Thomas Collins (governor)

Thomas Collins ( * 1732 in Smyrna, Delaware, † March 29, 1789 ) was an American lawyer who served as president of the Delaware General Assembly from 1786 until his death. Under his leadership, Delaware ratified in 1787 as the first state to the Constitution of the United States.

Early years

Thomas Collins enjoyed a private education, which included a legal education. Collins has never worked as a lawyer. In 1760 he acquired an estate which he called " Sheerness " called. In the following years he acquired more land. From all this we can conclude that his remained unknown parents must have been very wealthy and had left him a rich heritage.

Political rise

Between 1764 and 1767 Collins was sheriff in Kent County. From 1767 to 1775 he was intermittently a member of the colonial Parliament of the lower counties on the Delaware River. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, he joined the American cause and was a member of the Constituent Congress of Delaware. At the same time he joined the militia, in which he should ascend to brigadier general. However, he saw no major military operations, because he commanded the protection force in Delaware and was entrusted with the defense of the territories on the lower reaches of the Delaware River. Between 1778 and 1782 he was a member of the Senate from Delaware, and at times its president. After that he became a judge in a court of appeal. This post he held until 1786.

President (Governor ) of Delaware

In October 1786 Thomas Collins was elected by the Legislature as the new President of his state. Until 1793, the Prime Minister of the State of Delaware was entitled " President " from 1793 was then the term " Governor " has been introduced. Thomas Collins served his country 1786-1789 as head of government. During his tenure, Delaware ratified the new constitution was the first state of the United States. Beginning of 1789, the health of Collins deteriorated dramatically. He was bedridden and could not go as planned to attend the inauguration of George Washington as the first U.S. president. Thomas Collins died on 29 March 1789. He was the first Prime Minister of Delaware, who died in office. His term of office was terminated by Jehu Davis. Thomas Collins had four children with his wife Sarah. About his sister Elizabeth, he was the brother of John Cook, who for a short time in 1783 head of government in Delaware.