John F. Collins (mayor of Providence)

Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, US

John F. Collins

28th Mayor of Providence
In office
January 1939 – January 1941
Preceded by| James E. Dunne
Succeeded by| Dennis J. Roberts
Personal details
Born|

John Francis Collins

(1872-02-17)February 17, 1872
Providence, Rhode Island
Died| October 6, 1962(1962-10-06) (aged 90)
North Providence, Rhode Island
Resting place| St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket
Political party| Republican
Spouse| Juliana Grace Murray
Education| La Salle Academy
Alma mater| St. Charles College, Boston University School of Law
Occupation| Lawyer, politician

John Francis Collins (February 17, 1872 – October 6, 1962) was an American lawyer and 28th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island. He served one term, from 1939 to 1941.

## Personal life

[edit]

John Francis Collins was born February 17, 1872, in Providence, Rhode Island to Michael R. Collins and Catherine Dwyer Collins. He attended public schools and graduated La Salle Academy.[1] After attending St. Charles College, Collins returned to Providence to work at James Hanley's Brewing Company and the old Providence Brewing Company.[1]

Collins was a Roman Catholic, and member of St. Paul's Church in Edgewood.[1]

Collins married Juliana Grace Murray, daughter of Providence police chief John Andrew Murray.[1]

## Law career

[edit]

Collins graduated Boston University School of Law in 1908 and was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1909.[1] He opened his own law office two years later.[1]

During World War I, Collins served as legal advisor to the Rhode Island Draft board.[2]

From 1921 to 1923, Collins served as special assistant to the United States Attorney for Rhode Island to prosecute Prohibition cases.[1] He was elected to the City Council in 1925 and 1927.[1]

## Mayor of Providence

[edit]

After losing races as the Republican candidate for mayor of Providence in 1934 and 1936, Collins defeated incumbent James E. Dunne in 1938 by 4,591 votes.[1] At his first meeting of the Board of Aldermen in 1939 Collins caused some controversy by appointing himself as chairman of the Bureau of Police and Fire.[1] He resigned from that post in 1940.[1]

During his single term as mayor, Collins also:

* Pushed to build city sidewalks with labor from the Works Progress Administration[1]
* Fought against installation of parking meters, feeling they were unconstitutional[1][2]
* Proposed to cover the open canal in Market Square and rent the space for parking[1]
* Fought with members of his own party, as well as with Democrats[1]
* Refused perks such as a post-election victory dinner and official City Hall Portrait. He later relented on the portrait.[1][2]

Collins was nominated for re-election in 1940, but was defeated by former state senator Dennis J. Roberts.[1]

## Later life, death and burial

[edit]

After his electoral defeat, Collins returned to his law practice and was involved in several church and civic organizations.[1]

Collins died Saturday, October 6, 1962, at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, aged 90.[1] He had suffered a monthlong illness,[1] the nature of which was not disclosed in obituaries. He was buried at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket.[1]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Ex-Mayor Collins, 90, Dies, Served in 30s". The Providence Journal. 6 October 1962. pp. 1, 42.
2. ^ a b c "Mayors of the City of Providence". The City of Providence website. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 17 Jan 2016.

Political offices

Preceded by

James E. Dunne

|  Mayor of Providence
1939-1941  | Succeeded by

Dennis J. Roberts

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* t
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Mayors of Providence, Rhode Island

* Bridgham
* Burgess
* Barstow
* Danforth
* Knowles
* Smith
* Rodman
* Knight
* Doyle
* Clarke
* Doyle
* Hayward
* Doyle
* Robbins
* Barker
* Smith
* Potter
* Olney
* McGuinness
* Baker
* Granger
* Miller
* Dyer
* McCarthy
* Fletcher
* Gainer
* Dunne
* Collins
* Roberts
* Reynolds
* Doorley
* Cianci
* Paolino
* Cianci
* Lombardi
* Cicilline
* Taveras
* Elorza
* Smiley

Elections
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