Collins Township
History of St. Clair County, Missouri, 1883:
Collins Township was originally a part of Washington, and one of the original
townships organized when the county was organized in 1841, and remained a part
of that township until 1872, when it became the present Collins on June 5. It is
bounded on the north by Doyal and Dallas Townships, on the east by Hickory
County, on the south by Polk and Cedar Counties, and on the west by Washington
Township. The county court of St. Clair County, in 1872, complying with the
provision of what is known as “the new township law”, cut old Washington
asunder, and from it made two townships, one of which retained the name
Washington in honor of George Washington. The citizens of the new township
wanted to honor one of the judges of the county, Judge William Collins. Their
wish was granted and the new township was hence forth known as “Collins”. Daniel
Molder of Tennessee, who came in 1831 and settled on section 21 of township 34,
range 24 was perhaps the first settler.
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History of Henry and St. Clair Counties,
Missouri, 1883:
Early Settlers of Collins Township
The county court of St. Clair County in 1872, complying with the provision of
what is known as the "new township law", cut old Washington asunder and from it
constructed two townships, one to retain the name of the "father of our
country", and one to yet receive a name. The citizens of the new township came
forward at this time, and with great appreciation for the services of one of the
judges of the county court, asked that it might be named in honor of Judge
William Collins. Accordingly, the county court complied with the request and
named the new township "Collins".
Perhaps the first settlement ever made in Collins Township was made by Daniel
Molder, of Tennessee, who in 1831 came to Collins and located on section 21 of
township 34, range 24. Mr. Molder, who seems to dispute the first settler with
Jacob Coonce, with characteristic energy built him a log hut, and proceeded to
establish himself a permanent home in the then wilderness. His nearest neighbor
was some miles distant. But this was not to last long, for in the spring of
1832, James Francis, of Tennessee, settled near him and established neighborly
intercourse. Another neighbor made his appearance in this district in 1833.
Isaac Culbertson cast his lot with his brother pioneers in Collins Township. The
immigration of 1834 brought such pioneers as Albion Ayres, Isaac Rogers, William
Allen, Richard Deshazo, A.M. McMiner and L.R. Ashworth, who lived in Roscoe, a
minister of God's word, who, while attending to the duties of his little patch
of corn, would on Sunday mornings visit some near neighbor, who lived not more
than three, four or five miles distant, and by preaching the good word cheered
the hearts of many downcast spirits to renewed exertions.
After this, followed Peter Francis in 1835, Francis Yoast in 1836, Samuel H.
Martin in 1837, Robert Gardner in 1839, and William King the following fall.
Of the old pioneers, there now remain but two. These are Mr. Yoast and Mr. Peter
Francis. Mrs. Dolly Martin, the wife of Samuel Martin, is still living, and
enjoys the friendship, esteem and love of all with whom she is acquainted.
The first school in the township was taught by a man named Wayne. He charged for
his services $2.50 per scholar for a term of three months, and received in pay,
as legal tender, coonskins and corn. He taught in the neighbors' houses and
"traveled around". From this time the educational interests of Collins Township
was one of the chief interests, and today this township ranks second to none in
educational facilities.
The first manufacturer that ever trod the soil of St. Clair County, was Samuel
Martin. In 1836, Mr. Martin's family were nearly out of the necessary wearing
apparel, and as there were no ready made clothing to be found closer than St.
Louis, it devolved upon him to furnish a means for manufacturing the necessary
goods from which to make it. Therefore, in July, he commenced work. None knew
what he was constructing, but while looking at the great beams, some fourteen
feet long, swung to the roof of a log kitchen, some surmised what would be the
result of so much patient labor.
They were correct in their surmises, for after three months of hard work Mr.
Martin produced a full grown loom. His wife was the first to use it, finishing
on the 13th day of September a piece of jeans seven yards in length. This was
the first piece of cloth ever made in St. Clair County, one yard of which is now
in the possession of Mrs. Dolly Martin, the lady who wove it.
It is not known to a certainty who was the first child born in the township, but
perhaps John R., a son of Daniel Molder, born in 1838. The first death was in
the month of July in 1834, and was a son of Mr. Isaac Culbertson.
The first school house of which we could receive any information was located in
section 12, and was built of logs; dimensions, twenty by fourteen feet. After
this, several such buildings were put up, but all have been replaced by
structures more commodious.
The first sermon preached in Collins Township was by the Rev. L.R. Ashworth, at
the house of Mr. Culbertson.
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St. Clair Co., MO History 1883:
In Osage Township, lead indications are more numerous than in any other section
of the county, although both Collins and Doyal claim to possess this metal in
large quantities.