Collier, John L.

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 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 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. (1985)

Collier, John L. is a historical marker in Mansfield, Tarrant County, dedicated in 1985. It is one of 358 historical markers documented in Tarrant County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 501 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.5649, -97.1384 near Mansfield. The nearest cataloged historic site is Chorn, Lester H. and Maybel Bryant, House (historic place), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Bratton, Andrew "Cap" and Emma Doughty, House, Buchanan-Hayter-Witherspoon House, and Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5439002791. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.