John F. Collins (mayor of Providence)
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 February 17, 1872 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | October 6, 1962 (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
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