Collins, Susan 1851-1940

COLLINS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 10/22/2013 at 02:48:31

Fayette, Ia. - Funeral services were held here for Miss Susan Collins, 89, Negro missionary. The Rev. W.H. Mitchell, pastor of the Methodist Church at West Union officiated. Burial was at Lima.

Miss Collins was born in Madison County, Illinois, on July 3, 1851. At the beginning of the Civil War her father joined a colored regiment from Illinois and served until the end of the war. In November, 1865, the family moved to Fayette County. She received her education in the public schools, attended Upper Iowa University for several terms, and in 1882 she went to Huron, S.D., where she opened a laundry.

In 1887 she became a missionary and her first service was in Africa where she served 18 years without salary. She then returned to America, later going back to Africa for 15 years.

Five years ago the local Methodist Church recognized her services and erected a star in the ceiling of the church auditorium. It is lighted during each church service.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Monday evening edition, June 10, 1940