Served from 1884 through 1891
Chief Justice: 1890, 1891, 1892
John W. Champlin began his life February 17, 1831, in Kingston, New York. He worked on the family farm in his youth and attended the village schools. He pursued courses in civil engineering for two years and worked in the field for two years in the state of New York. However, in 1854, he decided that he would be more successful in the law profession and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and commenced his study under the direction of his brother, Stephen G. Champlin.
By 1855, he was admitted to the Bar and opened a law practice in Grand Rapids. His aptitude with the law was immediately apparent and in 1856, he was asked to draft a revised charter for the city of Grand Rapids. Champlin further engaged in politics when he was elected Judge of the Recorder’s Court in 1861. His service to Grand Rapids continued when he was elected the city’s Mayor for one term in 1867. All the while, he maintained his practice as a lawyer. Champlin’s service to the Michigan Supreme Court began when he defeated Governor Austin Blair for the Court’s vacant seat in 1883. His distinguished service began in 1884.
Upon his retirement from the Bench in 1892, Champlin continued to practice law. He lectured in the University of Michigan’s law department through 1896. In addition to his public service through government, Champlin served people through his works of charity. He loved books and history and “there was a certain simplicity of character that kept his heart young, and made him rejoice in simple things.”
John W. Champlin died on July 24, 1901. (Michigan Supreme Court. Michigan Reports: Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of Michigan. Chicago: Callaghan and Co., 1879 – 1949, Vol. 91.)
Portrait presented on: (Click link to read transcript)
October 4, 1892
Portrait Artist:
Ives, Lewis
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
120.02cm X 94.93cm (47 1/4″ X 37 3/8″)
Owned by:
State of Michigan
Current location:
Hall of Justice – 6th Floor: Conference Room Entrance
Portrait photo by:
Doug Elbinger, Lansing – June 1996