Johnson Collins facts for kids

Johnson Collins, also known as Collin Collins, was an American politician who lived from 1847 to 1906. He is remembered for representing Brunswick County in the Virginia General Assembly. This was Virginia's main law-making group, and Collins served there from 1879 to 1880. He was an African-American man, born in Virginia in August 1847. Not much is known about his early life.

Political Career of Johnson Collins

Joining the Virginia House of Delegates

In 1879, Johnson Collins decided to run for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. This is one of the two parts of the Virginia General Assembly. He won the election by a small number of votes. He beat the person who was already holding the position (called the incumbent) and another candidate.

Serving in the General Assembly

While serving in the General Assembly, Collins was part of two important groups. These were the Committee on Federal Relations and Resolutions and the Committee on Public Property. He also supported a new law that was proposed by Harrison H. Riddleberger. Riddleberger was a member of the Readjuster Party, a political group at that time.

Later Life and Recognition

Moving to Washington, D.C.

After his term ended, Johnson Collins did not try to get re-elected. He later moved to Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. He passed away there on November 3, 1906.

Burial and Remembrance

Collins was first buried at the Columbian Harmony Cemetery. However, in the 1960s, his remains were moved to the National Harmony Memorial Park. In 2013, the state of Virginia honored Johnson Collins. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission recognized him. He was one of several African-Americans who served as Senators, Delegates, or members of the Virginia Constitutional Convention between 1867 and 1868.

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era