William H. Calkins, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
William H. Calkins
WILLIAM H. CALKINS
Death of a Former Valparaisoan at Tacoma, Wash.
Major William H. Calkins, for many years a resident of Valparaiso and at one time a law-partner of A. D. Bartholomew, died Monday at Tacoma, Wash., of Bright's disease, aged 52 years.
Major Calkins was born in Ohio in 1842, but came to Indiana with his parents in 1852 and settled in Benton county. At the age of 18 he went to Lafayette to attend school. When the war broke out in 1861 he entered the army and was captured at Shilo and sent to Libby prison. When released by exchange he entered the cavalry service with the rank of major, and at the close of the war he returned to Indiana and began to study law. Soon after his admission to the bar he was elected prosecutor of the Porter common pleas court, and subsequently represented this county in the lesgislature. In 1872 he moved to Laporte and formed a law-partnership with Judge Osborne. In 1874 he was elected to congress. He served five terms, developing a remark talent for debate and proving one of the best campaigners in the state. In 1884 he decided to retire from congress. After a spirited contest he was nominated for governor over William W. Dudley. Isaac P. Gray was his democratic competitor. Major Calkins was defeated. In 1888 he became as prominent as an anti-Harrison champion, espousing the cause of Walter Q. Gresham, but after nomination he entered zealously into Harrison's interests. When Harrison was elected he rewarded Major Calkins' fidelity with a judgeship in Washington territory. He knew that Washington would soon be admitted as a state, and he accepted the appointment as a stepping-stone into United States senate. He was a candidate, but was defeated by Squires. Major Calkins was a self-made man. He was whole-souled and generous, and a truer friend never lived. His last wish was gratified, it is said, by the arrival from Italy of his daughter, who was cabled to come to his bedside from her wedding trip.
Major Calkins' friends in Valparaiso and Porter county extend their sympathy to the family in their bereavement.
Newspaper: The Tribune
Date of Publication: February 2, 1894
Volume Number: 10
Issue Number: 43
Page: 5
Column(s): 4
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook