John A. Collins (abolitionist)

He attended Middlebury College, joined the Andover Theological Seminary, and eventually left both to work in the anti-slavery movement.

He combined abolitionism with communitarianism,[2] and anarchism,[3] and eventually became more interested in Owenite socialism.

Upon the failure of this community, he renounced socialist principles as "false in theory and pernicious in their practical tendencies.

"[4]: 197 He left for California in 1849 to follow the gold rush, and became a Whig candidate for the state legislature, also renouncing his earlier abolitionist opinions in the process.

[5][4]: 198  He worked as an attorney, and defended Asian immigrants against Chinese Exclusion Act-related persecution, as well as free thinkers.