John Coburn

(Oct. 27, 1825-Jan. 28, 1908). Born in Indianapolis, Coburn received his education in public schools and at the Marion County Seminary. He graduated with honors from Wabash College in 1846, studied law with his father, Henry Coburn, and was admitted to the bar in 1849. Elected in 1850 as a Whig to the Indiana House of Representatives from Marion County, he served one term in office.

In 1859 Coburn was elected judge of the Marion County Common Pleas Court. He resigned his judgeship with the outbreak of the Civil War, becoming a colonel with the 33^rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Captured by Confederate forces during the war, Coburn was exchanged after a few months and later received the surrender of Atlanta from that city’s mayor. Coburn was breveted a brigadier general at the conclusion of the war.

Coburn became Marion County Circuit Court judge in 1865 and, a year later, running as a Republican, was elected to the U.S. Congress. During his four terms, Coburn served as chairman of the Committee on Public Expenditures and the Committee on Military Affairs. He was responsible for measures providing headstones for soldiers buried in Arlington National Cemetery and publishing Civil War records.

Coburn left Indianapolis briefly in 1884 when he was appointed as a Montana Territory supreme court justice. He returned to his Indianapolis law practice in 1885 and remained in the city until his death. Coburn is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Help improve this entry

Contribute information, offer corrections, suggest images.

You can also recommend new entries related to this topic.