William Collins (New York politician)

William Collins (February 22, 1818 – June 18, 1878) was a United States Representative from New York.

William Collins
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 18th district
In office March 4, 1847 – March 4, 1849
Preceded by	Preston King
Succeeded by	Preston King
District attorney for Lewis County
In office March 1845 – March 1847
Personal details
Born	(1818-02-22)February 22, 1818 Lowville, New York
Died	June 18, 1878(1878-06-18) (aged 60) Cleveland, Ohio
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Lori Hays

Collins was born in Lowville on February 22, 1818, and was the son of Congressman Ela Collins and Maria Clinton Collins.

He studied law with his father, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Lowville. He served as district attorney for Lewis County from March 1845 until March 1847, when he resigned because he had been elected as a Democrat to the Thirtieth Congress (March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1849). He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1848.

In November 1847, William Collins married Jane Kelley; they had seven children.[1]

Collins moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1853 and continued the practice of law, and also engaged in banking and business. He served as a director of the Lake Shore Railroad and East Cleveland Railroad. He affiliated with the Republican Party upon its organization in 1856, and died in Cleveland on June 18, 1878. His interment was in Lake View Cemetery.