USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II > Part 88
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elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1860, and held the position by re-elections for thirteen suc- cessive years. The term for which he was last chosen should have continued three years longer; but by a change by the Legislature of the judicial system of the state that court was abolished. At the close of his judicial life he again resumed the practice of law. But failing health soon compelled him to abandon it, which he at once set about doing by dropping his clients as fast as circumstances would permit, and refusing new ones. Since this he has occupied himself by superin- tending a small farm, which he owns, joining the town of Albion, and looking after his banking and other business. Judge Clapp is a Mason, of the Royal Arch degree. In religion he is orthodox in belief, yet does not accept all of the practices and dogmas of any Church. He is a liberal contributor to the necessities of all the Churches in his community, and is willing to and in any plan by which happiness may be increased and wretchedness diminished. In the Legislature Judge Clapp was industrious and conscientious in the discharge of his duties; a strong partisan, yet always tolerant of the views of his associates. While auditor the admin- istration of the office was marked for its promptness .and correctness. In the days of his professional activity he stood in the front rank with his compeers. In the trial of suits he was usually successful. The careful preparation of his cases made him an advocate of very great power before court and jury. But even stronger was his position as councilor. If courts of arbitration are ever established by the Legislature, such men as Judge Clapp are the ones who will be sought for to fill the places. He discourages litigation, and likes nothing better than to settle quarrels outside of the court-house. This is one of the finest traits of his character. He is eminently qualified for the responsible office of Judge, and administered that office for many years with impar- tiality and ability. As a financier, Judge Clapp possesses marked ability. His is a notable example of those sound and correct business principles which secure suc- cess and retain public confidence and esteem. Judge Clapp has known this country as a wilderness, and has grown up almost from boyhood with its improvements; and, while he has contributed much to the development and wealth of the country, she has given him of her treasure with a liberal hand. He is one of the few old settlers yet remaining, and in a much greater sense is he one of the few who have made both business and life a success. He was united, November 14, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Skinner, of Jefferson Township, Noble County. She died November 21, 1875. They had six children, three of whom are living. He was again married, De- cember 25, 1877, to Miss Angeline Skinner, of Albion, cousin to his first wife. Judge Clapp has been the architect of his own success, beginning life's battles
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unaided by a finished education, and destitute of worldly goods, but well stocked with pluck and energy. He is a great reader, and a close and careful observer. He has quick perceptions and sound judgment, and almost intuitive knowledge of men and character. In private life Judge Clapp is a cultivated and urbane gentleman. His home is the center of free and hearty hospitality. Here, surrounded by friends endeared to him by long years of kind deeds, he finds that solace and repose in the interchange of neighborly offices without which life is divested of many charms. Judge Clapp is yet in the prime of manhood. to his mother, for the support of herself and his sis- ters. However, he began the practice of law, and the November following, was appointed deputy clerk and recorder of Adams County, with his office at Decatur, Indiana. He remained about two years, laboring at his profession at the same time, and while there was de- feated for the state Legislature as the Whig candidate from Adams and Wells counties. In 1848 he attended the law school of the Indiana University, at Blooming- ton, Monroe County, under the instruction of Judge David McDonald and Hon. William T. Otto, entering the junior class, and passing through that and the senior class. He received his diploma in March, 1849. In April he returned to Fort Wayne, and was the same ARSON, WILLIAM WELLINGTON, lawyer, of Fort Wayne, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and when a child emigrated to this country with his parents, settling in Cobourg, Canada, where his father died about the year 1835, leaving a widow, four daughters, and one son. The latter, the subject of this sketch, was then about twelve years of age, and had attended school and made good progress in the languages and mathematics. The family were left with little except real estate, from which they received no income, and their support rested upon the son and brother. In 1837, during the rebellion in Canada, Mr. Carson being too young to enlist, migrated westward, and, in the course of his wanderings, arrived in Novem- ber, 1837, at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Failing there to find work as a clerk, he solicited employment of Mar. shall S. Wines, who was a large contractor. Being suc- cessful, he, in course of time, became very much attached to his employer, remaining with him as laborer and foreman, until the Colonel's death, a period of four or five years. During that time he was allowed access to Mr. Wines's library, which was composed of very improved his opportunities from the beginning. Colonel Wines, being an Old-school Presbyterian deacon, did not fail to impress the great importance of a religious life upon the mind of young Carson, who finally profited by the good teachings and example of his employer, and became a member of the same Church. After Mr. Wines's death, which occurred about 1842, Mr. Carson, deeply feeling his great loss, began preparing himself for the practice of the law. He took a two years' clas- sical course under Mr. McJunkin, of Fort Wayne, and spent the next two years in teaching school in that city and reading law during the intervals. In 1846 he was admitted to the bar at the same time with Judge Brack- enridge and Thomas Coombs, and was licensed to prac- tice by Hon. James W. Borden and Judge Chamber- lain, of Goshen, Indiana. At this time he was without means, having since he left home sent all his money (except what was actually necessary to support himself ), year elected by the Democratic party prosecuting attor- ney for Adams County. In 1850 he was chosen city attorney of Fort Wayne, and from a crude set of enact- ments prepared and revised the ordinances for the city government, which were published in pamphlet form, and are still retained in use. Winning a closely contested election in 1855, he held the office of city attorney until IS56. In 1858 he was nominated for Judge of the Cir- cuit Court, the circuit being then composed of twelve counties. In consequence of the regulator vote he was defeated, for he distinctly gave it to be understood that he would regard only the law as a guide. He held the office of county attorney for Allen County, to which he was first appointed in 1860, until 1863, and, until within one year of that time, for a period of twelve years he devoted all his means, and much of his time, to the im- provement of the city of Fort Wayne, erecting during the period a number of dwelling houses, and dealing exten- sively in real estate in the city and county. In 1864 he married a very estimable Irish lady, daughter of George Fleming, Esq., of Shurock House, County Westmeath, Ireland, who died in 1871. Subsequently he married choice selections, and, being a devotee of books, he | Mrs. Jane Allen, of Hamilton, Ontario. They have been blessed with one son. In 1862 Mr. Carson visited Europe, and upon his return, was elected to the state Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Pliny Hoagland. He held that office until 1870, having several times resigned, owing to the disturbed state of politics, and as many times been re-elected. During that time he was author of many laws, among which was the city charter, which governs all the cities of Indiana at the present time. After the sessions of 1869 he resigned the office of Senator, and with his wife visited Europe. During the journey Mrs. Carson was taken ill, and with difficulty reached home again. Upon their return Mr. Carson was nominated for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the counties of Adams, Wells, Huntington, and Allen, to which posi- tion he was elected, and filled the place with credit to himself and his constituents until November, 1872, when, by a construction of the statute by the Supreme
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Court, his term of office expired, being limited to two years instead of four, as he was elected only to fill a vacancy. In 1872 he again visited Europe, and upon returning he did not enter the political arena, but de- voted his time to his private affairs, which until then had necessarily been neglected. In 1874, upon the resignation of Hon. Robert Lowry, Mr. Carson was appointed, by Governor Hendricks, Judge of the Cir- cuit Court of the Thirty-eighth Judicial Circuit, which honor he highly prized, filling the position until 1876, when he was succeeded by Judge O'Rourke. He has since devoted his time and energies to his private affairs and the practice of his profession.
LUGSTON, DAVID B., a well-known and enter- prising merchant of Larwill, Whitley County, is a native of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where he was born in 1832. His father, Asher Clugston, was of Scotch descent, and was engaged at farming. His mother, Catherine Rittenhouse, was of German ex- traction. When David B. was only two years old his parents removed to the state of Delaware, and in that country of peaches and strawberries he lived until he reached maturity. He was employed chiefly upon the farm, but three years were passed in a country store, where he became initiated into the mysteries of gro- ceries, dry goods, crockery, wooden-ware, and all the numerous articles known to the retail trade. He showed a strong liking for the business, and soon acquired a decided aptitude in its management. He had attended the common schools, and had acquired what knowledge could be gained there, and in 1857 deemed himself well qualified to leave home and seek his own fortunes. .After a short time he settled in Larwill, where he has uver since remained. In 1858, in connection with E. L. McLallen, he embarked in the dry goods business, under the firm name of McLallen & Clugston, and won suc -. cess almost immediately. They continued together until 1873, when Mr. McLallen retired from the firm to engage in the banking business in Columbia City. In 1878 he associated with himself his brother, Asher R. Clugston, and others, and opened a large store in Columbia City. This enterprise proved a success. It now does the larg- est business in the county, and is resorted to from a long distance. He is also interested in the hardware business with L. B. Snyder & Co., of Larwill, an establishment begun in 1865. Mr. Clugston is looked upon as one of the ablest business men ever in the county. He pays the closest attention to details, while at the same time taking large views. He is a man of the strictest honor and integrity, and the success he has had in life is only a just reward of his abilities. Mr. Clugston was mar- ried in 1858 to Margaret A. Mel.allen, of his own town.
COLERICK, JOHN, the subject of this sketch, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 20th of Sep- tember, 1837; he died at Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the 7th of March, 1872. He was the son of David H. and Elizabeth (Walpole) Colerick, who were of Irish extraction, both of whom had possessed unusual edu- cational advantages in early life, and were admirably qualified to rear and educate their son. The father was a leading member of the bar of Indiana, and, with hardly an exception, the most graceful and accom- plished speaker in the state. He possessed, in an emi- nent degree, all the elements of an orator, a rich and vigorous imagination ; a full, clear and musical voice ; a pleasing presence ; an easy and ready command of language ; quick and refined sensibility ; easy and grace- ful action. He was always gracious in manner, amiable in disposition and courteous and affable in his bearing toward others. All these qualities his son inherited. Mrs. Colerick, whose maiden name was Walpole, was a woman of fine culture, of rare good sense and of inflexible will. She soon discovered the promise of her son, who loved her through life to adoration, and took upon herself the management of his educa- tion and the training and discipline of his mind. The affection of the mother and the devotion of the son, rendered the task of education not only easy, but a source of great pleasure to both, and of incalculable benefit to him. She taught him his letters, and how to read and write; directed his studies at school; to her he recited his lessons in algebra, in geometry and in Latin. Though he studied in the school of Alexan- der McJunkin, a man of much learning, yet he nearly always recited his lesson over to his mother. He told the writer of this notice that he had read, and his read- ing was varied and extensive, but one or two books, outside of the law, which his mother had not read and the merits of which he had not discussed with his par- ents. It was in this home of refinement and affection, and from this mother, that John Colerick received his early education. And it is doubtful whether any young man ever started in life better prepared and qualified successfully to meet and to overcome the difficulties and hinderances that might lurk in his path than Mr. Cole- rick. In 1854 he entered Wabash College at Crawfords- ville, Indiana, where he remained about one-year, when he went to Hanover College, near Madison, Indiana, and in 1856 there completed his education. At nineteen years of age he began reading law with his father. He studied all the text-books commonly used by students; talked them over with his father until he became famil- iar with their contents, and was thoroughly master of the elementary principles of the law. He went with his father to the court-room, and listened with filial pride and admiration to his earnest and eloquent addresses to the jury. No young man ever watched with more acute
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insight the effects made upon the jury of the speeches | himself familiar with all the facts bearing upon it. to which he listened than did Mr. Colerick, and no one ever profited more by such observation than he. The study of the feelings, temper, and dispositions of jurors was, practically, a part of Mr. Colerick's education. He was naturally an excellent judge of human nature, and by careful and critical observation he acquired the habit of correctly estimating the men about him. He seemed to perceive, without effort and as if by intuition, the views and feelings of jurors, and to divine the processes by which they reached their conclusions. In this way he made the panel believe that he felt and saw as they did, when, in fact, he often led them unconsciously away from themselves, and to feel and to see as he did and as he wished them to. A few months after his admission to the bar he was elected district attorney for the Twen- tieth Common Pleas District, composed of the counties of Allen and Adams, a position he held until 1859, when he resigned it to accept the appointment of pros- ecuting attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit, em- bracing ten counties, to fill an existing vacancy, the
place being tendered to him by Governor Willard. In 1861, after the expiration of his term of office, he moved to Indianapolis, where he practiced until 1864, when he returned to Fort Wayne, and resumed his profession there. In 1868 he was selected by the Democratic State
Convention as the Democratic candidate for Presidential Elector for the Ninth Congressional District, on the Seymour and Blair ticket, and in it made an active can- vass. While prosecuting attorney he obtained a high reputation as an advocate. He was engaged in prose- cuting several persons for murder, and in every instance succeeded in convicting the parties accused. In some of the cases the oldest and ablest lawyers in the Circuit were engaged for the defense, and yet, in no instance, did the guilty escape. Although from his training and opportunities much was expected of Mr. Colerick, young as he was, yet his efforts as an advocate, while prosecutor, operated as successive surprises, so that when he returned to civil practice, he was, by common con- sent, admitted to be the ablest and most accomplished advocate in Northern Indiana. He at once entered upon an extensive and lucrative practice. There was hardly a criminal case of importance in Allen or the
adjoining counties, in which he was not retained for the defendant. This was so not simply because of his almost to idolatry all connected with him by blood.
brilliant talent and reputation as an advocate, but also because he was regarded as a sound lawyer, and a man of integrity, honor and influence. He was engaged in many important civil suits as well as in criminal trials. As a lawyer he seemed to realize the fact that thorough preparation was indispensable to success, and no man
ever made himself more completely master of the facts of a case than he did. He would not, if it were possi- ble to avoid it, engage in a trial until he had made
That being done, he entered upon the ordeal with zeal and confidence. No man was ever more devoted to the interests of his clients than he, nor did any defend or advocate their rights with more intense energy, vigor, and determination. So eager was his devotion to his cause that he almost lost sight of himself, and he would at any time have sacrificed his personal feelings in the result, if thereby he could have promoted in the least the interests of his client. His practice grew larger every year, so that some time before his death, some of his friends thought him overworked, though he seemed almost unconscious of fatigue. For some years prior to 1872, the party to which Mr. Colerick belonged began to look to him as their leader, and in 1870 he was unan- imously put in nomination as the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Ninth Congressional District. This was hopelessly Republican, yet Mr. Colerick accepted the nomination, and made one of the most brilliant canvasses ever known there. He reduced the Republi- can majority very largely, and many who, upon princi- ple, were constrained to vote against him, seemed to regret his defeat almost as much as did his political friends. Mr. Colerick had much taste as well as capac- ity for public affairs. He was fond of the excitement of the canvass, and loved to meet the people, for whom he entertained a profound regard and genuine sympa- thy, and to speak to them, face to face, upon the public questions involving, as he thought, their highest inter- ests. It was the consciousness, doubtless, of his capac- ity to please, to interest and to fascinate the masses, that made the labor of the canvass a pleasure to him. Could he have lived he would have attained high and deserved distinction as a politician and party leader. It would be almost impossible to do Mr. Colerick justice by any attempted description of his powers as a speaker. To appreciate his power fully, his voice, his manner, his intense earnestness and impetuosity must have been seen, heard and felt. Mr. Colerick was not above the medium size, but the symmetry of his form was perfect. His temperament was warm and ardent, his feeling deep and intense. Ile had a rich and vigorous imagination, a clear head, and a strong will. In some respects, like John Randolph, he was singular, possibly because he was too sensitive, and, like the Virginian, he loved
The warmth and intensity of his feelings, unconsciously to himself, drew to his support an unusual number of active personal friends, upon whom, under all circum- stances, he could rely. His sympathies were strong and active. He loved the masses and loved to be with them, and here he justly felt and was conscious of his power. He was a student of human nature, and com- prehended, without effort and with certainty, the feel- ings, motives, and purposes of men. One so organized
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and endowed could not fail as a public speaker. As such he aspired to, and with ease attained, superior excel- lence and success. Full of apt illustration, gifted with a rich and vigorous imagination, he was able to throw around the driest subject a pleasing imagery that inter- ested and captivated his hearers. There was no studied artifice of manner in his speaking, no pretense of emo- tion. IIe relied on his perception of the truth, the dis- covery of facts, his comprehension of their true rela- tions and his power to grasp their entire meaning. Add to this his intense earnestness and burning enthusiasm, and .we are not surprised at his unusual success. He analyzed facts with accuracy and facility, and without apparent labor arranged and grouped them together so as to enable all to see their true relations and depend- ence. His mind had been disciplined in the most prac- tical methods, which enabled him to see his subject just as it presented itself to others. This enabled him to carry causes which should, perhaps, have been decided the other way. He knew, better than others, the triers, and, therefore, he won when, perhaps, others should. His excessive and unremitting labor began at last to under- mine his health and constitution. His natural buoyancy and elasticity of spirit prevented him from realizing the fact that he was overworking himself, and led his friends to believe that there was no limit to his powers of endurance. Yet undue exposure in the interest of a client in the winter of 1871 brought on the disease which, on the 7th of March, 1872, terminated his brill- iant career upon earth. Never were the people of Fort Wayne so shocked by any event as they were by the announcement of the death of John Colerick. Gloom and sorrow brooded over the whole city. The bar of Fort Wayne met and adopted the resolutions customary on such occasions, and every member expressed his ear- nest love and affection for the deceased, and his great admiration for his superior ability, and his high and honorable conduct and example as a lawyer. The peo- ple of the city and surrounding country attended in mass his funeral, thereby attesting their appreciation of the moral and intellectual excellencies of one who had grown up among them, and whom they proudly re- garded as one of themselves. In purity of life and character, John Colerick had no superior. The writer of this sketch trusts that hereafter some one may write more deservingly and at large of his deceased friend.
COLLINS, JAMES S., of Columbia City, was born on the 24th of December, 1819, in Wayne County, Indiana. At that time the present school system of . J. the state was being inaugurated. There were then schools for a few months during the winter, which he attended until the year 1836, when his father removed
to Whitley, then a wilderness, and settled on Eel River, one-half mile west of the present village of South Whit- ley. From that time he was engaged in clearing and otherwise working his father's farm at that point, where he remained until the spring of 1844. He then left the farm and went into the law office of S. P. Ferry, Esq., at Fort Wayne, where he remained a few months, until the death of Mr. Ferry, when he came to Columbia City, and at the fall term of the Circuit Court of that year was admitted to the bar ; since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law. In the year 1860 he was elected Representative to the Legislature from the counties of Huntington and Whitley. Upon the organization of the Detroit, Eel River and Illinois Railroad Company, he was selected president, which position he occupied until the final completion of the road in 1873. He is a Republican and the oldest lawyer in Whitley County, standing at the head of the profession. He was mar- ried at Richmond, Indiana, in 1849, to Miss Eliza J. Fleming. They have a family of two sons and three daughters, with whom they resided, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, a few years, for educational purposes. The oldest son, R. H. Collins, is a partner with his father in the law firm of Collins, Adair & Collins.
AWSON, JOHN W., of Fort Wayne, was born Oc- tober 21, 1820, at Cambridge, in Dearborn County, Indiana, and died September 10, 1877. The Daw- son family came to this country from England, and settled on the eastern shore of Maryland. John Dawson, the father of the subject of this sketch, removed from Maryland to Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1775. When quite a young man he explored Tennessee. He went to Kentucky in 1799, where he was married to Susannah Jackson. In the same year he crossed the Ohio River at Lawrenceburg, twenty-five miles below Cincinnati, and settled at Cambridge, Dearborn County, Indiana. His father, Charles Dawson, came directly from Virginia a few years later, bringing with him a family of negro slaves by the name of Curtis, who were freed some time after. He died in 1817, and was buried at Georgetown, Dearborn County, Indiana. He had a large family, among whom were four sons - John, Thomas, Charles, and Elijah ; and three daughters- Ruth, Betsey, and Polly. The names of the others are now forgotten. Thomas emigrated farther west in 1820, and never returned. At last accounts, his family were living in Iowa. Elijah moved to the vicinity of Indian- apolis in 1821, where he died a few years ago. Many of his children survive him. In 1806, seven years after leaving Kentucky, John Dawson moved to a farm adjoining the village of Cambridge, where he died. He brought up a large family of children, only two of
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