Charles Philo Calkins Charles Philo Calkins, one of the pioneer attorneys of Kent county, Mich., was born January 24, 1903 at Hinesburgh, Chittenden county, Vt. His father, Charles, and his mother, Eliza (Farrand) Calkins, were both natives of Connecticut, he being a contractor and builder. Charles P. Calkins was the third of a family of four children. He had two brothers, Nathaniel, the eldest who came west with his father, and mother who died in infancy. He had one sister, who married Schuyler Fabrique, and settled in south Indiana, where she died in 1833. Charles P. Calkins and his father settled first at Kalamazoo, where the former studied law while the father followed his trade. In the fall of 1834 Charles P. Went to Ann Arbor to complete his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1836. The following spring he came to Grand Rapids and formed a law partnership with Benjamin G. Bridge, which continued until the summer of 1839, the firm being dissolved by the death of Mr. Bridge. Continuing the practice of his profession, he formed a partnership in 1853 with John T. Holmes, who had formerly been a student in his office. This arrangement lasted about three years and was dissolved by the election of Mr. Holmes to the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Calkins continued to practice his profession until retirement from business in 1880. During his business life Mr. Calkins devoted his whole time to the practice of law, and. While not seeking public office in any way, was, in 1845, elected justice of the peace, and during the years 1848-9 served as master of chancery, and injunction master of the circuit court. He also, at one time, held office as city recorder. On December 23, 1839, Mr. Calkins married Miss Mary A. Hinsdale, the daughter of Hiram and Roxalany (Walbridge) Hinsdale. Four sons and three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Calkins are now living Charles W.; Clara L., wife of Col. Joseph C. Herkner; Ann R.; William H., and George J., all of this city, and Cora, wife of J. W. Thompson, of Detroit and Henry W., of Omaha, Neb. The death of Mr. Calkins occurred on the 2nd of September, 1890, he having been a widower since the death of Mrs. Calkins on the 30th of October, 1882.

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 14 August 2006