Dr. Alexander Collar

Alexander Collar was born in New York sometime around the year 1822. Not very much is known about his early years. He was living in Wayne, Michigan by 1849, and was already a physician. He practiced for a few years with Dr. Hume, prior to the latter's death in 1852. After that, being the only physician in the area, he became an affluent, well respected member of the community. His home was on the southeast corner of Main St. and Washington. Dr Collar married a woman from Snow's landing named Clarisa. The couple would have only one child, a girl named Ida, who was born in 1854.

Dr. Collar was a true patriot and Union man. He was very active in the patriotic rallies in the summer of 1862, particularly those involving the 24th.

"On Thursday, July 31 two spirited demonstrations were held in the Congregational Church at Wayne. In the afternoon, Colonel Morrow earnestly pleaded with the wives and mothers to give up their husbands and sons for their country. Upon a vote, many women rose up who were willing to make the sacrifice. One mother of five boys rose in opposition declaring she would disown her sons if they should go. Upon hearing that two of them had enlisted , she relented, and called God's blessing upon them. It was only a mother's love. Dr. Alexander Collar presided at the evening meeting. The enthusiasm was strong and good results followed. A large number of ladies were present who manifested their approval with smiles and tears." (Curtis p. 35)

Small wonder, then that he offered Colonel Morrow his services and became one of the 24th Michigan's original Assistant Surgeons. Dr. Collar was highly regarded by the citizens of Wayne, and before he went off to war, they presented him with a sword.

Dr. Collar helped to treat the Regiment's first casualties at Fredericksburg, and also those at Fitzhugh Crossing. For the next several months, however, he was primarily occupied in treating in treating the sick. The 24th Michigan, like all Civil War regiments, experienced a "winnowing" period after its muster. Dr. Collar cared for men who, filled with patriotic fervor, volunteered but were actually unfit for the rigors of field service. He cared for farm boys who, in the close confines of the camp, finally were exposed to what we now term as "childhood diseases." He cared for men injured while performing their duties. He treated those who became ill because of exposure during the Mud March.

This would all change on July 1, 1863. Dr. Collar was left with the wounded at Gettysburg, where he worked day and night at the amputation table and in the hospitals. He must have carried the horror of those terrible weeks with him through the rest of his life. His exertions at Gettysburg took a great toll, and at 42 Alexander Collar was not a young man. He was granted a leave of absence on July 25, 1863. He resigned his commission on September 18, 1863 for reasons of ill health, and was given an honorable discharge.

While at Gettysburg, Dr. Collar had the distinction of having dressed the wounds of John L. Burns, the civilian hero of the great battle. Dr. Collar and Chaplain Way called on the old gentleman, thanked him for his efforts, and Dr. Collar cleaned and dressed his wounds.

After his resignation, Dr. Collar returned to Wayne and resumed his practice on Main Street. For a time he mentored a young physician, Ira Fletcher, who had served as a private with him in the 24th Michigan. The two became great friends, and may have practiced together.

Dr. Collar's daughter Ida never married. She became a pillar of the Congregational Church, and taught Sunday School for many years.There are no direct descendants of Dr. Collar alive today.

Dr. Alexander Collar died on September 4, 1883 at the age of 60. Dr. Collar, his wife, and daughter rest side by side in Glenwood Cemetery. Ira Fletcher rests nearby.

Dr. Alexander Collar

Some of the information on this page is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.