John A. Corwin facts for kids

John A. Corwin (born October 10, 1818 – died August 11, 1863) was an American politician and judge from Ohio. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as a judge on the Ohio Supreme Court. He also tried to become a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Early Life and Family

John A. Corwin was born in Urbana, Ohio, on October 26, 1818. His parents were Moses B. and Margaret Corwin. His father, Moses Corwin, was a lawyer.

John's family had other important politicians. His cousin, Thomas Corwin, was a famous figure. Thomas served as the Governor of Ohio. He was also a Senator and the Secretary of the Treasury.

Becoming a Lawyer

After finishing school, John Corwin started a newspaper. It was called the Rattler around 1837. He also began studying law with his father.

When he was 21, John passed his law exams. He then opened a law office with his father in Urbana. They helped many people with legal issues. John became known as a very good lawyer. He was especially skilled at defending people in criminal cases.

Political Career

John Corwin first joined the Whig Party. This was the same party as his famous relatives. But around 1840, he changed his mind. He then joined the Democratic Party.

In 1848, John's father, Moses Corwin, ran for Congress. He was the Whig candidate for Ohio's 4th district. John A. Corwin decided to run against his own father. He ran as the Democratic candidate. They held many public debates. Large crowds came to watch them speak. Moses won the election because the district usually voted for Whigs.

In 1850, John A. Corwin tried again to win a seat in Congress. He ran against Benjamin Stanton, a Whig. But he lost this election too.

Serving on the Ohio Supreme Court

In 1851, Ohio created a new state constitution. This new rule meant that judges for the Ohio Supreme Court would be elected by the people. The first election for these judge positions was in October 1851.

The Democratic Party chose John Corwin as their candidate. The Democrats won all five judge seats in that election. The new court started its work on February 9, 1852. The judges drew lots to decide how long their first terms would be. This was done so that future elections would be spread out. John Corwin drew a four-year term.

In 1854, John Corwin tried to become a U.S. Senator. He ran for the Democratic nomination against George E. Pugh. But he did not win the nomination. John Corwin did not finish his four-year term on the Supreme Court. He resigned from his position on October 28, 1854.

Later Life and Military Service

After leaving the Supreme Court, Corwin went back to Urbana. He continued to practice law there. In 1857, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He worked with another former judge, Robert B. Warden. He returned to Urbana in 1858.

In 1860, John Corwin supported a part of the Democratic Party that nominated John C. Breckinridge for president. When the Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. On April 20, 1861, he became a Captain in the 13th Ohio Infantry. He served for a short time before resigning.

John A. Corwin became sick with tuberculosis. He was ill for six months. He passed away at his home in Urbana on August 11, 1863. He was buried in the cemetery in Urbana.

John Corwin was married to Mary Vance. They had one son together.