Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
COLLIER, Peter (Major) - Milford
The father of the subject of this sketch, Isaac COLLIER, was
the first settler of the village of Colliersville, and hence its name
after it's first pioneer. He came to the then wilderness country with
his family during the days of the Revolutionary war, descending the
Susquehanna from its source in Otsego lake to that place, which
since, on account of the enterprise of the Collier and GOODYEAR
families, has ranked among the places of prominence in the county.
Isaac Collier was of German descent, and, with the many obstacles
in the way of the pioneer settler (which was no exception in his case),
was enabled to make but little headway in clearings and property
where his progeny in future became noted for wealth. He raised a
large family of children, and lived to the advanced age of eighty years;
his wife surviving him several years, and living to be about one hundred
years of age.
Major Collier was third son in the family, and became inured to the
privations and hardships of the wilderness home, and at the same time
learned those lessons of economy and self-reliance which laid the
foundation of his future success. He leased a large quantity of land
from George CLARK, of Springfield, build a saw-mill, and engaged
extensively in the lumber business. Manufacturing his lumber, by
means of rafts constructed from the same, he shipped it to Baltimore,
where it found ready sale.
Major Collier was known as one of the most enterprising men in the
county; was held in such esteem by his fellowmen, and so characterized
by honesty and integrity of purpose, as to receive their suffrages on
many occasions, and represent them in offices of responsibility and
trust.
He was chairman of the board of supervisors of the county for
several years; was the first loan commissioner of the county for the
United States loan. Although he was a man who, in early life, had
received only a limited opportunity for obtaining an education from
books, which in after-years was largely made up by extensive reading,
he was twice chosen to represent his county in the legislature of the
State, and during one of which terms, in 1831, he became a strong
advocate, and aided largely in the passage of the bill abolishing
imprisonment for debt. Subsequently Major Collier was a presidential
elector, representing the Democratic party. Although an unswerving
member of his party he was not ardent in the desire for official
responsibility, but never shrank from bearing with fidelity the public
burdens intrusted to his care.
Major Collier was born in 1776. Married Miss Elizabeth MAN,
of Schoharie county, N.Y., a woman of good sound mind, a safe
counselor in all her husband's matters, respected and honored by
all who knew her. She was born in the year 1782, and died
March 20, 1863. Major Collier died June 23, 1846. They left
only one daughter, Ann Eliza, wife of Jared GOODYEAR.
Unfortunately there is no likeness of Major Collier in existence,
but a portrait of his wife may be seen above.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, opposite page 197