John Collins (Continental Congress) facts for kids

John Collins (born June 8, 1717 – died March 4, 1795) was an important leader in early American history. He served as the third governor of Rhode Island from 1786 to 1790. He was also a delegate to the Continental Congress, which was like the first government of the United States. John Collins signed the Articles of Confederation, which was the first agreement among the 13 original states. Because of his work, he is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Early Life and Family

John Collins was born in Newport, which was part of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at the time. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Collins.

He later married Mary Avery, who was the daughter of John Avery from Boston. Their daughter, Abigail, married a famous surgeon named John Warren.

A Leader for Independence

John Collins strongly believed that the Thirteen Colonies should be free from British rule. He was a big supporter of George Washington, who became the first President of the United States.

In 1776, the governor of Rhode Island chose Collins to deliver an important letter to Washington. This letter shared information about Rhode Island's situation and asked for advice on how to protect the colony during the American Revolution.

Serving in the Continental Congress

In 1778, Collins became a representative for Rhode Island in the Second Continental Congress. This was a group of delegates from the colonies who made important decisions during the Revolution. He served there until May 1781.

He was re-elected in 1782 and continued to serve in the Congress until 1783.

Governor of Rhode Island

In 1782, Collins was chosen to explain Rhode Island's reasons for not accepting the Impost Act to the President of Congress. The Impost Act was a plan to have a national tax on imported goods.

During the American Revolution, Rhode Island was mostly a farming area. Many people there did not want a strong national government telling them what to do. They also wanted to use paper money.

Collins supported these ideas, and in 1786, he was elected governor. While he was governor, Rhode Island started printing paper money again. A new law said that if someone owed money and the person they owed refused to accept the paper money, the debtor could pay the money to a judge instead. This law led to a famous court case called Trevett vs. Weeden. This case was important because it suggested that courts could decide if laws made by the government were against the rules (unconstitutional).

Rhode Island Joins the United States

When George Washington became President on April 30, 1789, Rhode Island was one of only two states that had not yet agreed to join the new United States Constitution. This meant Rhode Island was technically an independent country, and John Collins was its leader.

Many people in Rhode Island, called Anti-Federalists, did not want to join the new Federal Union. They fought against holding a meeting to decide. However, on January 17, 1790, the General Assembly (Rhode Island's government) voted to hold such a meeting. This vote passed by just one vote!

That single vote was cast by Governor John Collins. He had realized how important it was for Rhode Island to be part of the United States. This decision made him unpopular and cost him his job as governor. He left office on May 5, 1790. Soon after, on May 29, Rhode Island officially approved the United States Constitution.

Later in 1790, Collins was elected to the first U.S. Congress, but he decided not to take his seat.

Later Life and Legacy

John Collins passed away in Newport and was buried on his farm, "Brenton Neck", near Brenton Point.

His grandson, John Collins Covell (1823–1887), was named after him. John Collins Covell became a principal at schools for the deaf and blind in Virginia and West Virginia.

The Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution holds a special event each year on Rhode Island Independence Day (May 4) at Governor Collins' grave to honor him.