Numerous Maine families have been represented by two or more generations in the Maine Legislature. But according to a member of one of the families, only two can claim the distinction of having three generations – all bearing the same name – represented in the state Senate.

In the case of the three Collinses, the eldest was grandfather of the Samuel Wilson Collins to follow. The three Sumner Peter Millses represented were successive generations, says Paul Mills, lawyer, Maine political historian and brother of the latest Mills senator.

The names are listed as they appear in the state law library’s database.

Samuel W. Collins of Lyndon (now Caribou), 1856 and 1860 (House), 1870 (Senate)

Samuel Wilson Collins of Caribou, 1945-48 (House), 1949-56 (Senate)

Samuel W. Collins Jr. of Rockland, 1975-84 (Senate)

Sumner P. Mills of Stonington, 1903-04 (House), 1905-08 (Senate)

(S.) Peter Mills Jr. of Farmington, 1939-42 (House), 1947-48 (House), 1967-70 (Senate)

S. Peter Mills (III) of Skowhegan, 1995-2002 (Senate), 2003-04 (House), 2005-06 (Senate)