"Notes About The R. O. Collier Family" - Smith County, TX Submitted by Gayle Basaldu 7 April 2004 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** "NOTES ABOUT THE R.O. COLLIER FAMILY" By Morris R.O. Collier (Oscar) was a scholarly person. He taught school several years, then ran for Justice of the Peace, which he won consecutively for every term until we moved out of the precinct. He was a Bible teacher and civic worker. Jimmie Engledow Collier was a vigorous and active person and did her job as wife and mother (ten children) with effectiveness and zeal. She was a talented doctor to her (and many other's) children. She constantly sang about her work all day long. Elizabeth (earlier called Lizzie Mae) was a devoted and loving big sister to us all. She was 17 when I was born, and much to my delight, she annexed herself to me as a special "project". She taught school all of her adult life, and contributed to family expenses. Carl was struck down by meningitis when a toddler, and was a complete invalid for his remaining 50 years. Bob was a precious youngster and was admitted to Summer Hill Select School in preference to some others. I hardly knew him as he died when I was about four. A fisherman found his body in the Red River, presumably drowned. John O. (named for our Grandpa) was one of the better looking ones, and was quite a "ladies man". It was interesting to all of us when he was courting Nan. He also taught a few years. Bill (William Henry) was born a twin, but his twin sister was still-born. He planned, worked, played while thinking for himself. He was making up songs about acquaintances - somewhat ribald - and sang them as he worked out-doors. He made his independent decisions, like joining the army, going to Venezuela or elsewhere. At age 90 he has never married. Zuella was in the middle, never big - or baby - sister, always mixed up in everything being done. She was crippled since childhood, but never failing to do her share and during her adult life contributed to the family's support. She married late in life to Sany Bolfing, a citrus farmer. She was a devoted and faithful worker in the Baptist Church. Waldo and Davis paired together throughout childhood and youth. This seems strange since they were so different in personality and talent, but were together side by side in a lively pace. Waldo was calm, deliberate, studious and devoted to school, church and family. Davis was venturesome, even bold and somewhat of a leader in activities at school and play. He managed to get better paying jobs. I think the two never fought. Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I think Davis was the only one of us that got a whipping at school by the principal. Franc (Mary Frances) was/is the baby got proper attention, particularly from Papa. She was inventive and made up games and "play mates". I always played along, but probably never thought of starting. In school she joined the glee club, took domestic art and domestic science, and became able to make some clothes and cook. She is active in the Presbyterian Church, is an Elder, and teaches Sunday School. I (Morris) suppose the principle note of distinction for me is being married to the lovely Melba. These notes, handwritten by Morris on February 16, 1985, were received by Dick Collier on February 18, 1985. I received word about 7:00 PM on Friday, February 22, 1985, that Uncle Morris had gone to be with his Maker. I praise God for permitting the Collier family to share in Morris' life. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his memory will be a legacy to each of us. _______________________________________________________________ AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985 MORRIS S. COLLIER Morris S. Collier, age, 79, of Austin died Friday, February 22, 1985. He was born April 8, 1905, at Omen, Smith County, Texas. He graduated from Tyler High School and attended Austin College at Sherman. After more than 30 years he retired from the accounting department of Lower Colorado River Authority. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church where he had been made an Elder Emeritus. He belonged to Onion Creek Masonic Lodge #220, A.F. & A.M., Order of the Eastern Star, Creedmore Chapter #607, Scottish Rite Bodies and Ben Hur Shrine Temple. Survivors are his wife, Melba Willis Collier; one son, George S. Collier, Pasadena, Texas; step-daughter, Freda Crawford Brown, Dayton, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Frances Creary, Troup, Texas; and one brother, William H. Collier, Arlington, Texas. Funeral services are 2:00 PM, Sunday at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Laura Mendenhall, Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church officiating. Graveside services will be Monday, February 25, 1985, in Elkins Cemetery, Omen, Texas. Those desiring to do so may make memorial contributions to the Central Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home, South Lamar and Ben White, at 4435 Frontier Trail. 443-1366.