Dr. Robert W Collins
For some time there lived in Bourbon County, Kentucky, William Collins, a prominent man, and his wife, Rachel, the parents of an interesting family of ten children, the seventh of whom is the subject of this sketch. Robert W. Collins was born May 31, 1837. He grew up in the family until the age of eighteen, when , in company with his older brother, Foster, he came to Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Here he entered the office of Dr. John Stephens, and began the study of medicine. In 1861 he began the practice of his profession, but on June 12th of that year he enlisted under General Price, with whom he served his term of six months. Returning to Pleasant Hill, he entered into partnership with Dr. Cundiff. He enlisted in the Second Missouri Cavalry, was made assistant surgeon and was with Gen. Joe Shelby in South Missouri. He was present at the battles of Wilson's Creek, Prairie Grove, Lone Jack, Lexington, etc., and was captured at Hartsville, but released on showing his surgeon's certificate. He surrendered at Shreveport, Louisiana, under Captain Adams, August 11, 1865. On his return to Pleasant Hill, Dr. Collins began practicing with Dr. Taylor, remaining with him until 1866. On the 28th of January he was married to Gabriella Rowland, daughter of Jesse P. Rowland. Seven children, three boys and four girls, are now living. Dr. Collins is a consistent member of the Christian Church. His wife is a Baptist. Soon after his marriage he removed from Pleasant Hill to his present home, one mile northwest of Strasburg, on section 30 of Polk Township, where he has a fine farm and home, the fruits of his rapidly increasing practice.
From the History of Cass Co., 1883





Obituary July 31, 1914
Death of Dr. Collins
Dr. Robert W. Collins, a well-known resident of Strasburg, died at his home near that place after an extended illness. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. J.W. Bolton, were held in the Union church at Strasburg. Tuesday morning and burial was in the Pleasant Hill cemetery. The attendance was very large. Dr. Collins was a popular man.
Dr. Robert W. Collins was born on a farm near North Middletown, Bourbon county, Kentucky, May 31, 1837, and passed away at the age of 77 years, one month and 25 days.
He and his brother, Foster came to Missouri, in the spring of 1856, their widowed mother and other brothers and sisters following the next fall. They settled on a farm northwest of Pleasant Hill now known as the Foster Collins place. Mr. Collins completed the study of medicine at the St. Louis Medical College and had practiced six months at Holden, Missouri, when he enlisted in the 2nd Mo. Calvary, C. S. A., serving six months as a soldier, then being appointed as a surgeon for the Shelby brigade in which capacity he served throughout the remainder of the war.
At Shreveport June 15, 1865, he took the oath of allegiance to the U.S. government and was paroled He came back to Pleasant Hill and here practiced medicine one year and on January 28, 1866, he was married to Miss Gabriella Rowland. Ten children were born of this union, of whom eight survive.
From Pleasant Hill Dr. Collins moved to his farm 21.2 miles west of Strasburg, known as the Ravenscraft place where he resided four years: he then bought the present home farm on which he spent the remainder of his life.
Dr. Collins practiced medicine over 40 years, was later in the drug business at Strasburg, but retired in 1903 and has since remained on the farm. He was widely known in this neighborhood through his services to suffering humanity. His calm, peaceable, friendly disposition won him many friends. Earnestly seeking a greater knowledge of his calling that he might be of greater service, he never lost interest in the medical profession. He enjoyed farm life and the company of friends and was always in sympathy with any movement for the uplift and betterment of the community. In short he was a valuable and useful citizen. The doctor was also a devoted Christian, having united with the Pleasant Hill Christian church in 1858, changing his membership to the Strasburg congregation when it was organized at the Brick school house west of Strasburg in 1859.
He constantly sought a greater knowledge of the Bible and was an active church worker. Especially did he love the Sunday school work, serving as a superintendent of the Union Sunday School in Strasburg almost continuously from its organization until a few years ago when his age and ill health forbade his further attendance.
As a physician he enjoyed a very large practice, but there were not many occasion that he could not so arrange his work as to be able to attend the Sunday school, at least. He loved the children he loved everybody, an if Dr. Collins ever had an enemy this writer does not know it. It seemed his chief aim was to be of service to his friends and community. His counsel was valuable and his influence for good was felt by all who knew him. Now he has gone into eternal rest. He took each of his children by the hand and in a weak whisper said goodbye to all. Besides his wife and children he leaves two brothers, Berry, of Harrisonville, and Garrett, of Laverne, Okla., and one sister, Mrs. America Kennedy, of Harrisonville. Besides these, there is a host of friends who mourn his passing.

(As Appeared in the Pleasant Hill Times July 31, 1914, and transcribed by contributor S Phelps.)


Children not Linked:
Robert Willis Collins Jr. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
FAG #11069110