John Collins (politician, 1717)

John Collins (born June 8, 1717 in Newport , Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations , † March 8, 1795 ibid) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1786 to 1790 .

Early years and political advancement

John Collins grew up during British colonial rule. He was a businessman and only appeared politically at the beginning of the War of Independence and the American independence movement. In 1774 he was a member of the House of Representatives ( General Assembly ) of Rhode Island, the predecessor of the House of Representatives from Rhode Island . He was elected to the Rhode Island House of Assistance in 1775 and 1777 .

John Collins was an ardent supporter of the independence movement and an admirer of George Washington . In 1776 he was tasked with briefing Washington on the general situation in Rhode Island. From 1778 to 1783 he was a member of the Continental Congress with one interruption . Rhode Island, which was mainly characterized by agriculture, called for the introduction of paper money as a currency. Collins supported this request and was elected the new governor by the state town councils in 1786.

Governor and further curriculum vitae

After he was confirmed in his office in the following years, John Collins was able to rule as governor between May 3, 1786 and May 5, 1790. He enforced the introduction of paper money by law. During his tenure, the state's first cotton mill was built in Providence . Collins made himself unpopular with his fellow citizens, especially farmers, when he cast the decisive vote to convene a special convention to adopt the United States Constitution . The opponents of the constitution wanted to prevent the convening of the convention. He then ratified the new constitution on May 29, 1790 (after Collins' tenure). There were strong currents in Rhode Island that rejected the constitution because they did not want to accept a strong federal government over them. Collins' behavior on this matter cost him re-election in 1790. However, he was elected to the first US Congress . But he never took up this mandate. John Collins died in March 1795. He was married to Mary Avery.

literature

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

Web links

• John Collins in the National Governors Association (English)
• John Collins in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
• John Collins in the database of Find a Grave (English)