My Genealogy Hound

Theodore A. Collier, who resides on his well improved farm of 230 acres, located on section 9, Pontiac township, is one of the leading farmers, dairymen and gardeners of Oakland County, and has been largely identified through his position as a prominent citizen with the general progress of this section since attaining the years of manhood. He was born in the village of Perry, Wyoming County, New York, November 28, 1849, and is a son of Charles S. Collier, a native of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Charles S. Collier spent the greater, part of his life in New England, where he followed the carriage manufacturing business, being a first class mechanic. He came to Oakland County, Michigan, when our subject was four years old, and settled on the fine farming property in Pontiac township now owned by his sons, — Theodore A. and G. H. M. He died in 1856 at the age of 53 years. His only brother, Horace Collier, died in Vermont many years ago. Charles S. Collier married Eliza Currier, a native of Claremont, New Hampshire, and eight children were born to them, of whom the five following survive: Mrs. Jennie B. Murry, of Pontiac, Michigan; Charles S., who is the present postmaster at Frankfort, Michigan; George X. M., a prominent lawyer of Detroit, Michigan; Isadore M., who lives with our subject and Theodore A. Of the three that died, Hannah died at the age of 29, and Solon O. H. died of yellow fever soon after the Mexican War, throughout which he took an active part. Mrs. Charles S. Collier, the mother of our subject, died in 1890 at the age of 83 years, Charles S. Collier was a Whig in politics. Both he and his wife were active in the Congregational Church.

Theodore A. Collier was reared on the farm in Pontiac township, attending the country schools of the neighborhood, and has remained on the home farm. His farming operations include dairying and stock feeding, none of his grain crops being sold. The land not utilized for grazing purposes or for the raising of hay and other forage crops is devoted to the culture of vegetables. He usually raises as much as 2,000 bushels of onions.

Mr. Collier is a Republican and has served as highway commissioner and as township treasurer, and has been a member of the School Board for 20 years. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for 30 years, and has held all the subordinate offices in the lodge. He has never married. His sister, Miss Isadore M. Collier, and Miss Jennie S. Gregory have kept house for him during the past 31 1/2 years.