John Collins (politician, 1776)

John Collins (born March 1, 1776 in Sussex County , Delaware Colony , † April 16, 1822 ibid) was an American politician and governor of the state of Delaware from 1821 to 1822 .

Early years and political advancement

John Collins largely taught himself his school knowledge. Between 1803 and 1807 he was a Justice of the Peace in Sussex County. Between 1807 and 1815 he rose to major in the militia. In addition, he was commercially successful as a miller and Köhler.

Collins was a member of the Democratic Republican Party . Until 1820, however, it hardly appeared politically. That year he ran as his party's candidate for the extraordinary gubernatorial election of Delaware. This election became necessary after Henry Molleston , who was elected in 1819, died before his inauguration in January 1820. It was then decided that the President of the Delaware Senate , Jacob Stout , would serve as governor for a year. Extraordinary elections would then decide who should end the late Molleston's two-year term. John Collins won these elections against federalist Jesse Green.

Delaware Governor

After his election victory, Collins took up his new office on January 16, 1821. During his tenure, some positions in government committees were filled and the expansion of the roads continued. However, Collins was not allowed to end his term in office. He died in April 1822 and Senate President Caleb Rodney had to end his term by January 1823. Thus, the three-year term to which Henry Molleston was elected in 1819 was served by three different governors.

Governor Collins had six children with his wife, Jane Hall, daughter of ex-Governor David Hall . Collins was also the brother-in-law of future Governor David Hazzard , who served from 1830 to 1833.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 1, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• John Collins in the National Governors Association (English)
• The governors of Delaware (English)
• John Collins in the database of Find a Grave (English)