Son of James Monroe and Catherine Blackford Gooch Collier. Married Martha Rosaline "Mattie" Bigelow on 24 NOV 1878 at the Mr. W. W. Davis residence in Shelby County, Missouri. E. C. Browning, Minister, performed the ceremony.
Information on file with Shelby County Historical Society & Museum
RICHARD COLLIER.
—The subject of this sketch is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his native county and city, and is at the present time incumbent of the position of postmaster of Shelbyville, of which city he was formerly mayor and in which he has held other offices of trust, betokening the high regard of the people of the community in which practically his entire life has been passed. He is a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of this section of the state, and thus there are many elements which render consistent a review of his personal career and genealogical data in this publication.
—Richard Collier was born in Shelbyville, Missouri, November 25, 1849, and is a son of James M. and Catherine B. (Gooch) Collier, both of whom were born in the state of Kentucky, whence their respective parents moved to Missouri in an early day. William Collier, grandfather of the subject of this review, was likewise a native of Kentucky, and he passed the closing years of his life in Grundy county, Missouri, where he developed a farm and was a well known pioneer. James M. Collier was reared to maturity in Missouri, where he received a common-school education and where he learned in his youth the trade of brickmason, which he followed for some time, later becoming a successful contractor in connection with his trade. Just before the inception of the Civil war he settled on a farm near Oakdale, Shelby county, where the family home was maintained for several years. He finally took up his residence in Shelbyville, where he built up a successful contracting business in the erection of brick buildings and other structures, and he was among the early incumbents of the office of sheriff of Shelby county. He was one of the argonauts who made their way to California during the memorable gold excitement of 1849 and succeeding years, and he made a very successful venture in taking mules across the plains to the mining districts, where he disposed of the animals at a large profit. He was identified with gold mining in California about four years and was very successful in his operations.
—James Collier manifested unqualified loyalty to the Union at the time of the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, becoming a member of a Missouri regiment and continuing in active service during practically the entire period of the great internecine conflict, within which he participated in a large number of the important battles on the sanguinary fields of the South. He was made captain of his company, and his regiment was commanded by Col. B. F. Benjamin. He continued throughout life to manifest a deep interest in his old comrades, though forgetting the animosities engendered of the great war between the states, and he was a popular and honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death, and he held membership also in the Masonic fraternity. He was a man of exalted integrity of character, was a devout and zealous worker in connection with religious activities and was one of the pillars of the Christian church in Shelbyville, of which he was a charter member and in which he served as an elder for many years prior to his death, which occurred in the year 1899, his devoted wife having preceded him to the life eternal by more than a decade. He was the foremost factor in connection with the founding of the church mentioned and was active in all departments of its work. He ordered his life upon the highest plane of honor and fidelity, and held the fullest measure of popular confidence and regard. He was a successful business man and was a stockholder of the Citizens' Bank of Shelbyville at the time of his demise. Of his ten children, five are now living, namely: Susan, who is the wife of Henry G. Miller, of Shelby county; Sarah, who is the wife of Oliver P. Robinson, of Quincy, Illinois; Laura, who is the wife of M. E. McMaster, likewise of Quincy, Illinois; Richard, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; and Edwin E., who is a representative farmer of Shelby county. Richard Collier is indebted to the schools of Shelbyville for his early educational discipline, and after leaving school he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm for two years. He then served a virtual apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, in which be became a skilled workman, and he followed the work of his trade, doing a general contracting business, for a period of about six years, after which he conducted a meat market in Shelbyville for about five years. Upon retiring from this line of enterprise he established himself in the furniture business in this city, continuing the same until September, 1902, when he became a carrier on one of the rural free mail delivery routes from Shelbyville, continuing to be thus engaged for five years, at the expiration of which, in February, 1908, under the administration of President Roosevelt, he received his commission as postmaster of Shelbyville, of which office he has since continued incumbent. He has done much to improve the service of this office and his administration of its affairs has met with marked popular commendation. Mr. Collier has long been influential in public affairs of a local order and is known as a loyal and progressive citizen. He served some years as a member of the board of aldermen of Shelbyville, was city treasurer for four years, and in 1896 was elected mayor, remaining in tenure of this chief executive office of the municipal government for two terms. His political proclivities are indicated in the staunch allegiance which he accords to the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its cause. He and his wife are zealous members of the Christian church and he is affiliated with the Shelbyville lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
—On November 24, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Collier to Miss Martha Bigelow, who was born in the state of Indiana and who was a child at the time of the family removal to Missouri. She is a daughter of the late William Bigelow, who was a successful farmer of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Collier became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living except two, one who died at the age of thirteen years and the other an infant. Edwin W. is now a resident of Washington; Earl Sheldon is engaged in merchandising in Shelby county; Morte maintains his home in the mining city of Anaconda, Montana; and Gleeta, Maude, Jeanette and Clara remain at the parental home.
GENERAL HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, MISSOURI 1911
pp 317, 318, 319
Written by Shelby Countians and graciously donated by the Shelby County Historical Society, Kathleen Wilham, President—©Copyright 1911
R. COLLIER IS DEAD
Relatives at Shelbyville received the news yesterday oft the death of R. (Dick) Collier, at his home in Spokane, Wash. He has been ill for a long-time and his death, while not unexpected, is none the less sad.
Mr. Collier made his home at Shelbyville until he moved west a few years ago. He was postmaster there tor several terms. He has many warm friends both at his old home and here, where he was well known.
The remains are expected to reach here Saturday and funeral services will probably be held' at Shelbyville. Sunday under the auspices of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of which he was a prominent member.
Shelbina Democrat (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-28, Page 1, Column 3
Richard Collier Dead.
Richard Collier died at Spokane, Washington, Monday, March 26, at 7:15 p. m. He was-born at Oak Dale, Mo., November 25, 1857. Was married to Miss Martha Biglow November 14, 1878. He was the father of nine children, two of whom preceded him to the other world. A widow and seven children survive. The names of the children and places of residence are: Mrs. Grover Frye of Shelbyville, M. L. Collier of Iowa, E W. Collier of Pomeroy, Washington, Mrs. Clarence Cook and Misses Maud and Jeanette Collier of Spokane.
The deceased was for years a prominent business man of Shelbyville, having for a number of years been engaged in the furniture business and for eight years was postmaster. He was a consistent member of the Christian church and was one of the best known members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Shelby county. The body is expected here tomorrow and the funeral services will be held at the Christian church at Shelbyville, perhaps, Sunday.
It was Mr. Collier's desire that Rev. J. H. Wood, of this city, preach the funeral and that the burial be conducted with rites of the I. O. O. F., Judge V. L. Drain being spokesman for that order.
The Shelbina Torchlight (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-30, Pge 1, Column 1
~~~~~~~
Missouri, Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name: Mr Richard Collier
Marriage Date: 24 Nov 1878
Marriage Place: Shelby, Missouri
Registration Place: Shelby, Missouri, USA
Spouse: Miss Martha Bigelow
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1880: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie Collier
Father's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 22
Mattie Collier 19
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 42
Birth Date: Nov 1857
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1900: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Martha R Collier
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 42
Martha R Collier 39
Earl S Collier 17
Morton L Collier 13
Gletta P Collier 8
Maude E Collier 5
Jennette I Collier 3
Claris D Collier 1
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
[Richard Callier]
Age in 1910: 52
[54]
[34]
Birth Year: abt 1858
[abt 1856]
[abt 1876]
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1910: Shelbyville Ward 2, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie R Collier
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 52
[54]
[34]
Mattie R Collier 49
Gleta P Collier 18
Maude E Collier 15
Jeannett O Collier 13
Clara D Collier 11
Information on file with Shelby County Historical Society & Museum
RICHARD COLLIER.
—The subject of this sketch is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his native county and city, and is at the present time incumbent of the position of postmaster of Shelbyville, of which city he was formerly mayor and in which he has held other offices of trust, betokening the high regard of the people of the community in which practically his entire life has been passed. He is a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of this section of the state, and thus there are many elements which render consistent a review of his personal career and genealogical data in this publication.
—Richard Collier was born in Shelbyville, Missouri, November 25, 1849, and is a son of James M. and Catherine B. (Gooch) Collier, both of whom were born in the state of Kentucky, whence their respective parents moved to Missouri in an early day. William Collier, grandfather of the subject of this review, was likewise a native of Kentucky, and he passed the closing years of his life in Grundy county, Missouri, where he developed a farm and was a well known pioneer. James M. Collier was reared to maturity in Missouri, where he received a common-school education and where he learned in his youth the trade of brickmason, which he followed for some time, later becoming a successful contractor in connection with his trade. Just before the inception of the Civil war he settled on a farm near Oakdale, Shelby county, where the family home was maintained for several years. He finally took up his residence in Shelbyville, where he built up a successful contracting business in the erection of brick buildings and other structures, and he was among the early incumbents of the office of sheriff of Shelby county. He was one of the argonauts who made their way to California during the memorable gold excitement of 1849 and succeeding years, and he made a very successful venture in taking mules across the plains to the mining districts, where he disposed of the animals at a large profit. He was identified with gold mining in California about four years and was very successful in his operations.
—James Collier manifested unqualified loyalty to the Union at the time of the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, becoming a member of a Missouri regiment and continuing in active service during practically the entire period of the great internecine conflict, within which he participated in a large number of the important battles on the sanguinary fields of the South. He was made captain of his company, and his regiment was commanded by Col. B. F. Benjamin. He continued throughout life to manifest a deep interest in his old comrades, though forgetting the animosities engendered of the great war between the states, and he was a popular and honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death, and he held membership also in the Masonic fraternity. He was a man of exalted integrity of character, was a devout and zealous worker in connection with religious activities and was one of the pillars of the Christian church in Shelbyville, of which he was a charter member and in which he served as an elder for many years prior to his death, which occurred in the year 1899, his devoted wife having preceded him to the life eternal by more than a decade. He was the foremost factor in connection with the founding of the church mentioned and was active in all departments of its work. He ordered his life upon the highest plane of honor and fidelity, and held the fullest measure of popular confidence and regard. He was a successful business man and was a stockholder of the Citizens' Bank of Shelbyville at the time of his demise. Of his ten children, five are now living, namely: Susan, who is the wife of Henry G. Miller, of Shelby county; Sarah, who is the wife of Oliver P. Robinson, of Quincy, Illinois; Laura, who is the wife of M. E. McMaster, likewise of Quincy, Illinois; Richard, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; and Edwin E., who is a representative farmer of Shelby county. Richard Collier is indebted to the schools of Shelbyville for his early educational discipline, and after leaving school he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm for two years. He then served a virtual apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, in which be became a skilled workman, and he followed the work of his trade, doing a general contracting business, for a period of about six years, after which he conducted a meat market in Shelbyville for about five years. Upon retiring from this line of enterprise he established himself in the furniture business in this city, continuing the same until September, 1902, when he became a carrier on one of the rural free mail delivery routes from Shelbyville, continuing to be thus engaged for five years, at the expiration of which, in February, 1908, under the administration of President Roosevelt, he received his commission as postmaster of Shelbyville, of which office he has since continued incumbent. He has done much to improve the service of this office and his administration of its affairs has met with marked popular commendation. Mr. Collier has long been influential in public affairs of a local order and is known as a loyal and progressive citizen. He served some years as a member of the board of aldermen of Shelbyville, was city treasurer for four years, and in 1896 was elected mayor, remaining in tenure of this chief executive office of the municipal government for two terms. His political proclivities are indicated in the staunch allegiance which he accords to the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its cause. He and his wife are zealous members of the Christian church and he is affiliated with the Shelbyville lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
—On November 24, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Collier to Miss Martha Bigelow, who was born in the state of Indiana and who was a child at the time of the family removal to Missouri. She is a daughter of the late William Bigelow, who was a successful farmer of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Collier became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living except two, one who died at the age of thirteen years and the other an infant. Edwin W. is now a resident of Washington; Earl Sheldon is engaged in merchandising in Shelby county; Morte maintains his home in the mining city of Anaconda, Montana; and Gleeta, Maude, Jeanette and Clara remain at the parental home.
GENERAL HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, MISSOURI 1911
pp 317, 318, 319
Written by Shelby Countians and graciously donated by the Shelby County Historical Society, Kathleen Wilham, President—©Copyright 1911
R. COLLIER IS DEAD
Relatives at Shelbyville received the news yesterday oft the death of R. (Dick) Collier, at his home in Spokane, Wash. He has been ill for a long-time and his death, while not unexpected, is none the less sad.
Mr. Collier made his home at Shelbyville until he moved west a few years ago. He was postmaster there tor several terms. He has many warm friends both at his old home and here, where he was well known.
The remains are expected to reach here Saturday and funeral services will probably be held' at Shelbyville. Sunday under the auspices of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of which he was a prominent member.
Shelbina Democrat (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-28, Page 1, Column 3
Richard Collier Dead.
Richard Collier died at Spokane, Washington, Monday, March 26, at 7:15 p. m. He was-born at Oak Dale, Mo., November 25, 1857. Was married to Miss Martha Biglow November 14, 1878. He was the father of nine children, two of whom preceded him to the other world. A widow and seven children survive. The names of the children and places of residence are: Mrs. Grover Frye of Shelbyville, M. L. Collier of Iowa, E W. Collier of Pomeroy, Washington, Mrs. Clarence Cook and Misses Maud and Jeanette Collier of Spokane.
The deceased was for years a prominent business man of Shelbyville, having for a number of years been engaged in the furniture business and for eight years was postmaster. He was a consistent member of the Christian church and was one of the best known members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Shelby county. The body is expected here tomorrow and the funeral services will be held at the Christian church at Shelbyville, perhaps, Sunday.
It was Mr. Collier's desire that Rev. J. H. Wood, of this city, preach the funeral and that the burial be conducted with rites of the I. O. O. F., Judge V. L. Drain being spokesman for that order.
The Shelbina Torchlight (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-30, Pge 1, Column 1
~~~~~~~
Missouri, Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name: Mr Richard Collier
Marriage Date: 24 Nov 1878
Marriage Place: Shelby, Missouri
Registration Place: Shelby, Missouri, USA
Spouse: Miss Martha Bigelow
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1880: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie Collier
Father's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 22
Mattie Collier 19
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 42
Birth Date: Nov 1857
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1900: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Martha R Collier
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 42
Martha R Collier 39
Earl S Collier 17
Morton L Collier 13
Gletta P Collier 8
Maude E Collier 5
Jennette I Collier 3
Claris D Collier 1
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
[Richard Callier]
Age in 1910: 52
[54]
[34]
Birth Year: abt 1858
[abt 1856]
[abt 1876]
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1910: Shelbyville Ward 2, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie R Collier
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 52
[54]
[34]
Mattie R Collier 49
Gleta P Collier 18
Maude E Collier 15
Jeannett O Collier 13
Clara D Collier 11
Son of James Monroe and Catherine Blackford Gooch Collier. Married Martha Rosaline "Mattie" Bigelow on 24 NOV 1878 at the Mr. W. W. Davis residence in Shelby County, Missouri. E. C. Browning, Minister, performed the ceremony.
Information on file with Shelby County Historical Society & Museum
RICHARD COLLIER.
—The subject of this sketch is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his native county and city, and is at the present time incumbent of the position of postmaster of Shelbyville, of which city he was formerly mayor and in which he has held other offices of trust, betokening the high regard of the people of the community in which practically his entire life has been passed. He is a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of this section of the state, and thus there are many elements which render consistent a review of his personal career and genealogical data in this publication.
—Richard Collier was born in Shelbyville, Missouri, November 25, 1849, and is a son of James M. and Catherine B. (Gooch) Collier, both of whom were born in the state of Kentucky, whence their respective parents moved to Missouri in an early day. William Collier, grandfather of the subject of this review, was likewise a native of Kentucky, and he passed the closing years of his life in Grundy county, Missouri, where he developed a farm and was a well known pioneer. James M. Collier was reared to maturity in Missouri, where he received a common-school education and where he learned in his youth the trade of brickmason, which he followed for some time, later becoming a successful contractor in connection with his trade. Just before the inception of the Civil war he settled on a farm near Oakdale, Shelby county, where the family home was maintained for several years. He finally took up his residence in Shelbyville, where he built up a successful contracting business in the erection of brick buildings and other structures, and he was among the early incumbents of the office of sheriff of Shelby county. He was one of the argonauts who made their way to California during the memorable gold excitement of 1849 and succeeding years, and he made a very successful venture in taking mules across the plains to the mining districts, where he disposed of the animals at a large profit. He was identified with gold mining in California about four years and was very successful in his operations.
—James Collier manifested unqualified loyalty to the Union at the time of the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, becoming a member of a Missouri regiment and continuing in active service during practically the entire period of the great internecine conflict, within which he participated in a large number of the important battles on the sanguinary fields of the South. He was made captain of his company, and his regiment was commanded by Col. B. F. Benjamin. He continued throughout life to manifest a deep interest in his old comrades, though forgetting the animosities engendered of the great war between the states, and he was a popular and honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death, and he held membership also in the Masonic fraternity. He was a man of exalted integrity of character, was a devout and zealous worker in connection with religious activities and was one of the pillars of the Christian church in Shelbyville, of which he was a charter member and in which he served as an elder for many years prior to his death, which occurred in the year 1899, his devoted wife having preceded him to the life eternal by more than a decade. He was the foremost factor in connection with the founding of the church mentioned and was active in all departments of its work. He ordered his life upon the highest plane of honor and fidelity, and held the fullest measure of popular confidence and regard. He was a successful business man and was a stockholder of the Citizens' Bank of Shelbyville at the time of his demise. Of his ten children, five are now living, namely: Susan, who is the wife of Henry G. Miller, of Shelby county; Sarah, who is the wife of Oliver P. Robinson, of Quincy, Illinois; Laura, who is the wife of M. E. McMaster, likewise of Quincy, Illinois; Richard, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; and Edwin E., who is a representative farmer of Shelby county. Richard Collier is indebted to the schools of Shelbyville for his early educational discipline, and after leaving school he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm for two years. He then served a virtual apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, in which be became a skilled workman, and he followed the work of his trade, doing a general contracting business, for a period of about six years, after which he conducted a meat market in Shelbyville for about five years. Upon retiring from this line of enterprise he established himself in the furniture business in this city, continuing the same until September, 1902, when he became a carrier on one of the rural free mail delivery routes from Shelbyville, continuing to be thus engaged for five years, at the expiration of which, in February, 1908, under the administration of President Roosevelt, he received his commission as postmaster of Shelbyville, of which office he has since continued incumbent. He has done much to improve the service of this office and his administration of its affairs has met with marked popular commendation. Mr. Collier has long been influential in public affairs of a local order and is known as a loyal and progressive citizen. He served some years as a member of the board of aldermen of Shelbyville, was city treasurer for four years, and in 1896 was elected mayor, remaining in tenure of this chief executive office of the municipal government for two terms. His political proclivities are indicated in the staunch allegiance which he accords to the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its cause. He and his wife are zealous members of the Christian church and he is affiliated with the Shelbyville lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
—On November 24, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Collier to Miss Martha Bigelow, who was born in the state of Indiana and who was a child at the time of the family removal to Missouri. She is a daughter of the late William Bigelow, who was a successful farmer of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Collier became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living except two, one who died at the age of thirteen years and the other an infant. Edwin W. is now a resident of Washington; Earl Sheldon is engaged in merchandising in Shelby county; Morte maintains his home in the mining city of Anaconda, Montana; and Gleeta, Maude, Jeanette and Clara remain at the parental home.
GENERAL HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, MISSOURI 1911
pp 317, 318, 319
Written by Shelby Countians and graciously donated by the Shelby County Historical Society, Kathleen Wilham, President—©Copyright 1911
R. COLLIER IS DEAD
Relatives at Shelbyville received the news yesterday oft the death of R. (Dick) Collier, at his home in Spokane, Wash. He has been ill for a long-time and his death, while not unexpected, is none the less sad.
Mr. Collier made his home at Shelbyville until he moved west a few years ago. He was postmaster there tor several terms. He has many warm friends both at his old home and here, where he was well known.
The remains are expected to reach here Saturday and funeral services will probably be held' at Shelbyville. Sunday under the auspices of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of which he was a prominent member.
Shelbina Democrat (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-28, Page 1, Column 3
Richard Collier Dead.
Richard Collier died at Spokane, Washington, Monday, March 26, at 7:15 p. m. He was-born at Oak Dale, Mo., November 25, 1857. Was married to Miss Martha Biglow November 14, 1878. He was the father of nine children, two of whom preceded him to the other world. A widow and seven children survive. The names of the children and places of residence are: Mrs. Grover Frye of Shelbyville, M. L. Collier of Iowa, E W. Collier of Pomeroy, Washington, Mrs. Clarence Cook and Misses Maud and Jeanette Collier of Spokane.
The deceased was for years a prominent business man of Shelbyville, having for a number of years been engaged in the furniture business and for eight years was postmaster. He was a consistent member of the Christian church and was one of the best known members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Shelby county. The body is expected here tomorrow and the funeral services will be held at the Christian church at Shelbyville, perhaps, Sunday.
It was Mr. Collier's desire that Rev. J. H. Wood, of this city, preach the funeral and that the burial be conducted with rites of the I. O. O. F., Judge V. L. Drain being spokesman for that order.
The Shelbina Torchlight (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-30, Pge 1, Column 1
~~~~~~~
Missouri, Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name: Mr Richard Collier
Marriage Date: 24 Nov 1878
Marriage Place: Shelby, Missouri
Registration Place: Shelby, Missouri, USA
Spouse: Miss Martha Bigelow
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1880: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie Collier
Father's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 22
Mattie Collier 19
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 42
Birth Date: Nov 1857
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1900: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Martha R Collier
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 42
Martha R Collier 39
Earl S Collier 17
Morton L Collier 13
Gletta P Collier 8
Maude E Collier 5
Jennette I Collier 3
Claris D Collier 1
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
[Richard Callier]
Age in 1910: 52
[54]
[34]
Birth Year: abt 1858
[abt 1856]
[abt 1876]
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1910: Shelbyville Ward 2, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie R Collier
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 52
[54]
[34]
Mattie R Collier 49
Gleta P Collier 18
Maude E Collier 15
Jeannett O Collier 13
Clara D Collier 11
Information on file with Shelby County Historical Society & Museum
RICHARD COLLIER.
—The subject of this sketch is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his native county and city, and is at the present time incumbent of the position of postmaster of Shelbyville, of which city he was formerly mayor and in which he has held other offices of trust, betokening the high regard of the people of the community in which practically his entire life has been passed. He is a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of this section of the state, and thus there are many elements which render consistent a review of his personal career and genealogical data in this publication.
—Richard Collier was born in Shelbyville, Missouri, November 25, 1849, and is a son of James M. and Catherine B. (Gooch) Collier, both of whom were born in the state of Kentucky, whence their respective parents moved to Missouri in an early day. William Collier, grandfather of the subject of this review, was likewise a native of Kentucky, and he passed the closing years of his life in Grundy county, Missouri, where he developed a farm and was a well known pioneer. James M. Collier was reared to maturity in Missouri, where he received a common-school education and where he learned in his youth the trade of brickmason, which he followed for some time, later becoming a successful contractor in connection with his trade. Just before the inception of the Civil war he settled on a farm near Oakdale, Shelby county, where the family home was maintained for several years. He finally took up his residence in Shelbyville, where he built up a successful contracting business in the erection of brick buildings and other structures, and he was among the early incumbents of the office of sheriff of Shelby county. He was one of the argonauts who made their way to California during the memorable gold excitement of 1849 and succeeding years, and he made a very successful venture in taking mules across the plains to the mining districts, where he disposed of the animals at a large profit. He was identified with gold mining in California about four years and was very successful in his operations.
—James Collier manifested unqualified loyalty to the Union at the time of the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, becoming a member of a Missouri regiment and continuing in active service during practically the entire period of the great internecine conflict, within which he participated in a large number of the important battles on the sanguinary fields of the South. He was made captain of his company, and his regiment was commanded by Col. B. F. Benjamin. He continued throughout life to manifest a deep interest in his old comrades, though forgetting the animosities engendered of the great war between the states, and he was a popular and honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party from the time of its organization until his death, and he held membership also in the Masonic fraternity. He was a man of exalted integrity of character, was a devout and zealous worker in connection with religious activities and was one of the pillars of the Christian church in Shelbyville, of which he was a charter member and in which he served as an elder for many years prior to his death, which occurred in the year 1899, his devoted wife having preceded him to the life eternal by more than a decade. He was the foremost factor in connection with the founding of the church mentioned and was active in all departments of its work. He ordered his life upon the highest plane of honor and fidelity, and held the fullest measure of popular confidence and regard. He was a successful business man and was a stockholder of the Citizens' Bank of Shelbyville at the time of his demise. Of his ten children, five are now living, namely: Susan, who is the wife of Henry G. Miller, of Shelby county; Sarah, who is the wife of Oliver P. Robinson, of Quincy, Illinois; Laura, who is the wife of M. E. McMaster, likewise of Quincy, Illinois; Richard, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; and Edwin E., who is a representative farmer of Shelby county. Richard Collier is indebted to the schools of Shelbyville for his early educational discipline, and after leaving school he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm for two years. He then served a virtual apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, in which be became a skilled workman, and he followed the work of his trade, doing a general contracting business, for a period of about six years, after which he conducted a meat market in Shelbyville for about five years. Upon retiring from this line of enterprise he established himself in the furniture business in this city, continuing the same until September, 1902, when he became a carrier on one of the rural free mail delivery routes from Shelbyville, continuing to be thus engaged for five years, at the expiration of which, in February, 1908, under the administration of President Roosevelt, he received his commission as postmaster of Shelbyville, of which office he has since continued incumbent. He has done much to improve the service of this office and his administration of its affairs has met with marked popular commendation. Mr. Collier has long been influential in public affairs of a local order and is known as a loyal and progressive citizen. He served some years as a member of the board of aldermen of Shelbyville, was city treasurer for four years, and in 1896 was elected mayor, remaining in tenure of this chief executive office of the municipal government for two terms. His political proclivities are indicated in the staunch allegiance which he accords to the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its cause. He and his wife are zealous members of the Christian church and he is affiliated with the Shelbyville lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
—On November 24, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Collier to Miss Martha Bigelow, who was born in the state of Indiana and who was a child at the time of the family removal to Missouri. She is a daughter of the late William Bigelow, who was a successful farmer of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Collier became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living except two, one who died at the age of thirteen years and the other an infant. Edwin W. is now a resident of Washington; Earl Sheldon is engaged in merchandising in Shelby county; Morte maintains his home in the mining city of Anaconda, Montana; and Gleeta, Maude, Jeanette and Clara remain at the parental home.
GENERAL HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, MISSOURI 1911
pp 317, 318, 319
Written by Shelby Countians and graciously donated by the Shelby County Historical Society, Kathleen Wilham, President—©Copyright 1911
R. COLLIER IS DEAD
Relatives at Shelbyville received the news yesterday oft the death of R. (Dick) Collier, at his home in Spokane, Wash. He has been ill for a long-time and his death, while not unexpected, is none the less sad.
Mr. Collier made his home at Shelbyville until he moved west a few years ago. He was postmaster there tor several terms. He has many warm friends both at his old home and here, where he was well known.
The remains are expected to reach here Saturday and funeral services will probably be held' at Shelbyville. Sunday under the auspices of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of which he was a prominent member.
Shelbina Democrat (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-28, Page 1, Column 3
Richard Collier Dead.
Richard Collier died at Spokane, Washington, Monday, March 26, at 7:15 p. m. He was-born at Oak Dale, Mo., November 25, 1857. Was married to Miss Martha Biglow November 14, 1878. He was the father of nine children, two of whom preceded him to the other world. A widow and seven children survive. The names of the children and places of residence are: Mrs. Grover Frye of Shelbyville, M. L. Collier of Iowa, E W. Collier of Pomeroy, Washington, Mrs. Clarence Cook and Misses Maud and Jeanette Collier of Spokane.
The deceased was for years a prominent business man of Shelbyville, having for a number of years been engaged in the furniture business and for eight years was postmaster. He was a consistent member of the Christian church and was one of the best known members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Shelby county. The body is expected here tomorrow and the funeral services will be held at the Christian church at Shelbyville, perhaps, Sunday.
It was Mr. Collier's desire that Rev. J. H. Wood, of this city, preach the funeral and that the burial be conducted with rites of the I. O. O. F., Judge V. L. Drain being spokesman for that order.
The Shelbina Torchlight (Shelbina, MO), 1917-03-30, Pge 1, Column 1
~~~~~~~
Missouri, Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name: Mr Richard Collier
Marriage Date: 24 Nov 1878
Marriage Place: Shelby, Missouri
Registration Place: Shelby, Missouri, USA
Spouse: Miss Martha Bigelow
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1880: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie Collier
Father's Birthplace: Missouri
Mother's Birthplace: Missouri
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 22
Mattie Collier 19
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
Age: 42
Birth Date: Nov 1857
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1900: Black Creek, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Martha R Collier
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 42
Martha R Collier 39
Earl S Collier 17
Morton L Collier 13
Gletta P Collier 8
Maude E Collier 5
Jennette I Collier 3
Claris D Collier 1
1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Richard Collier
[Richard Callier]
Age in 1910: 52
[54]
[34]
Birth Year: abt 1858
[abt 1856]
[abt 1876]
Birthplace: Missouri
Home in 1910: Shelbyville Ward 2, Shelby, Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mattie R Collier
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Collier 52
[54]
[34]
Mattie R Collier 49
Gleta P Collier 18
Maude E Collier 15
Jeannett O Collier 13
Clara D Collier 11
Family Members
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