H. J. Collier
H. J. Collier,, one of the leading citizens of Clinton Township, Wayne County, was born in that county in 1825, a son of James and Sarah (Ailer) Collier, former of whom was a native of Maryland, and a descendant of one of the early families of that State. His people immigrated to Ohio in 1811, and here he became quite wealthy. He was engaged in the hotel business and distilling, and owned about 280 acres of land in Wayne County. He married first, Miss Sarah Ailer, and to them were born six children: Latha, Daniel, Elizabeth, Joseph, Sarah, and H. J. His second wife was Orpha Baird, and they had a family of four children.
James Collier died in 1836, and thus at the age of eleven years H. J. was left an orphan. He subsequently came to Holmes County with his stepmother, remaining with her until 1841. When sixteen years old, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1870, when he gave his entire attention to his farm of 133 acres and selling sewing machines in Wayne County for a number of years; then retired to a more quiet life, and has since been engaged in mercantile trade. He is an upright, honorable gentleman, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He has held several official positions, and has always attended to the duties devolving upon him in a painstaking and efficient manner. Mr. Collier was married in 1844 to Letitia, daugher of David Wells, and to them were born three children: David, Sarah Ellen and Bird. Mrs. Collier died in early womanhood, and Mr. Collier afterward married Caroline, daughter of Charles Golwtiz,, who born him four children: Willis, Charles, James and Latha. In politics Mr. Collier is a Democrat.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889