John Collins (governor)

John Collins ( * March 1, 1776 in Sussex County, Delaware, † April 16, 1822 ) was an American politician and 1821-1822 Governor of the State of Delaware.

Early years and political rise

John Collins has his academic knowledge largely self- taught. Between 1803 and 1807, he was Justice of the Peace in Sussex County. Between 1807 and 1815 he rose in the militia up to Major. He was also successful in business as a miller and Köhler.

Collins was a member of the Democratic- Republican Party. Until 1820, he is hardly kicked politically in appearance. This year he applied as a candidate of his party for the extraordinary gubernatorial election of Delaware. This election was necessitated after the 1819 elected Henry Molleston had died before his inauguration in January 1820. It was then decided that the President of the Senate from Delaware, Jacob Stout for one year, should assume the office of the governor. Then extraordinary elections should decide who should finish the remaining two years of the term of the late Molleston. These elections John Collins was able to win against the Federalists Jesse Green for themselves.

Governor of Delaware

After his election victory Collins took up his new post on January 16, 1821. During his tenure, some places were filled in government committees and the development of road was continued. However, it was Collins begrudged to complete his term regular. He already died in April 1822 and Senate President Caleb Rodney had the tenure to end in January 1823. Thus, it was the three-year term, in the Henry Molleston was elected in 1819, graduated from three different governors.

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