COLLAIS, Benjamin Franklin: 1852-1930

COLLAIS, FICKLE, ROBISON, HASTINGS, KELLEY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/16/2013 at 21:12:08

Benjamin Franklin Collais

Benjamin Franklin Collais was born August 28, 1852 in Fairfield County, Ohio, and died at his home east of Birmingham, Iowa. Nov. 23, 1930, aged 78 years, 2 months and 25 days.

**Handwritten: 1930

His mother was Rachel Fickel, a native of Ohio, and his father, John Henry Collais, a native of Germany.

He was married to Mary Ann Robison, February 16, 1876, his wife preceded him in death May 28, 1920. To this union were born two children, who survive, Mrs. Elsie Hastings and David Collais, who tenderly cared for him in his declining years and last illness. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Mildred Kelley in Quincy, Ill., Mary Collais and John Hastings; one great-grandchild Darold E. Kelley; a half brother, Charles Collais, in Tacoma, Washington.

Left an orphan at an early age, he did not have the usual surroundings and advantages of most boys, but by unusual striving and perserverence made his way in the world, living in different places until early manhood he came to Iowa, where he has since resided.

He has lived in his late home since 1893, and is among the last of the old residents of the community. He had lived an active, vigourous life, and until the Friday previous to his death was able to be about the home.

He was a member of the A.F. & A.M. lodge at Winchester and of the Birmingham Presbyterian church.

The funeral service was held at the Presbyterian church on Monday morning at 11 o'clock, in charge of the pastor, Rev. H.C. Irvine. Interment in the Maple Hill cemetery beside his wife.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 261, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA