William Collins

William Collins was born on February 22, 1818, in Lowville, New York. He was the son of Ela Collins, who also served as a United States Congressman, and Maria Clinton Collins. Collins pursued his early education and studied law under the guidance of his father.

He was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in Lowville. From March 1845 to March 1847, he served as the district attorney for Lewis County, New York. During this period, Collins was elected as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for the Thirtieth Congress, serving from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. He chose not to seek renomination in 1848 and declined to run for another term.

In November 1847, William Collins married Jane Kelley. The couple had seven children.

In 1853, Collins relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he continued his profession as a lawyer. In addition to practicing law, he engaged in banking and business activities. He served as a director of the Lake Shore Railroad and the East Cleveland Railroad.

William Collins joined the Republican Party upon its formation in 1856. He remained active in his professional and business pursuits until his death. Collins died in Cleveland on June 18, 1878. He was interred in Lake View Cemetery.