it may be assumed that like many early architects, he worked first as a builder or contractor. After starting practice in Chicago Mr. Colton continued without associates until his son Samuel joined him, and their partnership was maintained during the rest of his life. As far as is known no member of his family survives.
For a number of years Mr. Colton did much work for his client, Cyrus McCormick, including the McCormick Theological Seminary where he designed the Chapel (no longer standing), Fowler and Ewing Halls and nearly all of the residences for the family in Chicago. He also remodelled the downtown McCormick Office Building, the Reaper Block, and the original buildings now standing (1941) at the corner of Clark and Washington Streets may also have been erected from his plans.
In addition he designed many residences built during the 'eighties in Chicago, known examples of which are the A. G. Jukes house on Cleveland Avenue; the home of Wilbur C. Craig, the Carrier and Johnson residences, and in Evanston, 111., the Congdon house.
As far as is known no member of his family survives.