The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-02-14
TWO DISTINGUISHED MEN
Josephus Collett, of Terre Haute, and
Justice SchOfield, of Illinois, Dead.
The Former Typical Western Business Man
Who Acquired Weal.h-Ths Latter Had the
Refusal of the Chief JuSticeShip.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.


TERRE HACTE, Ind, Feb. IS.-Mr. JOsephus
Coliett died at noon, after long illness, Ct the
residence OF his sister. Mrs. Crawford Fairbanks.
He was taken i'll In New York some months ago,
and was confined to his bed at the Fifth-avenue
Hotel in that city, until he was brought here,
about the first OF the year. Since then be had
been gradually growing worse. There was no
chronic disease. but a general breaking down of
the physical system. Mr. Collett was very
wealthy and had always lived bachelor. He
devoted all his thought and time to his varied
business enterprises. He was well and favor
ably known in banking circles in New York. and
spent much OF his time in that city. His wealth
is placed at $75O,OOO. He made Will in the
last few days. and il Is thought one bequest VIII
be to the Rose POlytcchnic, OF which he was
trustee. and in which lie took much interest.
Josephus Collett was native of Vermillion
county, having been born in Eugene, Aug IL,
1881. He was descended from an old English
family, many of whom were noted ia the world
of letters His parents were stephen 3. anu
Sarah (Groenendyke) Collett. He was broth
er OF John Collett, Chief OF the Bureau or sta
tstcs and Geology at one time. An ancestral
John COllett was dean of ct. Pauls in the relgns
of Henry VII and Henry VIII. slr
Menry non osf nnssr Mas tTes Henry L1Fa TSe
family left England on the restoration OF
Chales III, sought safety In Ireland, and III lI65
came 10 America. JOSepHuS ColettS Iather
was Representative or Senator for several years
from the counties of Park. Vermilli0n anu War
ren and died in indianapolis in 1s42, while at
tending the Legislature as a Senator. Josephus
attained his early education In a lo2 schoOhOuse
in his native county, and at the age OF eighteen
entered Wabash College. He quilted school be-
fore graduation, however, on account OF feeble
health and serious nervous affection of the eye,
which for several years badly affected the sight,
leaving cure almost hopeless for some time.
After his restoration TO health he engaged in
agricultural pursuits and achieved fame and
money as a farmer. In 1860 he engagedin in mercan-
tile business in Newport. Vermilion county,
combining with the business OF merchant that
of a pork packer and shipper to New York and
New Orleans, and soon commanded fine trade.
During this time the lack OF transportation In
VermiliiOn county and the necessity or remedy
ing it engaged his attention. In the course OF
his Investigations, and after the failure OF many
attempts 10 secure railroad facilities, he was
obliged to consult very frequently with Mr.
Chauncey Rose warm friend of the family
through two generations. Mr.. Rose entered
into his projects warmly apd. aided him with bis
advice and counsel, and, stnl more important
item, with pecuniary assistanee.
The result was the building OF the Evansville,
Terre Haute IL Chicago railroad. Mr. C0ett
president of the road from its inception
until few years ago. His management in the
construction OF the road was such as TO have 1t
called when completed model railroad in econ
omy OF cost and construction. twas said of him
that he made 1t point to see every rail, tie and
timber on his road once month. His
continued management was such as to receive
the compliments and confidence OF the bond
holders and stockholders He also inter
ested in the construction of the Columbus 81
Sandy Creek road, which opened new ap-
proach to the Hooking valley coal region in
Ohio. Mr.. Collett noted, in quiet way, for
his many acts of kindness and benevolence.
He has been a leading promoter of all public
enterprises that came within his scope of
action. On the death of Mr.. Chauncey Rose,
so widely known for his muniicent bene violence,
it was found that MIR. COllett was appointed one
of the executors of the estate. lie was elected
one of the trustees of the Rose Polytechnic In
stitute, and later became president of the board.
He was noted for his wonderful industry, work
ing from fourteen to eighteen hours every day.
in manners he was quiet and unobtrusve; very
reticent to strangers but To friends his hand was
extended for a warm clasp of welcome. For O
relief from work he devoted much time to geol-
Ogy and archaeology. and at the time of his
death possessed one of the finest archaeological
collections in the West.