Bio: Richard W. Collier, Claiborne Parish, LA
Source:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez, Jan. 2000


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Richard W. Collier, merchant, Homer, La.  Among the younger merchants of Homer
who have worked their way to the front and who today enjoy enviable
reputations as first-class business men is the subject of this sketch.  He was
born in Claiborne Parish, near Homer, October 30, 1860, and his parents, B. C.
and Nancy L. (White) Collier, were both natives of Georgia, where they were
educated.  The elder Collier moved from Georgia to Louisiana about 1850, and
located in Claiborne Parish, where he was engaged in planting up to the
breaking out of the late Civil War.  He was one of the first to respond to his
country's call, and enlisted in the Confederate Army, where he served
faithfully until his death, being killed in the engagement at Mansfield in
1863.  Mrs. Collier survived his several years, but is now deceased.  Richard
W. Collier is the only survivor of a family of four children.  He was reared
in Homer, received a good English education at Homer College, and after
completing his studies clerked for Mr. G. G. Gill, one of the most successful
merchants of Claiborne Parish.  He continued with Mr. Gill for about eight
years, and during that time laid the foundation for a successful business
career.  Mr. Collier began business for himself as a member of the firm of
Bridgeman, Collier & Co., in December, 1888, and this firm continued in
business for about one year.  Then Mr. Collier succeeded to the business of
the firm.  He carries a large stock of general merchandise including dry
goods, groceries, clothing, hardware, queensware, furniture, notions, etc.  He
has a large store, neatly arranged, and has the reputation of good goods and
fair dealings.  He has established a large and increasing trade, and in
prominent in business circles.  His marriage to Miss Lula M. Taylor, a native
of Claiborne Parish, was consummated on May 27, 1883, and the fruits of this
union were three children: Eldred B., Lillian and Blanche.  Mrs. Collier was
reared and educated in this county, and is the daughter of J. M. Taylor.  Mr.
Collier has held several local positions of trust and honor, and is at present
a member of the town council.  He is a young man of sterling worth and
ability, and one of the leading business men of Homer.

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