Collins, John, 1717-1795

<p>John Collins (June 8, 1717 – March 4, 1795), was the third governor of the U.S. state of Rhode Island from 1786 to 1790. He was the last Independent to serve as governor of Rhode Island until Lincoln Chafee (2011–2015). He signed the Articles of Confederation and is thus considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.</p>

<p>Born in Newport in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, he was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Collins.</p>

<p>He stood forth as a staunch advocate of the independence of the Thirteen Colonies. An admirer of George Washington, he was selected by the governor of Rhode Island in 1776 to carry a letter to Washington informing him of the condition of the colony and soliciting counsel upon the best method to adopt for its defense. In 1778, Collins represented Rhode Island in the Second Continental Congress, where he served until May 1781, when he was superseded by William Ellery. He was, however, re-elected in 1782 and held the position until 1783.</p>

COLLINS, John, a Delegate from Rhode Island; born in Newport, R.I., June 8, 1717; member of the committee sent by the general assembly in September 1776 to inform General Washington of the condition of the colony and obtain his views upon the best method to adopt for its defense; Member of the Continental Congress 1778-1780 and 1782-1783; Governor of Rhode Island 1786-1790; as Governor he cast the deciding vote in the senate, thereby assuring the calling of a convention to decide upon the acceptance of the Constitution of the United States; elected to the First Congress but did not take his seat; died in Newport, R.I., March 4, 1795; interment on his farm, ``Brenton Neck,'' near Newport, R.I.

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li> 04/07/1790 RI Governor Lost 0.00% (-100.00%)</li>
<li> 04/01/1789 RI Governor Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 04/02/1788 RI Governor Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 04/04/1787 RI Governor Won 72.24% (+44.48%)</li>
<li> 04/05/1786 RI Governor Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1782 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1781 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1780 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1779 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1778 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li> 12/31/1777 RI Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
</ul>

<p>John Collins was an active patriot of Rhode Island during the Revolution. He was born in that State in 1717. After receiving a good education, he studied law, and became an advocate of considerable reputation. Being a zealous supporter of the rights of the colonists, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress, where his services were of a practical and efficient character. When the independence of his country was once declared, he lent all his energies to upholding the declaration, and was a chief advocate of the Articles of Confederation to which we find his signature affixed.</p>

<p>In 1786, Mr. Collins was elected governor of Rhode Island; and he held that office until 1789. He then retired from the theatre of public action, to enjoy the calm pleasures of private life. He died in 1795, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was an earnest and intelligent patriot.</p>