My Genealogy Hound

STEPHEN A. COLLIER, who occupies an influential position among the agricultural population of Johnson County, has his homestead in township 47, range 27, where he has a fine farm. Upon this he has made some excellent improvements, and here he lives, surrounded by a fair share of the comforts of this life. Missouri claims him as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Howard County, on the 9th of December, 1854, and he is the third in a family of nine children born to Louis K. and Rebecca (Creason) Collier, of whom seven still survive.

The father was born in Illinois July 31, 1826, but came with his parents to Missouri when a small boy of six, settling in Howard County. His father owning a tannery, he learned that trade, which he followed to a limited extent, but most of his time was given to farming. During the Civil War he became a member of the Confederate army, serving from the fall of 1864 until its close, and was with Price on his famous raid. He had also enlisted in the service during the Mexican War, though at that time he was quite young, and was a valiant soldier, ever found at his post of duty. He now makes his home in the northern part of Howard County, on the same farm where he has resided for forty-five years. He is held in the highest esteem in that community, all who know him being numbered among his friends.

Reared upon the paternal farm, the subject of this history received his education in the district schools of this state, and remained at home, assisting his father in his agricultural labors, until he had attained his majority. Leaving the parental roof in 1878, he then started out in life for himself, going first to Cass County, where he remained for one year. On the expiration of that time he came to Johnson County, operating rented land for four years, but being very ambitious and anxious to get ahead in the world, he saved his money and purchased his present farm, where he now successfully carries on general farming.

Mr. Collier kept “bachelor’s hall” for some three years after coming to Johnson County, but becoming tired of this he decided to marry, the lady of his choice being Miss Plutina E. Colbert. Their wedding was celebrated on the 11th of September, 1881, and this important event has proven a very fortunate one to our subject, as the lady who now shares in his joys and sorrows has ever been a faithful and loving wife. She was born on the 24th of March, 1856, and is a daughter of George and Eunice (Winfrey) Colbert, honored and respected citizens of this county. Mrs. Collier grew to womanhood under the careful training of her parents, and is a credit to them. By her marriage she has become the mother of two charming little daughters: Georgia E., aged twelve; and Ora, who is now eight years of age.

Mr. Collier is one of the representative men of Johnson County, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party, whose principles he stanchly advocates. In religious belief he is a Baptist, and holds membership with that denomination. He is a consistent Christian gentleman, and holds a prominent place among the leading citizens of the community. His straightforward course has ever won him a foremost position in both social and business circles. In 1893 Mr. Collier visited the World’s Fair at Chicago.