John C. Colt was born on January 3, 1810 in Connecticut. He came from a prominent family, as his brother Samuel Colt would go on to found the Colt firearms company. John had a promising future ahead of him, but things took a dark turn in his later years.
Colt served in the U.S. Marine Corps, but his time in the military was marred by controversy. He infamously forged a letter in order to get himself discharged, tarnishing his record and reputation.
In 1842, Colt's life took a drastic and tragic turn when he was convicted of the murder of printer Samuel Adams. The trial became a sensation in New York, with the media captivated by the scandalous details of the case. Colt's once-promising future was now overshadowed by the dark cloud of murder.
He was sentenced to hang for his crime, but Colt chose to take his own life on the day of his scheduled execution. The shocking turn of events only added to the intrigue surrounding the case and cemented Colt's place in history as a criminal of notoriety.
Despite his own questionable actions, Colt came from a family with a legacy of success. His brother, Samuel Colt, was a renowned industrialist and the founder of the Colt firearms company. The connection between the two brothers added another layer of complexity to the already convoluted story of John Colt.
In addition to his family ties, Colt was also associated with notable figures of his time. He counted famous sculptor Hiram Powers among his friends, showcasing his ability to move in influential circles despite his own troubled past.