Mansfield in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John C. Collier Home

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

1. John C. Collier Home Marker

Inscription. This structure was built in 1877 as a residence for the founder of Mansfield Male and Female College, John C. Collier (1834-1928). A native of South Carolina, Collier was a distinguished educator and Presbyterian minister who in 1869 was asked to establish a school in Mansfield. The college operated from 1870 until 1887 and produced outstanding graduates and community leaders. Located west of the college, the home served also as a residence for female teachers and students.

From 1890 to 1909, the A.J. Dukes family owned the Collier house. They made some major alterations to the home, including the addition of Mansfield's first indoor bathroom. Occupants of the home from 1909 until 1944 were Dr. William B. and Sallie (Hodges) McKnight, both of whom had graduated from Mansfield Male and Female College. Dr. McKnight established a medical practice in Mansfield in 1895 and also served as physician for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The house was adapted as Mansfield's first funeral home by T.E. "Ernie" Blessing in 1944.

Significant for its association with an early Texas educational institution and with several families of community leaders, the John C. Collier home has remained a landmark in Mansfield.

Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2791.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 32° 33.894′ N, 97° 8.304′ W. Marker is in Mansfield, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is at the intersection of Elm Street and Sycamore Street, on the right when traveling west on Elm Street. The marker is located in the front yard of the funeral home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Elm Street, Mansfield TX 76063, United States

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of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Board and Chorn Drugstore (approx. 0.2 miles away); C. A. Smith and Sons Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First National Bank Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mansfeild Mill (approx. ¼ mile away); The Farr Best Theater (approx. ¼ mile away); Masonic Lodge Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Nugent-Hart House (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Jude Catholic Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mansfield.

Also see . . . Collier, John C. (1834–1928). Texas State Historical Association - Handbook of Texas (Submitted on April 4, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

2. John C. Collier Home Marker

The John C. Collier Home and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

3. The John C. Collier Home and Marker

John C. Collier Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

4. John C. Collier Home

The John C. Collier Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

5. The John C. Collier Home

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 4, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.