Robert Winston Collier was born in Kansas, 13 March 1893 to William and Marcia Collier. His father was a farmer, born in Kentucky, and his mother was born in Kansas. The family was living in Township 29, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory in 1900, and the children listed were Robert, Ethel, Curtis and Fannie.

In 1910, Robert's mother said she had given birth to 12 children, but only 7 were still living. Robert was the oldest, at age 17. The other surviving children, all born in the Indian Territory [Oklahoma], were: Ethel M., Curtis, Fanny, Eva, Earl and Earnest. In 1910, Robert was listed as a laborer. His WW1 Draft Registration Card shows he was married, and had a child. He was tall, slender, with blue eyes and black hair.

In 1920, Robert and his wife, Martha, were living in Willamina, Oregon, and they had two sons, Bernhardt, age 3, born in Oklahoma, and Clarence, age 6 months, born in Oregon. Robert was a laborer in a mill.

In 1930, the family had moved to Portland, Oregon. Robert listed his occupation as a spray painter in an auto factory. They had two more children, two daughters, Fern and Lily Mae, both born in Oregon.


The Morning Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, Thursday, May 18, 1933, Funeral Notices:
"COLLIER--Late of 20 E. 6th st., May 15, Robert Collier, aged 40 years, beloved husband of Martha Collier, father of Ben, Clarence, Fern and Lilly May Collier; also three brothers and three sisters in Oklahoma. Funeral services Thursday, May 18, at 3 P.M. at the Chapel of Miller & Tracey. Interment Lincoln Memorial Park, BR 2691."

Robert is buried in the Sylvan section at Lincoln Memorial Park cemetery, Portland, Oregon. His wife, Martha H. Collier, was buried next to him in 1965.

[Sources: Census, 1900-1930; WW1 Draft Registration Card; Oregon Death Index; The Morning Oregonian, Funeral Notice, 19 May 1933.]