John Collins (governor)

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John Collins
John Collins (governor)
In office
January 16, 1821 – April 16, 1822
Preceded by Jacob Stout
Succeeded by Caleb Rodney
Born March 1, 1776(1776-03-01)
Sussex County, Delaware
Died April 16, 1822 (aged 46)
Sussex County, Delaware
Political party Democratic-Republican
Spouse Jane Hall
Residence Sussex County, Delaware
Profession manufacturer
Religion Methodist

John Collins (March 1, 1776 – April 16, 1822) was an American manufacturer and politician from Collins Mill Pond, in Nanticoke Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, who served as Governor of Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Collins was born March 1, 1776 at Collins Mill Pond, in Nanticoke Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware, son of Captain John and Mary Houston Collins. His father was mined bog ore from his property and served twelve years in the Delaware General Assembly. His sister married future Governor David Hazzard. The younger John Collins married Jane Hall, daughter of former Governor David Hall, and had six children, Theophilus, John, Joseph, Sarah, Catherine, and Martha. Their home was at the Collins Mill Pond in Nanticoke Hundred, where he continued the operation of a mill. It is believed they were members of the Methodist Church.

[edit] Political career

Collins was elected Governor in 1820 by defeating the Federalist candidate, long time member of General Assembly, Jesse Green. He was Governor from January 16, 1821 until his death on April 16, 1822. Collins was known for his interest in improving public education. It was during his term that a controversial transit duty began being assessed to support the beginning of a new college in Newark. He also appointed Willard Hall, the future "father of public education," as Secretary of State. Both of these actions would achieve results in later years.

[edit] Death and legacy

Collins died April 16, 1822 at Collins Mill Pond, in Nanticoke Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware. He is buried there, on the family farm.

No known portrait of John Collins exists.


Delaware General Assembly
(sessions while Governor)
Year Assembly Senate Majority Speaker House Majority Speaker
1821 45th Federalist Caleb Rodney Federalist John Cummins
1822 46th Federalist Caleb Rodney Federalist Alrichs Ryland|}

[edit] Almanac

Elections were held on the first Tuesday of October. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday in January, and had a three year term.

Public Offices
Office Type Location Elected Took Office Left Office notes
Governor Executive Dover 1820 January 16, 1821 April 16, 1822 died in office


Election results
Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1820 Governor John Collins Democratic-Republican 3,970 53% Jesse Green Federalist 3,520 47%

[edit] References

  • Conrad, Henry C. (1908). History of the State of Delaware. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Wickersham Company. 
  • Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6. 
  • Martin, Roger A. (1984). History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press. 
  • Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co. 

[edit] External links

[edit] Places with more information


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Government of Delaware