Charles H. Colton

Charles Henry Colton (October 15, 1848 – May 9, 1915) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo in New York from 1903 until his death in 1915. Biography Early life and education Charles Colton was born on June 10, 1876, in New York City to Patrick Smith and Teresa Augusta (née Mullin) Colton, both Irish immigrants. He received his early education at Public School No. 5 and the Latin school of St. Stephen's Parish in Manhattan. As a boy, he held a clerical position in a dry goods store. In 1869, Colton entered St. Francis Xavier College in Manhattan, graduating in 1873. He then studied theology at St. Joseph's Seminary in Troy, New York. Priesthood Colton was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New York on June 10, 1876. His first assignment was as a curate at St. Stephen's under Father Edward McGlynn. He remained at St. Stephen's for ten years, also serving as a chaplain at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. In 1886, Colton was named pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Port Chester, New York.