Collinsville Times
February 18, 1932

E.R. RAGSDALE
Mr. Ragsdale came to Collinsville long before there was a town here. He was born near Mobile, Alabama January 20, 1859, and lived in that place until he was 6 years old. His parents then moved to Louisiana, where they lived two years before coming to this country. His father bought a tract of land, a part of which is now the present township of Collinsville, and the family moved into a little log cabin about one quarter of a mile from the present town site on Christmas Day 1869.
He was 10 years old when his parents came to this country.  In recalling the early days here, Mr. Ragsdale remembered when this country was infested with outlaws, cow thieves, and other ruffians. He also remembered of many culprits being hanged "on the spot" when found guilty of such a crime. Mr. Ragsdale was married January 7, 1883 here in Collinsville to Miss Bettie Nichols and after her death in 1891, he married her sister Mollie Nichols in 1892. These ladies were the daughters of A.F. and Martha Nichols. Mr. Ragsdale is the father of four children, one girl Eula, married to Van Pearce; and Rupert, married to Edna Harbison; Erlin, married Miss Bess Moore; and Herman L., who lives here in Collinsville, and is also a businessman.
Mr. Ragsdale recalled the days Governor Murray lived here and remembers "Alfalfa Bill" as a boy. He also remembers the parents of the Governor.

Children of Elkin Reed Ragsdale & Bettie Nichols
Austin Erlin Ragsdale
Herman Lee Ragsdale
Rupert C. Ragsdale