Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

Richard W. Collier

Richard W. Collier, merchant, Homer, Louisiana Among the younger merchants of Homer who have worked their way to the front and who today enjoy enviable reputations as first class business men is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Claiborne Parish, near Homer, October 30, 1860, and his parents, B. C. and Nancy L. (White) Collier, were both natives of Georgia, where they were educated. The elder Collier moved from Georgia to Louisiana about 1850, and located in Claiborne Parish, where he was engaged in planting up to the breaking out of the late Civil War. He was one of the first to respond to his country's call, and enlisted in the Confederate Army, where he served faithfully until his death, being killed in the engagement at Mansfield in 1863. Mrs. Collier survived him several years, but is now deceased.

Richard W. Collier is the only survivor of a family of four children. He was reared in Homer, received a good English education at Homer College, and after completing his studies clerked for Mr. G. G. Gill, one of the most successful merchants of Claiborne Parish. He continued with Mr. Gill for about eight years, and during that time laid the foundation for a successful business career. Mr. Collier began business for himself as a member of the firm of Bridgeman, Collier & Co., in December, 1888, and this firm continued in business for about one year. Then Mr. Collier succeeded to the business of the firm. He carries a large stock of general merchandise including dry goods, groceries, clothing, hardware, queens ware, furniture, notions, etc. He has a large store, neatly arranged, and has the reputation of good goods and fair dealing. He has established a large and increasing trade, and is prominent in business circles.

His marriage to Miss Lula M. Taylor, a native of Claiborne Parish, was consummated on May 27, 1883, and the fruits of this union were three children: Eldred B., Lillian and Blanche. Mrs. Collier was reared and educated in this county, and is the daughter of J. M. Taylor. Mr. Collier has held several local positions of trust and honor, and is at present a member of the town council. He is a young man of sterling worth and ability, and one of the leading business men of Homer.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, Southern Publishing Company, 1890