Charles Martin Collins was born in May 1857, (his obit says 14 May 1855 but all other records list 1857). Census records indicate he was born in Illinois but I have no idea what county. His obituary states he was born in Buchanan County Missouri but I believe this is incorrect. He was the son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helfer Collins, and the brother of my Great-grandfather (Ahira Mark Collins b. 1859 in NE). Charlie would have been about 11 years old when they moved to Dade county Missouri. He spent the rest of his life there. He married Cordelia Jane Harris King on 21 Jan 1877, in Dade County. They had 5 children; Edward R. 1877-1916, Dora Effie (Asher),1882-1902, William Stephen 1884-1921, Frances "Fannie" Leora (Cochran), 1891-1973, and Joseph (who probably died as a child). Either Cordelia died, or they divorced before 28 Nov 1922, which is the date Charley married Cordelia's sister Lillian Ann Harris Cook. Lillian died in 1928. Charley was a farmer his entire life.
This photo is identified as Charley Collins and his brother Ahira Mark Collins taken in the late 30's in Missouri.
Charley died tragically when his home caught fire in December 1941.
His death notice and obituary are from the Lockwood Luminary and supplied by the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Obituaries of Charles M. Collins
Both from the Lockwood Luminary
Friday, 2 January 1942
Chas. M. Collins Meets Horrible Death in Fire
A tragic death occurred to Charley M. Collins, one of Dade County's pioneer residents, Monday morning about eight o'clock. He was 86 years of age and lived alone on his farm about four miles northeast of Lockwood. He had arisen and built a fire in a kitchen stove. In some manner his clothing caught fire and he ran outside to a well where there was a small trough. Apparently he either tore the burning clothing from his body or it was burned and fell from him because near the well there were several pieces of clothing and a pipe which he evidently had been smoking. Either in an effort to return to the house to save some of his belongings or because he was dazed with pain, he returned to the house. The building was enveloped in flames when nearby neighbors arrived at the place and there was nothing they could do to put out the fire.
After the fire died down a search was made for the aged man and what was left of his body was found among the ruins. R.L. Haunschild, undertaker, was called and brought the remains to his home for preparation for burial. Services are announced for Thursday afternoon at the Lockwood Baptist church. Burial will follow at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood.
Friday 9 January 1942
Charley M. Collins
Charley M. Collins was born May 14, 1855, in Buchanan county, Missouri, and departed this life December 29, 1941, at nine o'clock a.m at the age of 86 years, 7 months, and 15 days. He was the son of Rev Stephen and Martha Collins. At an early age he came to Dade county with his parents, and spent the remainder of his lifetime in this county.
He was united in marriage to Cordelia Jane Harris in January, 1878. To this union five children were born, Edward, Dora, Effie, William Stephen, Joseph and Fannie Leora. All have preceded him in death except Mrs Fannie Leora Cochran. He is survived by four grandchildren, Gilbert and Maurice Collins, Vera Beisner and Golden Collins, also six great grandchildren.
He was converted at the age of twenty-two and was later ordained a deacon in the Lockwood Baptist church, where he served the remainder of his life.
Funeral services were held at Lockwood Baptist Church, Thursday afternoon, January 1st. The sermon was delivered by Rev Geo Gray. Burial was at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood, under direction of R.L. Haunchild.
