John Collins

Born in Burlington, New Jersey, in 1814, he was the grandson of the noted printer Isaac Collins and studied at Haverford College as a member of its first graduating class. He first made his name in Philadelphia as a lithographer, opening his own studio in the late 1830s before later turning more fully toward teaching and writing.

His work often joined image and text. He produced illustrated books such as Views of the City of Burlington and The City and Scenery of Newport, Rhode Island, creating vivid records of American places at a time when printmakers and authors were helping shape how readers pictured the country.

He is also remembered as a Quaker teacher, poet, and author whose career crossed several fields without losing its quiet, descriptive charm. He died in 1902, leaving behind a body of work that reflects both artistic skill and a strong sense of place.