Richard Daniel Mack Collins (1857 - 1916)

The family lived in Converse, Spartanburg Co, SC for a while where they ran a store. From family stories, I gather that "Dick" Collins was quite a colorful character. Despite his short stature (purported to be 5'6"), Dick must have been irresistible to the ladies . He was supposedly shot to death by an irate husband after he found him in bed with his wife. Caldonia must have gotten fed up with his philandering ways , as they separated in 1905 but never divorced. About 1911 Caldonia moved her family back to Polk Co.

An amicable separation agreement recorded in the form of a "Release" recorded in Book 4-E, Pages 409-10, Spartanburg Co., S.C., 11-10-1905 reads in part: "In consideration of the sum of $1,500 made up as follows; one tract of land in Polk County containing 107 1/2 acres, conveyed to me this day , worth $1000, and 3 mules, 2 cows, 3 calves, 4 hogs, 3 wagons, 2 buggies and all farming tools and household and kitchen furniture; also the present crop of every sort, gathered and growing upon the lands near the town of Converse in Spartanburg County, upon which I and my children now reside, a bill of sale to all of which has this day been executed, which I value at $500. In consideration of which I hereby bind myself, my heirs executors etc. to make no claim whatsoever against the said D.M. Collins, for any right I may have in adn to the property real or personal of D.M. Collins, by reason of being the lawful wife of the said D.M. Collins. Signed, Caldonia R. Collins"