John Collins (governor)
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| John Collins | |
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| January 16, 1821 – April 16, 1822 | |
| Preceded by | Jacob Stout |
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| Succeeded by | Caleb Rodney |
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| Born | March 1, 1776 Sussex County, Delaware |
| Died | April 16, 1822 Sussex County, Delaware |
| Residence | Sussex County, Delaware |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Spouse | Jane Hall |
| 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.
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[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.
[edit] Public offices
Elections were held on the first Tuesday of October. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday in January, and had a three year term.
| Office | Type | Location | Elected | Took Office | Left Office | notes |
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| Governor | Executive | Dover | 1820 | January 16, 1821 | April 16, 1822 | died in office |
[edit] Election results
| Year | Office | Subject | Party | Votes | % | Opponent | Party | Votes | % | ||
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| 1820 | Governor | John Collins | Democratic-Republican | 3,970 | 53% | Jesse Green | Federalist | 3,520 | 47% |
[edit] References
- Sobel, Robert; J. Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4.
- Hoffecker, Carol E. (2004). Democracy in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware: Cedar Tree Books. ISBN 1-892142-23-6.
- Scharf, John Thomas (1888). History of Delaware 1609-1888. 2 vols.. Philadelphia: L. J. Richards & Co..
- Martin, Roger A. (1984). History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press.
- Conrad, Henry C. (1908). History of the State of Delaware. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Wickersham Company.
[edit] External links
- Delaware’s Governors [1].
- John Collins marker [2]
- History of Delaware 1609-1888 [3]
- National Governors Association [4]
- The Political Graveyard [5].
[edit] Places with more information
- Historical Society of Delaware [6] 505 Market St., Wilmington, Delaware (302) 655-7161
- University of Delaware Library [7] 181 South College Ave., Newark, Delaware (302) 831-2965
