Sam L. Collins
Samuel LaFort Collins (August 6, 1895 – June 26, 1965) was a Republican politician from California.
Sam L. Collins | |
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Member of the California State Assembly | |
In office 1940–1952 | |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California | |
In office 1933–1937 | |
Succeeded by | Harry R. Sheppard |
District Attorney of Orange County | |
In office 1930–1932 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Fortville, Indiana | August 6, 1895
Died | June 26, 1965 69) Fullerton, California | (aged
Resting place | Loma Vista Memorial Park, Fullerton, California |
Political party | Republican |
Military service | |
Allegiance | |
Branch/service |
Collins was born in Fortville, Indiana, attended public schools in Indiana and California, and graduated from Chaffey Union High School, Ontario, California, in 1915.
He served as a private in the Hospital Corps, Seventh Infantry, California National Guard on the Mexican border in 1916.
From 1917–1919, he served in the United States Army overseas as a sergeant in Co. C, 364th Infantry, 91st Division. After discharge from the Army, Collins studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1921, and practiced in Fullerton, California.
He was assistant district attorney of Orange County, California, 1926–1930 and district attorney 1930–1932.
In 1932 Collins was elected to the 73rd Congress, and reelected, serving during 1933–1937. He lost his bid for reelection to a third term in 1936.
Collins served as member of the California State Assembly 1940–1952, serving as speaker 1947–1952. Collins was the longest-serving Speaker in California history until the record was broken by Jesse M. Unruh, who was speaker from 1961–1969. Collins is the fourth-longest-serving Speaker behind Leo T. McCarthy (1974–1980), Unruh, and Willie Brown (1980–1995). Collins is the longest-serving Republican Speaker.
After serving in the Assembly, he resumed the practice of law.
Collins died at the age of 69 in Fullerton and is buried at Loma Vista Memorial Park.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.
External links
- United States Congress. "Sam L. Collins (id: C000643)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Sam L. Collins at Find a Grave
U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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Preceded by District created |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 19th congressional district 1933–1937 |
Succeeded by Harry R. Sheppard |
Political offices | ||
Preceded by Thomas Kuchel |
California State Assemblyman, 75th District 1941–1953 |
Succeeded by LeRoy E. Lyon, Jr. |
Preceded by Charles W. Lyon |
Speaker of the California State Assembly January 1947–August 1952 |
Succeeded by James W. Silliman |