John COLLINS, Congress, RI (1717-1795)

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.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present