Christopher G. Champlin

Who was Christopher G. Champlin?

Christopher Grant Champlin was a United States Representative and Senator from Rhode Island. Born in Newport, he completed preparatory studies, was graduated from Harvard College in 1786, and continued his studies at the College of St. Omer in France.

Champlin was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth and Sixth Congresses. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, and was later elected to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Francis Malbone and served from June 26, 1809 until October 2, 1811, when he resigned.

Champlin served as commanding officer of the Newport Artillery Company from 1815 to 1818. He commanded the company when it responded to a hurricane known as the Great Gale of 1815. As a measure of their gratitude, the Newport town council made the following resolution - "Voted and resolved that the thanks of the town Council be presented to Colonel C. G. Champlin and the officers and privates of the Artillery Company of the town of Newport under his command for the prompt attention they paid to the request of said town council to turn out and guard the property of the unfortunate sufferers in the late destructive storm, and for their good conduct while on duty."