MICHAEL COLLINS

Michael E. Collins (better known as Ed or M. E.) was next to the youngest in the family of four boys and four girls born to his parents, Michael and Bridget Collins.

Michael and Bridget Shehe Collins were born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1823 and 1827, respectively. They were raised devout Catholics and remained so throughout their lives. They decided at an early age to seek their fortune in the U.S. Each came at separate times. Michael Sr. met Bridget in Wooster. They fell in love and were married. Two children were born to them while living in Crawford County. These children were John and Mary. Later, they came to Henry County and bought a farm in the wooded and swampy district of Section 13, Marion Township in Henry County. (This tract of land is presently owned by the daughter of D. A. Collins, Mildred Collins Okuley.)

They, like all pioneers, endured all the hardships of building their log cabin, clearing and draining the land so that they could begin to raise crops to provide for their family of growing children. They had many setbacks, but their great faith in God always gave them courage to forge ahead. These early pioneers, with their family, were always seen in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church which is near New Bavaria, for Sunday Mass. After about 30 years, a new parish was established in Hamler, proving a great blessing for them both spiritually and temperally. Michael Sr. died Sept. 12, 1889. His wife, Bridget, died 18 years later, May 31, 1907. Both are buried at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Hamler.

Michael E. Collins (Ed), the seventh child, was born on the old homestead on April 26, 1870. He grew up, as any other boy in those early days, attending the one-room country school until he was "bigger than the teacher." He helped his parents with the farm work and also the neighbors whenever they needed a hand.

In his early twenties, he bought a farm of 105 acres in Section 14 in Marion Township. After a short while, Ed met and married Frances Long in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Providence. Frances was the daughter of George and Helen Long. She lived with her parents on a farm in Lucas County until her marriage, at which time they came to live on their Marion Township farm. Of course, over the years, they both worked hard and made many good and profitable improvements. The outstanding one was a ten-room frame house with a bath tub. It also had a cistern piped into the house and of course, you had to use the little pitcher pump. These things were very special for a farm house at the time it was built. In the spring of 1942, this home burned to the ground. Their son Glen and family were living there at the time. It was replaced the same year by a smaller six-room house.

Michael E. and Frances Collins were the parents of six children, four boys and two girls.

George C. was born Aug. 12, 1895. He is a World War I veteran and worked for the State of Ohio many years on the highways. He married Lucille M. Gordon, a nurse and daughter of Simon and Clara Gordon. They are the parents of three children: Robert E., Madonna Marie, and Mary Ann. Mary Ann died in infancy. George and Lucille Collins are now retired and living in Deshler.

Michael M. was born Nov. 24, 1897. He never married. He worked in Detroit many years and is now retired and living in Carlton, Mich.

Glen E. was born Dec. 6, 1899. He farmed for his father most of his life.

He married Maude J. Gordon, a teacher, and daughter of Simon and Clara Gordon. They are the parents of two sons, Thomas V. and John E.

The fourth son, D. Donald, was born Dec. 7, 1902. Father Don was ordained into the priesthood in May, 1929. He served in the Toledo Diocese several years. While still a young man, he lost his health and died in 1953.

Florence F. was born Nov. 21, 1908. She was a nurse, and graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing. Florence died in January, 1975.

Lucille M., born Dec. 7, 1910, was also a St. Vincent graduate. She married Richard Lodge of Toledo. They were the parents of a daughter, Patti. Lucille died in March, 1959, and Richard died five years later.

After a long and active life, M. E. and Frances Collins moved to the village of Hamler, in 1928. There they spent their later years with family and friends. Mr. Collins died in Nov., 1950, and his wife, Frances died in Feb., 1958. Both funeral services were held in St. Paul's Church and both are buried in the church cemetery.

Submitted by Mr. And Mrs. Glen Collins