Maria L. (Sinex) Collins
Republican Leader
Salem, Washington County, Indiana
Friday, September 19, 1902

A Sudden Call.

Mrs. Maria L. Collins, widow of the late Judge Thomas L. Collins died suddenly at her country home, Beechwood, Tuesday morning at 12:30 of heart failure.

Mrs. Collins was in her usual health Monday evening and came to town and attended the last meeting of the official board of the M. E. church before conference. She complained of fatigue but was not ill. She left for her home in her carriage at 9 P.M. At twelve she awakened her niece, Nora Walker, and said she was ill. Other members of the household were called and Dr. Purkhiser was called by phone, but she sank rapidly and died in about thirty minutes and before the physician arrived. Mrs. Maria L. Collins was born in New Albany Ind. Feb. 28, 1836 and died at Salem Tuesday September 16, 1902, at the age of 66 years 7 months and 12 days. She was a daughter of Thomas and Flora Sinex. She attended school in her native city and entered the College at Bloomington, graduating from the classical and musical departments. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church and her religious life has been a beautiful example to admire and follow. The care and thought given to those around her: the kind word and smile for everyone, caused her to be loved and respected by all. Her ability to entertain, with music or conversation, was a rare treat to those who came to her home. In early childhood she met Thomas L. Collins to whom she was united in marriage in 1856 and together they lived a devoted and happy life until his death which occurred June 24, 1889. After his death she continued to reside in Salem until the year 1900 when she built a residence on her farm and it was appropriately named "Beechwood".

Her funeral took place from the M. E. church Wednesday at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. A. D. Batchelor her pastor and attended by a host of friends who assembled to pay their respects to her memory. Interment followed at Crown Hill.

Those present at the funeral from a distance were, Mr. Edward Woodfill, Mrs. Harvey Walker, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Sinex, Mrs. J. R. Huncilman all of New Albany; Mr. Elisha Sinex, Chevanese, Ill.; Mrs. C. E. Wilson, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Mr. N. E. Rodman, wife and daughter, of South Boston.