Obit: Collier, John (1872 - 1940)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Collier, Tuttle, Vetterkind, Palmer, Soules

----Sources: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 09/12/1940

Collier, John (1 JAN 1872 - 9 SEP 1940)

One of Owen’s most colorful and best known citizens was buried today after having suffered at his home the past several months from poor health, passing away Monday, Sept. 9, 1940. He was John Collier, known by everyone as the man that always rode in a horse and buggy and hated automobiles.

For over a half century John Collier had made his home in this community (Owen, Clark Co., Wis.) and while residing here helped clear the land that is now being developed into beautiful farms. Chiefly I am referring to the present beautiful grounds of the Clark County Hospital where he was employed for nearly 19 years.

When he first went to work at this institution the grounds needed to be developed and some one was needed to help do it. John Collier was one of the big answers and factors in its development because John was one individual who could handle the several team of oxen kept on the farm for doing heavy work.

He loved nothing more than to stand and in a loud roaring voice shout commands to the team at work. He prided himself in the oxen teams that he took care of and in the trim neat looking horses that he owned to use for traveling which he did up to the time of illness.

John Collier, 68 years, 8 months, and 8 days of age, was born on Jan. 1, 1872, at Hogdensberg in Waupaca, Co., Wis.. When a young man he moved to this community where he has since made his home.

On March 14, 1899, he was united in marriage to Grace Tuttle at Curtiss (Clark Co.). He was the father of four children, two daughters, Viola (Mrs. William Vetterkind) of Withee; Ruth (Mrs. Ralph Palmer) of Bloomer; and two sons, Milton and Elton of Owen, Wisconsin.

His passing is mourned by his wife and family and 11 grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Mary Soules OF Stevens Point; and three brothers, Ernest of Marshfield, Fred of Oshkosh, and Ed of Ladysmith. One brother, Herbert, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted this afternoon, Sept. 12, from the Griebenow Funeral Parlors with the Rev. J.H. Rostad officiating. Interment was made in the Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers at the services were fellow members of the Modern Woodmen of America, an organization which he had been a member of for years.