Delaware Governor. Collins received a private education and took over operation of his father's business mining and smelting the bog iron contained on the family's property around Collins Pond, later expanding his interests to include a sawmill and a gristmill. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1803 and served until 1807. Collins also served in the militia, receiving appointment as Lieutenant in 1807 and eventually attaining the rank of Major. In 1820 he was the successful Democratic-Republican candidate for Governor, Delaware's first who had not previously held elective office. Interested in improving public education, as Governor he advocated a transit duty to fund Newark College, which was later merged with Delaware College to form the University of Delaware. He died before his term expired, and was buried near Collins Pond. His son Theophilus took over operation of the iron works and continued operating it until 1850. John Collins's wife Jane was the daughter of Governor David Hall, and his sister Elizabeth was the wife of Governor David Hazzard.
Delaware Governor. Collins received a private education and took over operation of his father's business mining and smelting the bog iron contained on the family's property around Collins Pond, later expanding his interests to include a sawmill and a gristmill. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1803 and served until 1807. Collins also served in the militia, receiving appointment as Lieutenant in 1807 and eventually attaining the rank of Major. In 1820 he was the successful Democratic-Republican candidate for Governor, Delaware's first who had not previously held elective office. Interested in improving public education, as Governor he advocated a transit duty to fund Newark College, which was later merged with Delaware College to form the University of Delaware. He died before his term expired, and was buried near Collins Pond. His son Theophilus took over operation of the iron works and continued operating it until 1850. John Collins's wife Jane was the daughter of Governor David Hall, and his sister Elizabeth was the wife of Governor David Hazzard.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Family Members
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See more Collins memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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