Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 133, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1918 — EMMINENT JURIST CALLED BY DEATH [ARTICLE]

EMMINENT JURIST CALLED BY DEATH

COL. RICHARD P. DeHART DIES AFTER ILLNESS OF TWO MONTHS. The entire community was shocked and grieved late Wednesday afternoon when announcement was made of the death of Richard P. DeHart, which occurred at his home in Lafayette at 634 North Fifth street, about 5:30 o’clock. Col. DeHart became ill about two months ago, but within the last two or three weeks apparently had almost regained his usual health. Wednesday morning, however, he had a very severe hemorrhage, and although he rallied at noon, his condition became rapidly worse. He was conscious up to the time of his death, and the end came very, suddenly. In his death Lafayette loses one of her most loyal citizens—a man of national reputation, of high ideals, and noble character. Richard Patten‘DeHart was born near Mason, in Warren county, Ohio, January 1, 1832. He was the son of Gideon and Malinda Patten DeHart, the latter of Cincinnati and the former, of Elizabethtown, N. J. He came to Indiana in 1855 and commenced teaching in Cass and Carroll counties to raise means to enable him to prosecute his studies preparatory to the practice of law, which profession he had chosen. After one year of untiring labor in teaching, he began his professional reading in the office of Hon. H. P. Biddle, of Logansport, Ind. At the cilose of two years he commenced practice. In 1858 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the 11th Judicial circourt of Indiana, which position he illed until 1860 when he resigned lis office and was nominated and elected to the State Senate, representing the counties of Cass, Howard and Pulaski. He served during ;he session of 1860-61 after which le returned to Logansport, his slace of residence. In 1861 he enisted in the Union army as a private soldier, but was commissioned October 18, 1862, and was promoted and commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 9th in which capacity he served until September, 1963. He spent he winter of 1863-4 Recruiting in ndiana and in March 1864 was commissioned colonel of the 128th Indiana infantry. He was seriously wounded in the battle of Lost Mountain, April 28,

1865. He was mustered out of the service with the commission of Brevet Brigadier General. After this he entered and continued until his death, the practice of law in Lafayette. He was offered a commission as Colonel in the Spanish-American war but he refused to accept. The commission was taken by Gov. Winfield Durbin. Gen. DeHart was elected to serve out the term of Judge W. C. L. Taylor which he did and was then elected to the office of Circuit Judge for two consecutive terms, thereby serving continuously for fourteen years. During his years on the bench Judge DeHart never had a decision reversed by a higher court. Judge DeHart was personally acquainted with Presidents Lincoln and Grant and was asked by President Roosevelt to accompany him and conduct his campaign throughout the middle west during his first tour. Under the administration of President Grant he was appointed consul at San Diego, Cuba, which he refused. In 1896 he .was offered the office of consul to France with headquarters in Calais. Judge DeHart was a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of Pythias, Red Men and a member of the Constantine chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity which was established during the civil war. Besides his widow there are four children who survive: Horace P. DeHart, of Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Jessie F. Cheek, of Cameguay, Cuba; Mrs. C. A. Kurz, Jr., of Dayton, Ohio, and H. T. DeHart, of Lafayette. He also leaves four sisters and two brothers.