Obituary of Rev. Daniel L. Collie

from Texas Southwestern Advocate, Nov. 1932
Newspaper clipping and photo from
Jean Martin Wallace, January 2001

Daniel L. Collie was born Feb. 12, 1858 in Lyon County Ky. He died Nov. 8, 1932 in Louisville, Ky. His parents were devoted Christians and reared their children in the atmosphere of religion. He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen and was the youngest of sixteen children. His education was received at the old Eddyville Academy, one of the strong schools of that day. The money paid for his tuition was earned by him by working on a farm at fifty cents a day. It is needless to say that a boy possessed of such courage and determination used wisely and diligently his opportunity. After finishing his work in the Academy he taught school for two years.

Daniel L. Collie in 1888 Photo also in Century of Progress, Louisville Conference, Methodist Church, 1946, Louisville Conference Historical Society, Herald Press, Louisville Ky., p 118, photo #28, "D. L. Collie, Louisville Conference, Lebanon, Kentucky, 1888."

He was licensed to preach March 18, 1871 and in the fall of that year was received on trial in the Louisville Conference. His first appointment was the Fredonia Circuit, which embraced that part of Lyon County in which he was born and reared. No finer compliment could have been paid the young preacher than to be sent in his first year to minister to the people among whom he had spent his childhood and young manhood.

He was transferred to the Denver Conference and stationed at Colorado Springs. He remained there only one year, then returned to the Louisville Conference where he served the Jefferson St. and Marcus Lindsey Memorial Churches in the City of Louisville.

In 1902 he was transferred to the New Mexico Conference and stationed at Trinity El Paso. After finishing a most successful quadrennium in El Paso, he was transferred to the old Northwest Texas Conference and at its division he came into the Central Texas Conference. Some of the churches he served in these two conferences were: Abilene, Stephenville and Arlington. After serving Arlington for four years he was appointed Agent of superannuates Home in the Central Texas Conference. This place he filled with great credit t himself and the cause, for fourteen years before he, himself joined the ranks of the superannuates five years ago. Into his work he put his best, it was a work of love. He was never happier than when he was working to provide a home for some aged minister. He preached in practically every charge of the conference and secured nine homes for the worn-out servants of the church.

On Sept. 18, 1877, Bro. Collie married Miss Sallie C. Morris of Big Springs, Ky., a woman most worthy to grace his home and bless his life. The years of their companionship were happy and blessed. Two kindred souls had met and they "became one". Their joy was full, their happiness complete. She left him some years ago, but he courageously walked on in the light of her love and in the blessed memory of what she was and is. To them were born eight children; M. W. Collie, Pecos, O. P. Collie of Ft. Worth, Mrs. P. L. King, Middletown, Ky., Mrs. Louis Root of Louisville, Ky., Mrs. J. F. Nail of Elizabethtown Ky., Mrs. Ed Haight of El Paso, Mrs. J. F. Garrison of Little Rock, Ark., and Mrs. Will S. Horn of Fort Worth. These survive him and are splendid examples of his fatherly wisdom and love. The memory of his stainless life will be to them a richer inheritance than any material possession however vast.

Bro. Collie was a good man. He loved God. He had a rich and deep experience. From the day of his conversion he grew in grace. His foundation was sure, he felt the everlasting Rock beneath his feet. Doubts troubled him but little, for he was sure of God. God was not a force but a Person not far away but at hand. God was a father who tenderly cared for His children, so he gladly committed all to Him. He had a gentle nature kind and sympathetic. His attitude toward all was tender. There was no roughness or harshness in him. His voice was soft and appealing. He moved without friction among his brethren. He was much loved because he was a lover. No storms raged about him, peace and gentleness emanated from him. His heart was always warm and tender.

He was an effective and impressive preacher. He loved to preach. It was his one work. He gave himself to it with all the force of head and heart. It was an opportunity to win a soul, instruct a saint. Preaching to him was serious business and he tried to make the best preparation for it. The people heard him gladly. He won many for Christ.

He was a great pastor, a tender shepherd. His people loved him. He joyfully ministered to them. They revere his memory. His blessed influence abides. His life was a busy one. He lived not for himself. He was an affectionate husband, a loving father, and inspiring preacher, a sympathetic pastor, a wise friend and kind neighbor. For five years he was superannuated and lived with his daughter in Elizabethtown, Ky., near the home of his boyhood.

For sometime he was totally blind but continued cheerful and happy. The last six months were spent in the Deaconess Hospital of Louisville where everything possible was done to minister to his comfort. We miss the presence of our beloved brother, but his spirit lingers with us to cheer and ..... to nobler living.

F. P. CULVER