Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, Daughter of George Washington Peyton and Delila Geneva (Daily) Peyton. Of Scotch-Irish paternal ancestry, was born December 9, 1863 at Longstreet, Louisana.
At the age of 2 years, with my parents I came to Limestone County Texas near where Mexia now stands.
I was the sixth child and only girl of nine children. Father was a farmer, renting land the first year or two; but soon bought unimproved land, beautifully located, part prairie an part timber. Here father and brothers set to work to build our "happy home". A large hewn log house with a half-story, or loft above, which my oldest brother (Frank) christened "The office". We also had shed rooms.
I don't know the date, but it was in the fall of the year, for father had already "Banked" the sweet potatoes, when we moved into our new home. About the only thing I remember about it, but HOW WELL I remember that. In retrospect I can see it yet, just where the bank was and how we children would get and eat the potatoes raw.
Nothing very eventful marked my young life. Having no sisters, I naturally entered in the sports and adventures of my brothers. One great sport was trapping for quail, especially when snow was on the ground. How we'd clear away the snow, set out big, strong traps with plenty of bait, then drive (they would scarcely fly at all when snow was on the ground) a covey of quail into them and see them fall full of quail. Such fun!
Sometimes we would catch a red-bird or blue-jay and they'd nearly bite a piece out of your hands in taking them out of the traps. But they were pretty.
There were adventures a plenty, Horseback, usually bareback on "Ribbon" behind one of my brothers, often falling, or sliding off of her. As I look back now I realize there must have been a "Special Providence" hanging over us.
A mean old cow, "Old Crump" hooked George down, stomped on him, breaking his collar bone, and I saw her do it. Brother Frank had a bad yearling, too "Daniel Boone", who put us over the high rail fence many a time.
Our nearest school was 1 1/2 miles. Two years we attended subscription school and walked 3 miles. We all, no matter how many, carried our lunch in the same bucket. And when the teacher spent the night with us we had to carry it in a water bucket, the next day.
Father planted cotton and I had much rather help pick it than help mother with the house work. We always had Saturday afternoon off, at least after we had swept the yard, with our brush-brooms. This had to be done. Then Tommie and I with two neighbor girls would take our cotton sacks and hie away to the timber to gather hickory-nuts. Tommie would thrash them, and I would pick them up, dividing them equally even to a count.
But here the scene must change. "Into each life some rain must fall and some days must be dark and dreary". Death came and took little Finis, the youngest child, just 5 years and 4 days old. This was my first deep grief, and although father lived several years longer, I don't think he ever quite recovered from the loss.
Soon after this father moved to Tehaucana, Texas, that we children might have the advantage of attending Trinity University, six of us being in school at one time.
December 7, 1882 I was married to James Charlton Collins at Tehuacana, Texas. Rev. J.S. Groves performing the ceremony. To us were given six children, four girls and two boys.
The first two years we spent together in Beeville, Texas, brother George going with us as helper in Mr. Collins business. He, being a traveling salesman for the then famous Eclipse Wind Mills. I often accompanied him on trips and we three, brother George, Mr. Collins and I would camp on the Nueses River and fish and hunt. I learned to shoot our 38 caliber rifle quite well. Killed three deer and other game. 'Tis innate nature of the Peyton family to love such sport.
We then moved to San Antonio, where Mr. Collins accepted the foreman ship of his brothers, F. F. Collins Mfg. Co., where the Eclipse Wind Mills were manufactured. But we caught the charm of adventure and pioneering; also the hope of securing a homestead from the Government. So, on September 21, 1889 we left San Antonio for Greer Co., Oklahoma, then with our two little girls, in a covered wagon, driving two white horses, Billie and Johnie, we reached our destination. Mother and brother Willie had already bought a mans "claim" which adjoined hers and brothers. These claims were the choice of the country ideally located, 1/2 miles south of Headquarter Mts., near where the town of Granite now stands. Our "claim" comprised of 160 A. (a1/4 sec.) of land, a well, a lot, a sod chicken house and a 14' x 24' dug-out in the side of a hill. Here our third baby girl first was the light. Here too I had the thrill of two Kiawah Indians at my door; but their friendly manner soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear. They only wanted something to eat. I also encountered a rattle snake and a skunk in my dug-out. But after all, I was loath to give it up to move into our neat 4 room cottage. It was such a quiet safe retreat from dust storms and other storms.
Our experiences were varied. The first crop of wheat, after being harvested and awaiting the thrasher was struck by lightening and burned. The second and much larger crop was completely destroyed by hail. But we had our compensation by receiving a patent, or deed to our 160 acres direct from the Land Patent Office in Washington D.C. for the sum of $16.64 which we sold a few years alter for $40,000.00 cash.
We saw the first train that entered Greer Co. at the tent "rag" town, Granite. We saw it grow by leaps and bounds. My pal (Miss Lould Elder, now in Dallas Texas) and I watched the influx with great interest and amusement and would "Guess" whether or not they were Presbyterians and if they were from Kansas. We seldom missed our guess Ha! Mr. Collins was active in building the first church there, a Presbyterian Church.
I think the zenith of my life was reached about this period. Our children, now two boys added to our family number were the pride, our hope and inspiration. Our oldest daughter being successful in competing in Prohibition Medal Contests, Spelling and ect., afforded much joy and anticipation.
In 1902 Mr. Collins embarked in the grocery business and was succeeding admirably, when his health failed forcing him to seek warmer climate; which ment San Antonio to us. Here in 1904, Barbara, our youngest child was born. In the same year we bought a ranch just across the Medina river from the town of Medina. It seemed like almost "over night" fate had changed our destiny. Reverses came. Heavy losses of stock on the ranch, the girls soon married, one by one, the older son went to war. O, the horror! But our joy was full when he returned to us safely. Our younger son went away to work, leaving us only our baby girl. We soon sold the ranch and moved back to San Antonio, where we bought and successfully operated a rooming house for five years. Though we were glad to return to Medina, where several of our children lived, we had to leave our "baby" with the man of her choice.
We bought a little cottage on Main St. Mr. Collins' health being very poor, passing away in less than a year after our return , May 14, 1926, being 79 years, four months and 5 days old.
I now live alone, (except per chance I have a roomer) surrounded reasonably near by my children, all of whom are loyal and true. I have grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so much to be thankful for. Long ago God planted in my heart a seed of faith, for the Eternal welfare of my children. Although I may never see its full fruition, it sustains me still. Now in my 77th year I love Sunday School and Church and seldom miss a service. I greatly enjoy working in my yard, piecing quilts, fishing and visiting, yet I realize:
"Life's evening sun is sinking low
A few more days and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done;
Where there will be no sinking sun."
Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, wrote
'her own' story in 1940. She lived
another 17 years, dying December 5,
1957 in San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara P. Collins, deceased December 5,1957, including preparation of remains, steel burial casket, use of reposing room, register book for family and friends, care of flowers and flower cads, professional services --- 752.50 Hearse charges to Medina, Texas --- 30.00 Digging grave and set-up --- 55.00 for a total of 837.50. I hearby certify that this is a true and correct statement of account of the above named deceased person and that there is a balance due of $200.00, Briggs-Dubelle, Funeral Directors. W. C. Briggs, Jr. Vice-President.
At the age of 2 years, with my parents I came to Limestone County Texas near where Mexia now stands.
I was the sixth child and only girl of nine children. Father was a farmer, renting land the first year or two; but soon bought unimproved land, beautifully located, part prairie an part timber. Here father and brothers set to work to build our "happy home". A large hewn log house with a half-story, or loft above, which my oldest brother (Frank) christened "The office". We also had shed rooms.
I don't know the date, but it was in the fall of the year, for father had already "Banked" the sweet potatoes, when we moved into our new home. About the only thing I remember about it, but HOW WELL I remember that. In retrospect I can see it yet, just where the bank was and how we children would get and eat the potatoes raw.
Nothing very eventful marked my young life. Having no sisters, I naturally entered in the sports and adventures of my brothers. One great sport was trapping for quail, especially when snow was on the ground. How we'd clear away the snow, set out big, strong traps with plenty of bait, then drive (they would scarcely fly at all when snow was on the ground) a covey of quail into them and see them fall full of quail. Such fun!
Sometimes we would catch a red-bird or blue-jay and they'd nearly bite a piece out of your hands in taking them out of the traps. But they were pretty.
There were adventures a plenty, Horseback, usually bareback on "Ribbon" behind one of my brothers, often falling, or sliding off of her. As I look back now I realize there must have been a "Special Providence" hanging over us.
A mean old cow, "Old Crump" hooked George down, stomped on him, breaking his collar bone, and I saw her do it. Brother Frank had a bad yearling, too "Daniel Boone", who put us over the high rail fence many a time.
Our nearest school was 1 1/2 miles. Two years we attended subscription school and walked 3 miles. We all, no matter how many, carried our lunch in the same bucket. And when the teacher spent the night with us we had to carry it in a water bucket, the next day.
Father planted cotton and I had much rather help pick it than help mother with the house work. We always had Saturday afternoon off, at least after we had swept the yard, with our brush-brooms. This had to be done. Then Tommie and I with two neighbor girls would take our cotton sacks and hie away to the timber to gather hickory-nuts. Tommie would thrash them, and I would pick them up, dividing them equally even to a count.
But here the scene must change. "Into each life some rain must fall and some days must be dark and dreary". Death came and took little Finis, the youngest child, just 5 years and 4 days old. This was my first deep grief, and although father lived several years longer, I don't think he ever quite recovered from the loss.
Soon after this father moved to Tehaucana, Texas, that we children might have the advantage of attending Trinity University, six of us being in school at one time.
December 7, 1882 I was married to James Charlton Collins at Tehuacana, Texas. Rev. J.S. Groves performing the ceremony. To us were given six children, four girls and two boys.
The first two years we spent together in Beeville, Texas, brother George going with us as helper in Mr. Collins business. He, being a traveling salesman for the then famous Eclipse Wind Mills. I often accompanied him on trips and we three, brother George, Mr. Collins and I would camp on the Nueses River and fish and hunt. I learned to shoot our 38 caliber rifle quite well. Killed three deer and other game. 'Tis innate nature of the Peyton family to love such sport.
We then moved to San Antonio, where Mr. Collins accepted the foreman ship of his brothers, F. F. Collins Mfg. Co., where the Eclipse Wind Mills were manufactured. But we caught the charm of adventure and pioneering; also the hope of securing a homestead from the Government. So, on September 21, 1889 we left San Antonio for Greer Co., Oklahoma, then with our two little girls, in a covered wagon, driving two white horses, Billie and Johnie, we reached our destination. Mother and brother Willie had already bought a mans "claim" which adjoined hers and brothers. These claims were the choice of the country ideally located, 1/2 miles south of Headquarter Mts., near where the town of Granite now stands. Our "claim" comprised of 160 A. (a1/4 sec.) of land, a well, a lot, a sod chicken house and a 14' x 24' dug-out in the side of a hill. Here our third baby girl first was the light. Here too I had the thrill of two Kiawah Indians at my door; but their friendly manner soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear. They only wanted something to eat. I also encountered a rattle snake and a skunk in my dug-out. But after all, I was loath to give it up to move into our neat 4 room cottage. It was such a quiet safe retreat from dust storms and other storms.
Our experiences were varied. The first crop of wheat, after being harvested and awaiting the thrasher was struck by lightening and burned. The second and much larger crop was completely destroyed by hail. But we had our compensation by receiving a patent, or deed to our 160 acres direct from the Land Patent Office in Washington D.C. for the sum of $16.64 which we sold a few years alter for $40,000.00 cash.
We saw the first train that entered Greer Co. at the tent "rag" town, Granite. We saw it grow by leaps and bounds. My pal (Miss Lould Elder, now in Dallas Texas) and I watched the influx with great interest and amusement and would "Guess" whether or not they were Presbyterians and if they were from Kansas. We seldom missed our guess Ha! Mr. Collins was active in building the first church there, a Presbyterian Church.
I think the zenith of my life was reached about this period. Our children, now two boys added to our family number were the pride, our hope and inspiration. Our oldest daughter being successful in competing in Prohibition Medal Contests, Spelling and ect., afforded much joy and anticipation.
In 1902 Mr. Collins embarked in the grocery business and was succeeding admirably, when his health failed forcing him to seek warmer climate; which ment San Antonio to us. Here in 1904, Barbara, our youngest child was born. In the same year we bought a ranch just across the Medina river from the town of Medina. It seemed like almost "over night" fate had changed our destiny. Reverses came. Heavy losses of stock on the ranch, the girls soon married, one by one, the older son went to war. O, the horror! But our joy was full when he returned to us safely. Our younger son went away to work, leaving us only our baby girl. We soon sold the ranch and moved back to San Antonio, where we bought and successfully operated a rooming house for five years. Though we were glad to return to Medina, where several of our children lived, we had to leave our "baby" with the man of her choice.
We bought a little cottage on Main St. Mr. Collins' health being very poor, passing away in less than a year after our return , May 14, 1926, being 79 years, four months and 5 days old.
I now live alone, (except per chance I have a roomer) surrounded reasonably near by my children, all of whom are loyal and true. I have grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so much to be thankful for. Long ago God planted in my heart a seed of faith, for the Eternal welfare of my children. Although I may never see its full fruition, it sustains me still. Now in my 77th year I love Sunday School and Church and seldom miss a service. I greatly enjoy working in my yard, piecing quilts, fishing and visiting, yet I realize:
"Life's evening sun is sinking low
A few more days and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done;
Where there will be no sinking sun."
Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, wrote
'her own' story in 1940. She lived
another 17 years, dying December 5,
1957 in San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara P. Collins, deceased December 5,1957, including preparation of remains, steel burial casket, use of reposing room, register book for family and friends, care of flowers and flower cads, professional services --- 752.50 Hearse charges to Medina, Texas --- 30.00 Digging grave and set-up --- 55.00 for a total of 837.50. I hearby certify that this is a true and correct statement of account of the above named deceased person and that there is a balance due of $200.00, Briggs-Dubelle, Funeral Directors. W. C. Briggs, Jr. Vice-President.
Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, Daughter of George Washington Peyton and Delila Geneva (Daily) Peyton. Of Scotch-Irish paternal ancestry, was born December 9, 1863 at Longstreet, Louisana.
At the age of 2 years, with my parents I came to Limestone County Texas near where Mexia now stands.
I was the sixth child and only girl of nine children. Father was a farmer, renting land the first year or two; but soon bought unimproved land, beautifully located, part prairie an part timber. Here father and brothers set to work to build our "happy home". A large hewn log house with a half-story, or loft above, which my oldest brother (Frank) christened "The office". We also had shed rooms.
I don't know the date, but it was in the fall of the year, for father had already "Banked" the sweet potatoes, when we moved into our new home. About the only thing I remember about it, but HOW WELL I remember that. In retrospect I can see it yet, just where the bank was and how we children would get and eat the potatoes raw.
Nothing very eventful marked my young life. Having no sisters, I naturally entered in the sports and adventures of my brothers. One great sport was trapping for quail, especially when snow was on the ground. How we'd clear away the snow, set out big, strong traps with plenty of bait, then drive (they would scarcely fly at all when snow was on the ground) a covey of quail into them and see them fall full of quail. Such fun!
Sometimes we would catch a red-bird or blue-jay and they'd nearly bite a piece out of your hands in taking them out of the traps. But they were pretty.
There were adventures a plenty, Horseback, usually bareback on "Ribbon" behind one of my brothers, often falling, or sliding off of her. As I look back now I realize there must have been a "Special Providence" hanging over us.
A mean old cow, "Old Crump" hooked George down, stomped on him, breaking his collar bone, and I saw her do it. Brother Frank had a bad yearling, too "Daniel Boone", who put us over the high rail fence many a time.
Our nearest school was 1 1/2 miles. Two years we attended subscription school and walked 3 miles. We all, no matter how many, carried our lunch in the same bucket. And when the teacher spent the night with us we had to carry it in a water bucket, the next day.
Father planted cotton and I had much rather help pick it than help mother with the house work. We always had Saturday afternoon off, at least after we had swept the yard, with our brush-brooms. This had to be done. Then Tommie and I with two neighbor girls would take our cotton sacks and hie away to the timber to gather hickory-nuts. Tommie would thrash them, and I would pick them up, dividing them equally even to a count.
But here the scene must change. "Into each life some rain must fall and some days must be dark and dreary". Death came and took little Finis, the youngest child, just 5 years and 4 days old. This was my first deep grief, and although father lived several years longer, I don't think he ever quite recovered from the loss.
Soon after this father moved to Tehaucana, Texas, that we children might have the advantage of attending Trinity University, six of us being in school at one time.
December 7, 1882 I was married to James Charlton Collins at Tehuacana, Texas. Rev. J.S. Groves performing the ceremony. To us were given six children, four girls and two boys.
The first two years we spent together in Beeville, Texas, brother George going with us as helper in Mr. Collins business. He, being a traveling salesman for the then famous Eclipse Wind Mills. I often accompanied him on trips and we three, brother George, Mr. Collins and I would camp on the Nueses River and fish and hunt. I learned to shoot our 38 caliber rifle quite well. Killed three deer and other game. 'Tis innate nature of the Peyton family to love such sport.
We then moved to San Antonio, where Mr. Collins accepted the foreman ship of his brothers, F. F. Collins Mfg. Co., where the Eclipse Wind Mills were manufactured. But we caught the charm of adventure and pioneering; also the hope of securing a homestead from the Government. So, on September 21, 1889 we left San Antonio for Greer Co., Oklahoma, then with our two little girls, in a covered wagon, driving two white horses, Billie and Johnie, we reached our destination. Mother and brother Willie had already bought a mans "claim" which adjoined hers and brothers. These claims were the choice of the country ideally located, 1/2 miles south of Headquarter Mts., near where the town of Granite now stands. Our "claim" comprised of 160 A. (a1/4 sec.) of land, a well, a lot, a sod chicken house and a 14' x 24' dug-out in the side of a hill. Here our third baby girl first was the light. Here too I had the thrill of two Kiawah Indians at my door; but their friendly manner soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear. They only wanted something to eat. I also encountered a rattle snake and a skunk in my dug-out. But after all, I was loath to give it up to move into our neat 4 room cottage. It was such a quiet safe retreat from dust storms and other storms.
Our experiences were varied. The first crop of wheat, after being harvested and awaiting the thrasher was struck by lightening and burned. The second and much larger crop was completely destroyed by hail. But we had our compensation by receiving a patent, or deed to our 160 acres direct from the Land Patent Office in Washington D.C. for the sum of $16.64 which we sold a few years alter for $40,000.00 cash.
We saw the first train that entered Greer Co. at the tent "rag" town, Granite. We saw it grow by leaps and bounds. My pal (Miss Lould Elder, now in Dallas Texas) and I watched the influx with great interest and amusement and would "Guess" whether or not they were Presbyterians and if they were from Kansas. We seldom missed our guess Ha! Mr. Collins was active in building the first church there, a Presbyterian Church.
I think the zenith of my life was reached about this period. Our children, now two boys added to our family number were the pride, our hope and inspiration. Our oldest daughter being successful in competing in Prohibition Medal Contests, Spelling and ect., afforded much joy and anticipation.
In 1902 Mr. Collins embarked in the grocery business and was succeeding admirably, when his health failed forcing him to seek warmer climate; which ment San Antonio to us. Here in 1904, Barbara, our youngest child was born. In the same year we bought a ranch just across the Medina river from the town of Medina. It seemed like almost "over night" fate had changed our destiny. Reverses came. Heavy losses of stock on the ranch, the girls soon married, one by one, the older son went to war. O, the horror! But our joy was full when he returned to us safely. Our younger son went away to work, leaving us only our baby girl. We soon sold the ranch and moved back to San Antonio, where we bought and successfully operated a rooming house for five years. Though we were glad to return to Medina, where several of our children lived, we had to leave our "baby" with the man of her choice.
We bought a little cottage on Main St. Mr. Collins' health being very poor, passing away in less than a year after our return , May 14, 1926, being 79 years, four months and 5 days old.
I now live alone, (except per chance I have a roomer) surrounded reasonably near by my children, all of whom are loyal and true. I have grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so much to be thankful for. Long ago God planted in my heart a seed of faith, for the Eternal welfare of my children. Although I may never see its full fruition, it sustains me still. Now in my 77th year I love Sunday School and Church and seldom miss a service. I greatly enjoy working in my yard, piecing quilts, fishing and visiting, yet I realize:
"Life's evening sun is sinking low
A few more days and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done;
Where there will be no sinking sun."
Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, wrote
'her own' story in 1940. She lived
another 17 years, dying December 5,
1957 in San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara P. Collins, deceased December 5,1957, including preparation of remains, steel burial casket, use of reposing room, register book for family and friends, care of flowers and flower cads, professional services --- 752.50 Hearse charges to Medina, Texas --- 30.00 Digging grave and set-up --- 55.00 for a total of 837.50. I hearby certify that this is a true and correct statement of account of the above named deceased person and that there is a balance due of $200.00, Briggs-Dubelle, Funeral Directors. W. C. Briggs, Jr. Vice-President.
At the age of 2 years, with my parents I came to Limestone County Texas near where Mexia now stands.
I was the sixth child and only girl of nine children. Father was a farmer, renting land the first year or two; but soon bought unimproved land, beautifully located, part prairie an part timber. Here father and brothers set to work to build our "happy home". A large hewn log house with a half-story, or loft above, which my oldest brother (Frank) christened "The office". We also had shed rooms.
I don't know the date, but it was in the fall of the year, for father had already "Banked" the sweet potatoes, when we moved into our new home. About the only thing I remember about it, but HOW WELL I remember that. In retrospect I can see it yet, just where the bank was and how we children would get and eat the potatoes raw.
Nothing very eventful marked my young life. Having no sisters, I naturally entered in the sports and adventures of my brothers. One great sport was trapping for quail, especially when snow was on the ground. How we'd clear away the snow, set out big, strong traps with plenty of bait, then drive (they would scarcely fly at all when snow was on the ground) a covey of quail into them and see them fall full of quail. Such fun!
Sometimes we would catch a red-bird or blue-jay and they'd nearly bite a piece out of your hands in taking them out of the traps. But they were pretty.
There were adventures a plenty, Horseback, usually bareback on "Ribbon" behind one of my brothers, often falling, or sliding off of her. As I look back now I realize there must have been a "Special Providence" hanging over us.
A mean old cow, "Old Crump" hooked George down, stomped on him, breaking his collar bone, and I saw her do it. Brother Frank had a bad yearling, too "Daniel Boone", who put us over the high rail fence many a time.
Our nearest school was 1 1/2 miles. Two years we attended subscription school and walked 3 miles. We all, no matter how many, carried our lunch in the same bucket. And when the teacher spent the night with us we had to carry it in a water bucket, the next day.
Father planted cotton and I had much rather help pick it than help mother with the house work. We always had Saturday afternoon off, at least after we had swept the yard, with our brush-brooms. This had to be done. Then Tommie and I with two neighbor girls would take our cotton sacks and hie away to the timber to gather hickory-nuts. Tommie would thrash them, and I would pick them up, dividing them equally even to a count.
But here the scene must change. "Into each life some rain must fall and some days must be dark and dreary". Death came and took little Finis, the youngest child, just 5 years and 4 days old. This was my first deep grief, and although father lived several years longer, I don't think he ever quite recovered from the loss.
Soon after this father moved to Tehaucana, Texas, that we children might have the advantage of attending Trinity University, six of us being in school at one time.
December 7, 1882 I was married to James Charlton Collins at Tehuacana, Texas. Rev. J.S. Groves performing the ceremony. To us were given six children, four girls and two boys.
The first two years we spent together in Beeville, Texas, brother George going with us as helper in Mr. Collins business. He, being a traveling salesman for the then famous Eclipse Wind Mills. I often accompanied him on trips and we three, brother George, Mr. Collins and I would camp on the Nueses River and fish and hunt. I learned to shoot our 38 caliber rifle quite well. Killed three deer and other game. 'Tis innate nature of the Peyton family to love such sport.
We then moved to San Antonio, where Mr. Collins accepted the foreman ship of his brothers, F. F. Collins Mfg. Co., where the Eclipse Wind Mills were manufactured. But we caught the charm of adventure and pioneering; also the hope of securing a homestead from the Government. So, on September 21, 1889 we left San Antonio for Greer Co., Oklahoma, then with our two little girls, in a covered wagon, driving two white horses, Billie and Johnie, we reached our destination. Mother and brother Willie had already bought a mans "claim" which adjoined hers and brothers. These claims were the choice of the country ideally located, 1/2 miles south of Headquarter Mts., near where the town of Granite now stands. Our "claim" comprised of 160 A. (a1/4 sec.) of land, a well, a lot, a sod chicken house and a 14' x 24' dug-out in the side of a hill. Here our third baby girl first was the light. Here too I had the thrill of two Kiawah Indians at my door; but their friendly manner soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear. They only wanted something to eat. I also encountered a rattle snake and a skunk in my dug-out. But after all, I was loath to give it up to move into our neat 4 room cottage. It was such a quiet safe retreat from dust storms and other storms.
Our experiences were varied. The first crop of wheat, after being harvested and awaiting the thrasher was struck by lightening and burned. The second and much larger crop was completely destroyed by hail. But we had our compensation by receiving a patent, or deed to our 160 acres direct from the Land Patent Office in Washington D.C. for the sum of $16.64 which we sold a few years alter for $40,000.00 cash.
We saw the first train that entered Greer Co. at the tent "rag" town, Granite. We saw it grow by leaps and bounds. My pal (Miss Lould Elder, now in Dallas Texas) and I watched the influx with great interest and amusement and would "Guess" whether or not they were Presbyterians and if they were from Kansas. We seldom missed our guess Ha! Mr. Collins was active in building the first church there, a Presbyterian Church.
I think the zenith of my life was reached about this period. Our children, now two boys added to our family number were the pride, our hope and inspiration. Our oldest daughter being successful in competing in Prohibition Medal Contests, Spelling and ect., afforded much joy and anticipation.
In 1902 Mr. Collins embarked in the grocery business and was succeeding admirably, when his health failed forcing him to seek warmer climate; which ment San Antonio to us. Here in 1904, Barbara, our youngest child was born. In the same year we bought a ranch just across the Medina river from the town of Medina. It seemed like almost "over night" fate had changed our destiny. Reverses came. Heavy losses of stock on the ranch, the girls soon married, one by one, the older son went to war. O, the horror! But our joy was full when he returned to us safely. Our younger son went away to work, leaving us only our baby girl. We soon sold the ranch and moved back to San Antonio, where we bought and successfully operated a rooming house for five years. Though we were glad to return to Medina, where several of our children lived, we had to leave our "baby" with the man of her choice.
We bought a little cottage on Main St. Mr. Collins' health being very poor, passing away in less than a year after our return , May 14, 1926, being 79 years, four months and 5 days old.
I now live alone, (except per chance I have a roomer) surrounded reasonably near by my children, all of whom are loyal and true. I have grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so much to be thankful for. Long ago God planted in my heart a seed of faith, for the Eternal welfare of my children. Although I may never see its full fruition, it sustains me still. Now in my 77th year I love Sunday School and Church and seldom miss a service. I greatly enjoy working in my yard, piecing quilts, fishing and visiting, yet I realize:
"Life's evening sun is sinking low
A few more days and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done;
Where there will be no sinking sun."
Barbara Ann (Peyton) Collins, wrote
'her own' story in 1940. She lived
another 17 years, dying December 5,
1957 in San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara P. Collins, deceased December 5,1957, including preparation of remains, steel burial casket, use of reposing room, register book for family and friends, care of flowers and flower cads, professional services --- 752.50 Hearse charges to Medina, Texas --- 30.00 Digging grave and set-up --- 55.00 for a total of 837.50. I hearby certify that this is a true and correct statement of account of the above named deceased person and that there is a balance due of $200.00, Briggs-Dubelle, Funeral Directors. W. C. Briggs, Jr. Vice-President.
Gravesite Details
SSA: James Charleton Collins
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