John Collins (governor)

John Collins
22nd Governor of Delaware
In office January 16, 1821 – April 16, 1822
Preceded by	Jacob Stout
Succeeded by	Caleb Rodney
Personal details
Born	(1776-03-01)March 1, 1776 Sussex County, Delaware Colony
Died	April 16, 1822(1822-04-16) (aged 46) Sussex County, Delaware, US
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Spouse	Jane Hall
Residence(s)	Sussex County, Delaware
Profession	Manufacturer

John Collins (March 1, 1776 – April 16, 1822) was an American manufacturer and politician from Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party and served as Governor of Delaware from 1821 until his death in 1822.

Early life and family

He was born at Collins Mill Pond, in Nanticoke Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware, the son of Captain John and Sarah "Sally" Houston Collins. Captain John Collins had mined bog ore from his property and served twelve years in the Delaware General Assembly. The sister of the younger John, married future Governor David Hazzard. The younger John himself 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.

Political career

Collins was elected governor in 1820 by defeating the Federalist candidate, a longtime member of the 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.

Death and legacy

Collins died at Collins Mill Pond, in Nanticoke Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware at the age of 46. He is buried there on the family farm. No known portrait of John Collins exists.

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.

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

Public Offices
Office	Type	Location	Began office	Ended office	notes
Governor	Executive	Dover	January 16, 1821	April 16, 1822	died in office

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

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.

External links

• Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States
• Delaware’s Governors
• The Political Graveyard

Places with more information

• Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
• University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965