Edward Collins, 1704-1753, was born in Albany to John and Margarita Schuyler Verplanck Collins. John Collins was likely the first professional lawyer in Albany. Following his father, he became a commissioned officer in British garrison companies which manned forts in Schenectady and Albany. Following the death of his father in 1728, he entered into law while serving as Albany Town Major and a Commissioner of Indian Affairs. In 1733, he married Margaret Bleecker. He was a partner in the Walloomsac Patent and attorney and agent representing Westenhook patentees. The Bleeckers had been one of the families to be awarded land by the Westenhook Patent under Royal Governor Lord Cornbury in 1705. In 1742, this land was contested by Connecticut. In 1746, he was appointed Recorder and Deputy Mayor of Albany. Collins died in 1753 at which time his estate passed to his wife.