John Collins (c. 1775-c. 1823) was one of the more colorful members of the Corps of Discovery, known both for disciplinary troubles and for his skills as a hunter. He was court-martialed twice during the early weeks of the expedition — once for being drunk on duty and once for tapping the whiskey barrel.
Despite these early infractions, Collins proved to be a capable soldier and hunter for the remainder of the journey. His ability to brew beer from camas roots during the stay with the Nez Perce was noted with appreciation by his fellow soldiers.
Collins is believed to have been killed in 1823 during a Arikara attack on William Ashley’s fur trading party near the Grand River — one of several expedition veterans who died in the dangerous fur trade on the upper Missouri.
