Collins traveled with his family over the southern route to Oregon. He settled in Polk County, went to California in 1853 for a time, then served in the Yakima War in Washington Territory. He had a distinguished legal career. He was admited to the bar in 1859 and appointed Polk County judge in 1869. In the 1880s, Collins helped his longtime friend Levi Scott revise and polish his manuscript. Read More Read Less