Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 1 of 20)

Biographical sketches

Of the early families in Madison county, Ohio, none from their earliest settlement have contributed more to the general progress of this county, than this sturdy family, ' whose descendants may yet be found occupying conspicuous places in the social and business life of the county today. The Watson family in Madison county dates from David Watson, Sr., who came to this county when it was but a wilderness and when Indians still lived about in great numbers.

David Watson was the son of Walter and Rachael Watson, who were born in Maryland. Mrs. Walter Watson was a strong. consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal chureh. Walter Watson, the father, was noted for his great physical strength. David Watson was born in Calvert county, Maryland. He was a man of keen intellect and in early manhood was noted for his great physical prowess. He left home when fourteen years of age. with a Captain Brandon on a sailing vessel. While on the vessel he discovered:a negro slave as a stowaway, whom he secretly fed, and when the vessel reached Beverly. Massachusetts, the negro gained his freedom. David Watson attended school a short time while in Massachusetts, living in Captain Brandon's home, the captain having sailed for England. On March 23, 1798, the captain having returned, David Watson embarked on the vessel and sailed for Newfoundland and experienced many exciting adventures among the ice floes. He returned home with a great catch of fish and immediately prepared for a second voyage. This voyage took them to the coast of what was then called British America.

After this the captain, who had been offered a berth as first mate on a British East Indian merchantman, declined to accept, but gave David his choice of going as a cabinboy, which he accepted. On this voyage David encountered many experiences, and suffered somewhat at the hands of the captain, who had a very violent temper; he also took part in a fight with a school of whales which attacked the ship, and on this voyage was introduced to Neptune. "the old man of the sea." During this voyage he incurred the captain's displeasure and suffered severely, at one time being flogged with the cat-o'-ninetails, a punishment inflicted in early seafaring days. They touched various ports and were on their homeward voyage when captured and taken prisoners by a French sloopof-war. This was done because France at this time was demanding the return of funds loaned to this country during the Revolutionary War, this incident occurring under the presidency of John Adams. They were taken to Cayenne, South America, the cargo confiscated and the crew thrown in jail. |

They remained in jail about ten weeks and at this time, a Captain Adams, of Baltimore. hearing of their imprisonment, came to the jail and inquired if there was not a little American boy in jail. David at once replied, "Yes." He took David aboard his ship and sailed for Lisbon. Portugal, where they soon arrived and while there witnessed the horrors of an earthquake, which almost destroyed Lisbon. Here they disposed of the cargo and sailed for Hamburg. While at the latter place David had the pleasure of seeing the King and Queen of Denmark.

From Hamburg, they set sail for London and, while at this place, saw many criminals hung from the gibbet. From England the ship sailed to Bordeaux, France. After leaving Bordeaux, the ship was seized by a British man-o'-war and the cargo confiscated. They at length set sail for New York and in time arrived there, after a voyage from home lasting six years.

After arriving, David started for his home by way of Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia he shipped on a packet and in four or five days reached Alexandria, Virginia. He visited Washington and eventually reached home, his parents during his absence having moved one hundred miles away from their former home and were now living in Frederick county, Virginia.

In the fall of 1803, David while attending a religious revival, became possessed with great religious fervor. About this time attention was being given to the great unknown West, to which settlers were flocking each day from beyond the Alleghanies. David proposed to his father that they move to Ohio and his father consented to David going. promising to come with the family if the new country was as good as represented. <A Mr. Helphenstine was going to Ohio about this time and David, joining him, reached Chillicothe in October, 1805, remaining here until the following January.

Here they met Colonel Langam, who was starting for the back-country of Ohio to lay warrants and divide land. David and his companion joined him as assistants. They reached their destination, where David assisted in surveying land, of which seventeen hundred acres later became the homestead of David, his property, which he bought with services, also trading his horse and watch for a part of it. The party, including David, returned to Chillicothe. In 1806 David started back to Virginia and, finding many willing to join him, mustered a company of thirty-nine persons, who accompanied him back to Ohio. Of these persons, David Watson was the only one alive in 1870. On this trip. Jonathan Minshall, the founder of the Minshall family in this state, accompanied him. David Watson's father built a log cabin, as did also Jonathan Minshall, these being the first structures of the kind in this part of the country.

About this time the colony felt the need of spiritual guidance and, after consulting with his father and Mr. Minshall, it was decided that Mr. Minshall should bring the Rey. Mr. Lakin, from Chillicothe, who came and delivered the first Methodist sermon preached in this part of the country. Thereafter meetings were held in the elder Watson's home until 1822. During this year David's mother died suddenly, her funeral sermon being preached by Rey. John Strange. About 1818, Bishop Asbury visited these parts and David Watson met him at a camp-meeting held where Mechanicsburg now stands. On July 28, 1807, David Watson went to Franklinton to secure a marriage license, and he was married July 29, 1807, taking Mary Helphenstine as his partner through life. She was born on March 5, 1798, her family having been neighbors of the Watsons in the Kast. They commenced housekeeping in a cabin belonging to a Mr. Smith, which stood where Samuel Watson, the son of David, later lived.

Later David and his wife moved into their own cabin, which he had erected, and after encountering many vicissitudes and obstacles of early indebtedness, soon had a start which was substantial for those days. London having been designated as the county seat, cabins were springing up in the new town and David, having a surplus of farm products, was one of the first to bring foodstuffs for sale into the new town of London. This was about 1810.

to build a blockhouse near where Marysville now stands. David assisting in this. David had joined a military company that was formed and camped in Franklinton. Becoming ill, he and others were discharged and returned home. From 1818 to 1824 David Watson was hired to distribute the laws in a district embracing fifteen counties in this section of Ohio. In 1822 David's father died, his mother having died earlier in the same year.

Among the Indians living here David was:'very poplar, and was greatly admired by them for his physical prowess, often wrestling with them. He hired one of these Indians, for the sum of one dollar and a half. to blaze a trail for him to Clifton on the Miami to a grist-mill, the grain having previously been taken to Chillicothe. This was the first path to be opened to the Miami and was much used thereafter. David Watson prospered and might be said to have been one of the most popular men of his day in the county. During his Jatter years he was a man of great religious fervor and helped to mold the religious sentiment in this part of Ohio. He furthered all good causes, and to him the county owes a debt of reverence for his prominent part in the substantial foundation, he helped to lay for the present attainments of Madison county. His wife died on January 10, 1855. To their union were born the following children: Sussanah, born on September 29, 1808; James. December 20, 1810: Elizabeth, June 15, 1815; Mary k.. September 16, 1817; Samuel H., September 7, 1821; Isabelle, September 10, 1824; Stephen, June 4, 1827; David, Jr.. June 24, 1880; Catherine P., April 26, 1888; Josephine, Mareh 19, 1836; Louisa, December 27, 1840.

David-Watson, Jr., the ninth child of David and Mary Watson, was born in the old homestead erected by his father and, like most boys of his time, was reared to the pursuit of agriculture. He grew to manhood in this county and here spent practically all his life. We was married to Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Madison eounty, the daughter of John C. and Sarah A. (Taylor) Jones. The Jones family came to this county from Tennessee in 1821, Zacheus Jones, the father. of John C. Jones, removing to this county in that year; his father, Solomon, came to the United States from England.

David Watson, Jr., and his wife established themselves in the old Watson homestead erected by his father, which was situated four miles southwest of London, on the Xenia pike. This was the original land which was bought by David Watson, Sr.

for volunteers came during the Civil War he volunteered and was selected as captain of his company, serving with credit. He was known and loved for his boundless charity. and his name was synonymous with everything that meant Christian charity und benevolence towards all men. No one was ever turned away from his door hungry and his bounty was extended to all who were in need. He lived an unostentatious life, preferring that his many kindly deeds be received s quietly as they were performed. He had no ambitions to shine as a spectacular citizen, and preferred to do the little good of each day unheralded and unsung. He was truly a good man, who will ever be remembered as one of the kindliest.and most benevolent men who have ever lived in this county. To David Watson, Jr., and his wife were born the following children: Robert, Mary and Louise. Of these Mary became the wife of Lee Williams and lives in London; Robert, now deceased, was a brilliant law student in Harvard University until removed by death in his twenty-fourth year. Louise is the wife of Rea Chenoweth and lives in London.

Wyatt Minshall

For many years no name was better known in the business and financial circles of Madison county than that of Minshall, James Q. and Wyatt Minshall, father and son, having been in their day two of the most prominent figures in the business life of London, the county seat, and thus exerting a wide influence throughout. the whole county. The Minshall family was established in this county in 1807, several years before the creation of the county as a political entity, and in all the years since has done well its part in advancing the best interests of the commonwealth.

James Q. Minshall, for many years president of the Madison National Bank, of London, father of the immediate subject of this memorial sketch, was born in Paint township, this county, on March 17, 1815, son of Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, pioneers of this region, who emigrated from Virginia to Ross county, this state, in 1806; one year later moving from Ross county to the section now comprised in Paint township, Madison county. where they established their home and where they spent the rest of their lives. becoming widely recognized as among the strongest factors in the early development of that section of the county. James Quinn Minshall, son of this pioneer pair, began life for himself at the age of twenty-one, at which time he left the parental roof to take a position with one Anderson, who kept a stage station and tavern near by and _ subsequently a hotel at Lafayette, this county. During three years of such service, James Q. Minshall accumulated the sum of three hundred dollars, which he used to good advantage in setting himself up as a farmer and dealer in live stock. He prospered from the very start of this venture, his energetic and progressive methods bringing him rapidly to the front, until he presently was recognized as one of the most substantial men in this part of the state. He gradually increased his original land holdings until he was the owner of thirty-five hundred acres of choice land in Range, Paint and Union townships, this county, and was a large stockholder in the Madison National Bank, of London, of which for a long time prior to and until his death, he was the president.

Shortly after engaging in business for himself, and with firm faith in his future. James Q. Minshall was united in marriage to Hannah Watson, daughter of Samuel Watson, a well-known pioneer of this county, and to this union five children were born, namely: Wyatt, the immediate subject of this memorial review, Clarestine, Leon, Sarah and Addie. The mother of these children died in June, 1866, and in April, 1867, Mr. Minshall married, secondly, Lydia Powell, to which union there was no issue. James Q. Minshall died at his home in London, this county, on August 28, 1875, and there was general mourning throughout the county when the news became known. From a penniless boy, he had attained a position of power in influence in the community, a position he never abused. Tireless in doing good and nobly generous in his private charities. his warm heart and sympathetic nature rendering him incapable of turning a deaf ear to the cry of want, he made for himself a name which long will endure throughout this county.

Wyatt Minshall, son of James Q. and Hannah (Watson) Minshall. was born on the the home farm near Midway, in this county, in 1839, and was reared there, receiving his education in the schools of that neighborhood. On October 21, 1863. he enlisted in Company K, Ninety-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was taken prisoner by the enemy shortly after entering the service. After some time spent in a Confederate prison pen .he was paroled and returned home, where he was married to Elizabeth Fisher. When his furlough expired, Wyatt Minshall rejoined his regiment, with which he remained until the close of the war, during which time he saw some very brisk action. Upon the cessation of hostilities between the states, Mr. Minshall returned to Madison county and entered upon a business career that proved remarkably successful. For more than thirty years he was connected with the Madison National Bank, of which his father so long was president, and during this time was active in all movements designed to advance the best interests of London and Madison county. <A notable characteristic of Mr. Minshall was the systematic and exact methods employed by him in the transaction of his extensive business affairs. Mr. Minshall was an earnest and active member of the Methodist church at London and at the time of his death had been for years a member of the official board of that church. His death occurred at his home in London on Monday, December 29, 1902, and was the occasion for wide mourning throughout the county, for he, even as his father had been, had been a good citizen, tried and true, faithful in all his relations with his fellow men.

To the union of Wyatt and Elizabeth (Fisher): Minshall there was born but one child, a daughter, Minnie, now the widow of the late Charles Cheseldine, for many years a prominent merchant of the city of London and president of the Madison National Bank, who is living with her two sons, Raymond and Kenneth, in their pleasant home in London.

John C. Bridgman

No man in Madison county, or indeed in all central Ohio, has a wider acquaintance and a more devoted following of faithful friends than has John C. Bridgman, the venerable president of the Madison National Bank, of London, this county. Though long past the octogenarian stage, Mr. Bridgman is still a man of remarkable vigor and activity, the energy which forced him to the front of affairs in this county having sustained him long beyond the time when most men are content to lay down the cares of business and retire to the calm of their firesides. With mind as alert as ever and with bodily powers unimpaired by the weight of years, Mr. Bridgman still continues his life of ceaseless and tireless activity and is still regarded, as he has been for many years, as one of the most.important factors in the commercial and financial life of this section.

John C. Bridgman, who has been prominently identified with the affairs of Madison county for the past seventy years, traces his ancestry back beyond the time of the British protectorate, the Right Hon. Sir Orlando Bridgman, English knight and baronet, having been lord-keeper of the Great Seal of England prior to the Cromwellian period. Sir Orlando's son, James Bridgman, came to America in 1640, escaping the turmoil which preceded the establishment of Cromwell's dictatorship, and settled at Hartford. Connecticut. later removing to Springfield, Massachusetts, and thence to Northampton, New Hampshire, where he established his family. John, his only son, had six sons, John, born in 1674; James, 1677: Isaac, 1680: Ebenezer, 1683; Thomas, 1686, and Orlando, 1701. John, the eldest, had a son, Jonathan, born in Connecticut, who located on a farm on Moose mountain. near Hanover, New Hampshire. He, too, had six sons, Isaac, John, Asa, Abel. Gideon and Orlando, all of whom became ministers of the Baptist church. The Rev. Abel Bridgman married a Miss Fowler, a cousin of O. S. Fowler, the celebrated phrenologist, and their son, Erastus, born at Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1796. married Mary Flagg, a native of Massachusetts, daughter of Dr. Bazelle Flagg, to which union were born seven children, Mary Frances, John C., Nathan C., Adeline, Charles, Augusta and Mendal, all of whem are still living save the latter three. The father of these children died in 1874, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1868, and both are buried near Hanover, New Hampshire.

John C. Bridgman. fifth child and second son of Erastus and Mary (Flagg) Bridgman, was born at Hanover, New Hampshire. on March 24, 1831, and was there reared. He obtained a fair common-school education, which he supplemented by a part of an who was born in New Hampshire on May 2, 1834, daughter of David M. Pelton, who was born in Lyme, New Hampshire, on November 26, 1504, son of David M. and Lucy (Stone) Pelton. Upon the death of David M. Pelton, Sr., his widow married the father of Millard Fillmore, and thus became the stepmother of the thirteenth President of the United States. David M. Pelton, Jr., married Sally Ross, who was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, to which union five children were born, namely: Lucy B., who married Mr. Bridgman, bor on May 2, 1834; Isabelle F., August 3, 1840; David C., June 26, 1843: Brewster, August 23, 1848, and Franklin R.,, August 20, 1852. David M. Pelton, Jr., died on April 3, 1872, his wife having predeceased him a little more than one year, her death having occurred on February 8, 1871. The latter's father, Thomas Ross, was a soldier in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, having enlisted at the age of eighteen.

The year following their marriage, John C. Bridgman and wife came to this county. arriving in London, the county seat, on April 18, 1854. Mr. Bridgman then was twentythree years of age, full of energy, enterprising, industrious and far-sighted; possessing boundless confidence in his ability to make a firm place for himself in his new home. He was for a time employed in the dry-goods store of W. W. Fellows, as a clerk, remaining there, hewever, only six months, at the end of which time his services were secured . by Samuel Teney, from whose store he went to the store of Shaw & Toland, where he remained about a year. In 1856, two years after his arrival in this county, Mr. Bridgman recognized the possibilities in the calling of the crier of public sales, and entered actively into the business of auctioneer, in which he was destined to achieve a remarkable success. This was at the beginning of the famous stock sales in Madison county, and for many years Mr. Bridgman devoted his whole time to this business, his success as an auctioneer becoming little short of phenomenal; the name of 'Jack' Bridgman becoming well known all over central Ohio, his jovial manner, free and ready wit and sterling common-sense qualities winning for him the friendship of all. In the year 1882, as an instance of his wide suecess, Mr. Bridgman's sales aggregated more than three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In 1908 Mr. Bridgman was elected president of the Madison National Bank, of London, and ever since has occupied that responsible position, long having been recognized as one of the leaders in financial circles hereabout. Though past eighty-three years of age at this writing (1915), he retains the heartiest interest in affairs and is generally acknowledged to be one of the strongest personal forces in the entire community.

To John C. and Lucy B. (Pelton) Bridgman were born seven children, four of whom are still living, namely: Franklin R., of Muskogee, Oklahoma, prominently identified with the Nowata county oil field, in which he has large holdings, as well as being the owner of eight thousand acres of fenced land in Oklahoma, on which he annually raises more than a thousand head of cattle, besides being connected with large interests in and about London, this county, being the owner of seven hundred acres of land in the northern part of Madison county, married Laura Wilson, daughter of Taylor Wilson, of this county, to which union three children have been born, Dorothy, Orlando and Janice; Marian Frances, who married William Chrisman, of London, this county, to which union was born one child, a daughter, Lydia. who married Graham Denmead, of - West Liberty, this state, and has one son, Robert G.; Mary Stratton, who married Earl Davis, of Columbus, Ohio, to which union two children have been born, Marian and Robert, and Ollie. who married John S. Adkins, an architect, living at Norwood, a suburb of Cincinnati, to which union two children have been born, daughters, Elizabeth and Marcia. Mrs. Bridgman died in 1906, and Mrs. Chrisman keeps house for her venerable father. she and her family living in the old Bridgman home in London.

John C. Bridgman was a member of the London city council during the period which witnessed the construction of the water-works system and the gas plant and in many other ways has demonstrated his public spirit, ever having been foremost in all works looking to the city's progress. He is a Mason of high degree, having attained to both the chapter and the council in that ancient order. Few bankers in Ohio have a wider personal acquaintance than he and for years he has stood very high in financial circles throughout the central part of the state, his associates having the most unbounded confidence in his sagacity and sound business judgment. Throughout his home vicinity there is no one who is held in higher regard than he, the whole community paying him the willing tribute of its utmost esteem and affection.

Judge Frank J. Murray

Literally "born to the law," Judge Murray, one of the best-known and most popular figures on the bench in this section of Ohio, has fulfilled every expectation his early career created and there are many in this county who confidently predict for him much greater things in the pursuit of his honored profession. Son of one of the most scholarly and dignified members of the bar of Madison county, Judge Murray was bred in an atmosphere that inclined him to the law even from the days of his earliest conception of things, and his arduous course of studies was based from the first on the expectation of taking his place in due time at the bar which his father so long had honored. These studies were completed in 1910, and in that same year he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court, entering practice in the office with his father, head of the distinguished firm of Murray & Emery. The young attorney at once found favor, both at the bar of the court and at that higher bar of public opinion, and immediately his friends began to predict that he would go far in the practice of his chosen profession. An early realization of these predictions came in 1912, when the young attorney was elected to the important position of probate judge for Madison county, an office upon which he entered in February following his election, since which time he has been executing the exacting duties of that office with the utmost fidelity to the public weal and the most scrupulous regard for the high trust reposed in him.

On another page in this volume, in the biographical sketch relating to Judge Murray's father, the Hon. Michael S. Murray, of London, there is set out in full a history of the Murray family in Madison county, to which the reader is respectfully referred for details regarding the genesis of the subject of this sketch, it being sufficient to say here, in that connection, that Frank J. Murray is the second child and first son of Michael S. and Anna (Gallagher) Murray, the former of whom is the son of Martin and Bridget (Roddy) Murray, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, who emigrated to America and in 1854 settled in Madison county, locating on a farm near the village of Solon, in Stokes township, where they remained until 1890, in which year they retired from the farm and moved into the city of London, where they spent the remainder of their days, the death of the grandmother occurring in 1910 and that of the grandfather in 1911. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living, of whom one, Michael S. Murray, of the firm of Murray & Emery, attorneys at London, this county, for years has been regarded as one of the leaders of the bar in this section of Ohio.

Frank J. Murray, son of Michael S. and Anna (Gallagher) Murray, was born in the city of London, county seat of Madison county, Ohio, on October 19, 1884. and was graduated from the London high school in 1904. He then entered Ohio State University. taking the classical course, and was graduated from that excellent old institution with the class of 1908. In his senior year at the university, Mr. Murray received the high honor, coveted by all scholars, of election to Phi Beta Kappa, the honorary fraternity, membership in which is based exclusively upon scholarship. Following his course in the university, Mr. Murray spent the term of 1908-09 at the University of Minnesota Law School, at Minneapolis, after which he entered the law school of Ohio State University, from which he was graduated in 1910. In June of that year he was admitted to practice ut the bar of the Madison circuit court and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, in association with his father, in the office of Murray & Emery, at London. He continued thus in practice until his election as probate judge of Madison county on November 5, 1912. Judge Murray entered upon the duties of this office on April 23, 1913, and since that time has been devoting his full energies to the service of the public.

On April 28, 1913, Frank J. Murray was united in marriage to Florence Weisz, of Columbus, Ohio, daughter of F. B. Weisz, a prominent coal merchant of that city, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Hlizabeth Ann, born on June 28, 1914. Judge and Mrs. Murray are devout members of the Catholic church, in the various beneficences of which they are deeply interested, as well as in all good works hereabout. They take an active and prominent part in the social affairs of their home city and are extremely popular among their large circle of friends and acquaintances. Judge Murray is a Democrat and bas taken his place very rightfully as one of the leaders of that party in this county. He is a member of the influential London Club and a member of the Ixnights of Columbus, in the affairs.of both of which organizations he takes an active interest, his genial ways and cordial manner in his relations with his fellowmen making him a prime favorite with his associates.

Scholarly. diligent and industrious; a fine student of the law, observing with the utmost nicety full regard for the high traditions of his honorable calling and scrupulously attentive to his duty to the public, Judge Murray is doing well the part to which the community has called him.

Hon. William M. Jones

"In Memoriam." No two words combine in more meaningful expression than these. How much of respectful consideration; how much of tender devotion, and how much of sincere regard for the memory of one who has gone before, is implied in the use of the term with which this paragraph is introduced. In a monumental work of the character contemplated by the compilers of this extraordinary volume, it seems eminently fitting that there should, here and there throughout these pages, be presented for the consideration, not only of the present generation, but for those who, perchance, shall have occasion to review these pages in generations yet to come, a brief and modest summary of the lives of those departed fathers of the commonwealth who long since have passed from the scenes of present worldly activity. In following this design, the biographer surely would be remiss in his duty to the people of Madison county if this book were permitted to go forth without an epitome of the life and of the works of the gentleman whose name heads this particular chapter of the biographical section of the history of the county, a name which has the power to recall many pleasant memories on the part of those now surviving, who, in his day here, knew so well and respected so highly the subject of this respectful memoir.

The late Hon. William M. Jones, for years one of the best-known and most prominent citizens of Madison county, was a man eminently qualified for the important position he. so long occupied in the civic life of this community and the value of his service to the public never can be properly estimated, for such .service does not end with the life of him who renders it, but goes on, gathering weight as it goes, enriching the lives of future generations. Faithful in all his relations in life, a tried and trusted public servant and a good citizen, Mr. Jones was found to be worthy of high rewards and he became a man of large substance. Rich as he was, however, in worldly possessions, he was far richer in those more valuable possessions, the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen, and his passing, in 1907, was widely mourned throughout this section of the state, where he was so well known and where he had labored so intelligently and so usefully.

William M. Jones was born on a farm near the village of Yankeetown, Fayette county, Ohio, on December 5, 1850, son of James and Sarah (White) Jones, pioneer residents of that county, the former of whom was born there in the year 1813. Reared on the farm, William M. Jones attended the common schools of his home township until he had acquired sufficient education to matriculate at the old Bloomingdale Academy, from which he later was graduated. He then entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and was graduated from that excellent old institution in 1872, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 'The extensive farming interests of his father requiring his attention, he returned to the' farm upon receiving his diploma and was thus engaged at the old home in Fayette county until 1880, in which year he came to Madison county, locating at Mt. Sterling, where he lived fer two years, at the end of which time, in 1882, he moved to the county seat and made his home in London the rest of his life.

Upon his arrival in London, Mr. Jones engaged in the grain business and until the day of his death was thus engaged. His enterprise and energy were exerted most successfully in this business, and he prospered largely, owning, at the time of his death, in addition to his extensive elevator interests at London, partnership interests in grain elevators at Mt. Sterling, Denby and Orient. This form of endeavor was but one outlet for Mr. Jones' boundless energy. however, for he was interested largely in various other enterprises. In addition to his extensive farming interests. for he was the owner of a farm of nearly one thousand acres of fine land in Fayette and Pickaway counties, he was prominently identified with the affairs of the Madison National Bank and the London Kxchange Bank, of London, for nine years prior to his death, having. been president of the former institution and for many years one of the most influential directors of the latter. Ever deeply interested in enterprises which had as their object the advancement of the general interests of the community, he was also president of the London Home 'Telephone Company and director in numerous other enterprises. When London's beautiful new library was completed he was chosen a member of the board and for several years served as president of this useful public service body, his service in that connection having proved of large benefit to the library.

In his public services the Hon. William M. Jones brought to the commonwealth a most valuable equipment, his large business experience and training admirably fitting him for the important public duties to which his admiring fellow citizens repeatedly ealled him, and it is undoubted that he performed a very great service in this community. It was not long after his arrival in London that Mr. Jones was called to serve as a member of the city council, and he was kept there several years, his service in that connection being of large benefit to the city at large. He also was called to 'act on the city board of education, and in that capacity performed equally meritorious public service, his interest in the school system and his well-trained mind giving to his duties in that connection unusual value. In 1886 Mr. Jones was elected county treasurer, his manner of administering the affairs of that office commending him so highly to the public that he was re-elected in 1888. In 1895 he was elected, by a plurality of more than four thousand votes, to represent the senatorial district of Madison, Clark and Champaign counties in.the seventy-second Ohio General Assembly, and he was regarded as one of the foremost members of the upper house during. that session of the Assembly. his sound judgment and clear thinking, coupled with his acute and comprehensive knowledge of public affairs, giving to his counsels in that body a weight and solidity that his confreres soon learned to rely on and he exerted a wide influence upon the deliberations of the Senate in that memorable session.. Upon completing this term of service, Mr. Jones declined further political honors and devoted himself thereafter to his large and growing business interests.

On February 22, 1877, William M. Jones was united in marriage to Lucy Pancoast, of Pancoastburg, Ohio, and to this union five children were born. Mr. Jones' death occurred on Wednesday, April 17, 1907, after an illness of eleven weeks, and was widely mourned, for he was a good man, who had done well his part in life. Mrs. Jones is still living in her beautiful home on North Main street, in the city of London. and enjoys countless evidences of the esteem and affection of many friends.

The Hon. William M. Jones was a progressive, enterprising and public-spirited citizen, faithful in the performance of manifold duties, and his memory long will be cherished in this community. He was a kindly man, a true neighbor, whose genial, ever-ready smile greeted one and all, and few men in this county ever enjoyed a larger measure of public popularity than he, his gentle spirit making him literally a friend of all the world.

Hiram White Richmond

Prominent as a private citizen in the history of this county, and connected by mmarriage with the famous Wilson family of Madison county, Hiram White Richmond, who died on October 14, 1888, was one of the pioneer horse dealers in this section of Ohio and one of the large landowners of Madison county. Associated with his brother for many years in the horse busivess, he built up a large fortune which was invested mostly in farm lands.

Hiram. White Richmond was born on May 7, 1824, in New Jersey, and died at his home in London, this county, to which he had moved in 1870. He remained active in business until about the time of his death, and for thirty-five years was a large dealer in and shipper of horses, having sold most of his purchases in the Philadelphia market. The horses were gathered up through the country in lots of thirty or more and taken to Philadelphia by the way of the national road, under the ere of three or four men. He specialized in coach horses and found a ready market in the East for all he was able to buy in this section of the state. He had an estate in New Jersey and, when going to that state to look after his land, was accustomed to take with hiny a number of horses.

Hiram W. Richmond came to Ohio in 1827, with his widowed mother and family, when he was about three years old, the family locating at Cincinnati. They later settled near Dayton, in Montgomery county, moving to that county, in 1842, when Hiram White Richmond was about eighteen years old. His mother married secondly, Robert Hutchinson, by whom she had one daughter, Laura, who married Estus K. Turpin of Newtown, Hamilton county, Ohio. The Richmond children were, Hiram W., the subject of this sketch; Eliza J.. who married Charles Arbuckle, and William, who for many yerrs was associated with his brother in the purchase and sale of horses.

Altogether Hiram W. and William Richmond were in partnership for about thirtyfive years, William Richmond buying horses in this -section of Ohio, his brother giving particular attention to their sale in the East. William Richmond lived with his mother at Summerford, this county, and later went with her to a farm near Dayton. There he married and spent the rest of his life there, dying in Montgomery county at the age of nearly eighty years, a wonderfully well-preserved man at the time of his death. He owned a farm in Somerford township, a part of the farm which he had owned in partnership with his brother, Hiram W. Richmond, and to which he added until he owned about three hundred acres. He was accustomed to return to Madison county once a month, giving his personal attention to the farm and maintaining his earlier relations with the people of Madison county. His son, Edward Richmond, became a resident of the farm and operated it after his father's death until the farm was sold. It is now a part of the present Richmond farm owned by Miss Richmond.

The first husband of Hiram W. Richmond's mother was David Richmond, who died at Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Hutchinson, her second husband, died at Summerford. | She later married Gardner Lewis, the father of Schuyler Lewis, who was the father of Howard Lewis. During the latter period of her life, she lived in Madison county. She died at London while visiting her son Hiram, and her remains were buried in the Richmond lot in Kirkwood cemetery.

In company with his brother, William, Hiram W. Richmond purchased a great deal of land in this county, and when the division was made he received two hundred and twenty-nine acres. To this tract of land he added from time to time until he personally owned three hundred and forty acres. When his wife's land was included, there were six hundred acres in all. Late in life, he purchased a farm near London consisting of about one hundred acres, to which he moved in 1870. He added to this farm until it included one hundred and twenty acres, and his widow, since his death, has added more land until it now comprises one hundred and and eighty acres. A little, however, has been sold for town lots. Hiram W. Richmond also purchased a farm in Union township of three hundred acres, and, about the same time, another in Paint township, of eighty acres; the Richmonds owning at the time of Mr. Richmond's death, thirteen hundred acres. Hiram W. Richmond was a self-made man in every respect. He was not only an extensive dealer in horses, but he likewise dealt. in all kinds of stock, especially fat cattle.

On September 21, 1852, Hiram White Richmond was married to Emeline Wilson, the only survivor of the nineteen children born to Valentine and Nancy (Roberts) Wilson. Mrs. Richmond was born in the old brick house on the bank of Deer creek, Somerford township. September 12, 1831, and received, as her share of the estate of her father, some three hundred acres in Somerford township, about three miles below the old home. Soon after her father's death, she began to add to this tract of land as a nucleus until it has become a.tract of six hundred acres, the present Richmond farm in Somerford township. She inherited from her. mother a tract of land 'o which she has added from time to time until this farm now includes one hundred and sixty acres, located on the national pike, west of Lafayette. Mrs. Richmond has managed her own farm, not only the farm in Somerford township, but the London home place, as well as the place on the national pike, west of Lafayette. She keeps a great deal of stock, and employs tenants to do the work on the farm. Mrs. Richmond has many thoroughbred horses on the farm, and had, at the end of the current season, (1915), about one hundred head of cattle of her own raising, also a large number of horses.

To Hiram W. and Emeline (Wilson) Richmond, were born four children, namely: Alice, who married Edward Armstrong, of London, this county, and who died on August 17, 1913, at the age of fifty-eight; Charles S., of Columbus, who owns the Union township farm and is an extensive horse dealer, and R. E. and Emma, who live at home with their mother. Miss Emma Richmond has bought her Uncle William's farm. making in all about six hundred and fifty acres, and rents for cash,

Mrs. Richmond was president of the ladies' aid society of the Methodist Episcopa) church for twenty-five years, and was one of the leading members of the missionary society. She has also been prominent in the Woman's Literary Club and in the Kranchise Club of London. Miss Emma Richmond has been an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and is ex-president of the county organization. She is also active in literary clubs. Mrs. Alice Armstrong was the president of the London Library Association at the time of her death, and had held that position for several years. She was also active in all the woman's clubs of London, especially so in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Franchise Club. Mrs. Alice Armstrong's home was built for her by her father near his own home. The present Richmond home has been remodeled by Mrs. Richmond. Many entertainments have been held in this old house, which for years has been. the social center among the gentler folk of the city. Mr. Richmond was a life-long Democrat, but never aspired for town or county office. He was a great "home man" and possessed of a very sociable disposition; a man well known and well liked throughout this section of the state and a great entertainer, his home being noted far and wide for the charming character of its hospitality.

Prof. James A. Runyan

The people of Madison county have good reason for indulging a proper degree of pride in connection with the excellent school system which obtains in this county. In few, if any, counties in the state are the schools conducted on a higher plane, or is the standard of education maintained at a higher point than in Madison county. With an earnest and public-spirited board of education, a loyal and devoted corps of teachers and a singularly painstaking and capable county superintendent of schools, there is little reason why the schools should not be conducted on a high plane; and with these several potent forces all operating in harmony, each with an eye single to the common: good, there is little reason why the present high standard of the schools should not. be advanced to an even higher degree of efficiency. To the accomplishment of this very desirable end, Prof. James A. Runyan, the present efficient superintendent of schools in Madison county, is definitely pledged, and it is gratifying to note that all the virile forces of his high office are being exerted in that direction, constantly and consistently advancing in every way the cause of education in this county. Professor Runyan is an educator of many years practical experience, with a wide and comprehensive knowledge of the needs of the public schools, and since he has been occupying his present position as superintendent of schools has revealed administrative abilities of a very high order. He is a firm believer in the modern centralization system of the rural schools and has' committed himself to a general campaign of improvement that is certain to be pEatective of the most gratifying and far-reaching results.

James A. Runyan was born in the pleasant town of Catawba, Clark county, Ohio, on December 19, 1866, son of J. M. and Mary (McClenen) Runyan, the former a-native of the same county and the latter of Harper's Ferry, Virginia; both of whom are still living at Catawba, where, in March, 1916, they will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. J. M. Rutiyan is a large landholder in Clark county, being the owner of several fine farms there, and is living in comfortable retirement in his pleasant home in Catawba, he and his good wife enjoying in the evening of their lives the ample rewards of their earnest endeavors during the more active period of their lives. They are the parents of six children, all of whom live in Clark county save the subject of this sketch,

James A. Runyan received his elementary education in the public schools of Catawba, Ohio, and after finishing the high school course there began teaching school and later entered the Ohio Northern College at Ada, from which excellent institution he was graduated in 1891, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Not content with these scholastic honors, Professor Runyan later entered Antioch College, from which he was graduated in 1906, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and later received from the Ohio State University his Master degree. Professor Runyan's teaching career began in 1885, and for five years he taught in the district schools of Clark county at points not too remote from his home in Catawba. He early developed abilities of a high order in the teaching profession and presently was called on to accept larger responsibilities, and for twenty years his services were in demand as superintendent of city schools in Ohio, these several superintendencies comprising the following periods of service: At Milford Center, five years; Fairfield, six years; Lawrenceville, three years, and Plain City, six years. In 1914 the Madison county board of education called Professor Runyan to the office of superintendent of the schools of this county, and since that time he has been devoting his best abilities to the faithful performance of the duties thus involved. Professor Runyan has held a state high-school certificate for many years, and for two terms served as a member of the county board of examiners and is at present ex-officio clerk of the Madison county board of education.

On May 30, 1892, Prof. James A. Runyan was united in marriage to Ola Sholty, of Putnam county, Ohio, and to this union two children have been born, daughters, Helen, a student at Ohio Wesleyan College, and Hazel, a student in the high school at London, this county. Professor and Mrs. Runyan are earnest members of the Presbyterian * church at London, the professor being a member of the session of that congregation, and both are warmly devoted to all good works in London and throughout the county, being held in the very highest esteem by all. Professor Runyan is a Republican, and is a member of the popular order of the Knights of Pythias. He has a wide acquaintance among educators throughout the state and is very properly regarded as one of the leaders in his honored and useful profession, possessing the utmost confidence of all who know him. :

A record of sixteen years' of faithful service in one public office in a great commonwealth such as that embraced in Madison county certainly may be accepted as a proper warrant of fitness for the performance of the duties devolving upon the incumbent of such office. It is such a period of service as this that has given Herschel L. McCafferty, county surveyor of Madison county, not only the gratifying record above mentioned, and to which his friends refer with so much pride, but a prestige in county affairs second to none. Mr. Herschel McCafferty was literally "born to the business," his father having been a civil engineer of wide attainments, and his service in behalf of Madison county has been such that his friends may be very readily 'pardoned for expressing pride in his record. It is but proper, therefore, that there should be presented in this volume of history relating to the county in whose behalf he has performed such faithful service, a brief and modest resume of the life record of County Surveyor. McCafferty. . 4a .

Herschel L. McCafferty was born at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, on January 15, 1871, son of Jason L. and Mary A. (Proctor) McCafferty, the former a native of Pickaway county, this state. and the latter, of Grant county, Kentucky. Jason IL. McCafferty, a civil engineer and educator of parts, came to this county in 1869 and located at Mt. Sterling, where he afterward became superintendent of schools of that pleasant village. Both he and his wife are still living, enjoying in the "sunset time" of their lives the fullest confidence and respect of their hosts of friends, having done very well their parts in the community life of that fine neighborhood. To Jason L. and Mary A. McCafferty three children were born, of whom the subject of this sketch is now the only survivor, his sister, Lida, who was the wife of Enoch Morris, and his brother, John H., both being deceased.

Reared in an atmosphere of culture and refinement, amid ideal home conditions for the cultivation of his natural talents, Herschel L. McCafferty evinced unusual aptitude for his studies and upon completing the course in the excellent public schools of Mt. Sterling, supplemented by his careful home training, he began teaching school and was thus engaged for three years, this form of useful publice service being performed in the schools of Pickaway county and of Madison county, one year in the former and two years in the latter. In the year 1892 Mr. McCafferty was elected county surveyor of Madison county, he having been well grounded in the technical details of civil engineering, as applicable to the public service, by his capable and painstaking father, and was re-elected, serving continuously in this important public capacity from January 2, 1893, until September, 1899, a period of nearly seven years. In 1904 he again was elected i@ take charge of this important branch of the public service, and entered into his old office in September, 1905, his four terms of office concluding in September, 1915. Faithful to the exacting duties of his office, Mr. McCafferty proved a most valuable public servant, his services ever having been rendered with an eye single to the good of the commonwealth, with the result that he has gained over and over the approbation of the people of this county, who have every confidence in his ability and the exactness of his surveys.

On May 16, 1899, Herschel L. McCafferty was united in marriage to Maud Malin, of Marysville, Ohio, daughter of W. C. Malin, a prominent resident of that place. Mr. * and Mrs. McCafferty occupy a prominent position in the social life of London; the county seat, and are extremely popular among their friends. They are devoted to the general interests of the community, doing much, in their way, to advance the same in all proper directions, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

Mr. McCafferty is a Republican and for years has held a high place in the councils of that party in this county, his political associates having much confidence in his judgment and sagacity. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at London, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Loyal Order of Moose, in all of which organizations he takes a warm interest. Public spirited and energetic, he is much interested in the general affairs of the county and is held in high regard in business circles hereabout, being regarded as one of the mainstays of the local commonwealth.

Charles Cheseldine

In his day and generation there were few men who exerted a wider or more wholesome influence in the commercial, financial and moral life of Madison county and of London, the county seat, than did the late Charles Cheseldine, for years one of London's leading merchants, and at the time of his death the president of the Madison National Bank, of London. Mr. Cheseldine was a good, clean man; an enterprising and progressive merchant and a public-spirited citizen, who ever was found favoring such movements and measures as would tend to benetit mankind and his home community; helpful in all good works. His position in London as a merchant and as a banker gave him large prestige in commercial and financial circles in this part of the state, and he was very properly regurded as one of the most substantial citizens - of the county, his business associates and the entire community reposing in him the utmost confidence, his long-tried integrity of character having commended him to all. It is but fitting, therefore, that a brief resume of the life of this good man be presented here, in this collection of the biographies of the prominent citizens of Madison county, a task which the biographer essays with pleasure.

Charles Cheseldine was a native of Clermont county, this state, born on April 10, 1863, who came to this county when a child with his father, Posey Cheseldine, who in 1873 established the well-known dry-goods establishment of that name in the city of London. Charles Cheseldine therefore was reared in London, receiving his education in the excellent public schools of that city. Upon completing his schooling in 1880, he immediately entered into the business with his father, later being made a partner in the firm, and. after his father's death became sole proprietor, continuing the business with much success until the fall of 1907, when failing health compelled him to retire. His death occurred on Sunday, February 23, 1908, and was much mourned, for he was a good man, faithful. and true in all the relations of life. Mr. Cheseldine was a farsighted and sagacious business man and was interested in several other enterprises besides his extensive dry-goods store, having been, at the time of his death, the president of the Madison National Bank, his influence in the affairs of that sound old financial institution undoubtedly having lent much to the solidity which has made it such a power. in financial circles hereabout. In the social, civic and religious life of the community, Charles Cheseldine was equally active and earnest and in his position on the London city school board was able to render a service to his home city which shall not soon be forgotten, for he was untiring in his efforts to advance the educational interests of the ioe esa his influence ever being exerted in behalf of the right.

On September 11, 1890, Charles Cheseldine 'was united in marriage to Minnie Minshall, daughter of the late Wyatt Minshall, one of London's most prominent citizens, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, and to this union two children were born, both sons, Raymond and Kenneth. Mr. Cheseldine was a member of the Methodist church, as is his widow, and was ever active in the various beneficences of that church, for years occupying the useful position of superintendent of the Sunday school, a labor of love to which he devoted himself unselfishly and ungrudgingly. Charles Cheseldine left many pleasant memories in and about London and his name will long be cherished in the county in which for years he was so active and so prominent a citizen.

In the golden sayings of Epictetus there is no nobler utterance than this: "What wouldst thou be found doing when overtaken by Death? If I might chose, I would be. found doing some deed of true humanity, of wide import, beneficent and noble. But if I may not be found engaged in aught so lofty, let me hope at least for this - what none may hinder, what is surely in my power - that I may be found raising up in myself that which had fallen; learning to deal more wisely with the things of sense; working out my own tranquility, and thus rendering that which is due in every relation of life. * %* * Jf death surprise me thus employed, it is enough if I can stretch forth my hands to God and say, 'The faculties which I received at Thy hands for apprehending. this Thine administration. I have not neglected. As far as in me lay, I have done Thee no dishonor. Behold how I have used the senses, the primary conceptions which Thou gavest me. Have I ever laid anything to Thy charge? Have I ever murmured at aught that came to pass, or wished it otherwise? Have I in anything transgressed the rela- 'tions of life? For that Thou didst beget me, I thank Thee for that Thou hast given: for the time during which I have used the things that were Thine, it suffices me. Take them back and place them wherever Thou wilt! They were all Thine, and Thou gavest them me.' - If «a man depart thus minded, is it not enough? What life is fairer or more noble, what end happier than his?"

The above thoughts are recalled by a review of the life of the late Dr. William Howard Christopher, whose passing on April 2, 1915, at his home in London, this county, proved a shock to the entire community, which had been confidently and expectantly awaiting his return to the activities which had made him a beloved figure in London for twenty years. In the language of Epictetus, above quoted, Doctor Christopher, indeed, ever was found "doing some deed of true humanity, of wide import, beneficent and noble." He, truly, had rendered that which is due in every relation of life and had dealt wisely with the things of sense, never neglectful of his God-given faculties; and thus had worked out his own tranquility, as far as in him lay, doing his Maker no dishonor. ;

Since coming to Madison county, in 1895, Doctor Christopher had been identified with every measure calculated to uplift the moral status of the community or to further its betterment along all lines of public improvement. The splendid new public school buildings at London are monuments to his particular care, as on them he had expended the thoughtfl energies of the best years of his life. In all his comings in and goings out Doctor Christopher ever bad been mindful of the best interests of the people. Wise in the administration of his public duties, skillful in the practice of his noble profession. devoted to his church and social obligations, this kindly physician and earnest public servant had done his part well and had ever commanded the respect and admiration of the entire community. The various activities of his busy and useful career had brought him into close touch with life on its many sides. His greatest passion was his profession and his untiring zeal for better things is now all the better appreciated because it is missed. His cheery smile, his hearty handshake and his willingness to do for others at a cost of much to himself endeared him to all who came in contact with him, and though his death left in the life of the community a place that cannot easily be filled, his life had made the world the better for having been touched by it.

William Howard Christopher was born on a farm in Allen county on November 9, 1854, and his' early life was spent on the farm, his elementary education being received in the township schools in the neighborhood of his home. He was an ambitious student and improved his opportunities so well that he presently secured a license to teach school, and for several years was thus engaged in Allen county. He early conceived the desire to become a physician, and to this end entered Michigan University at Ann Arbor and in 1875 was graduated from that university. He then resumed teaching for a time and later entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated with high honors; finishing his studies in medical science with a post-graduate course at New York Polyclinic, in 1884. Upon completing his collegiate work, Doctor Christopher began the practice of medicine at Waynesville. Ohio, later moving to Van Wert, where he remained for a number of years, during which time he became associated with many public enterprises and proved his worth as a public-spirited citizen. During his residence in Van Wert an epidemic of smallpox devastated the city. Hundreds died and many fied from the city. Through it all, however, Doctor Christopher remained the calm, masterful man and physician that Madison county people later came to know and to love.

In 1895 Doctor Christopher came to this county, locating in the county seat, where in a very short time his high worth as a man and as a-physician was recognized. His 'interest in municipal matters led to many. honors -being conferred upon him by the people of. London. He was elected to the school board in 1899, and for fifteen years served faithfully and unselfishly on that important board. He was an active member of the Madison County Medical Association, a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the official board of the Methodist ehurch, an enthusiastic member of the Twentieth Century Bible Class, a former president of the London Club, a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association and a delegate to the auxiliary committee of the State Medical Society on public policy and legistation.

In 1879, on the day of his graduation from Starling Medical College, Dr. W. H. Christopher was united in marriage to Nancy Evelyn Patrick, of Bellefontaine, this state, who, with the only child of this union, Dr. H. V. Christopher, survives. Mrs. Asa Shadley, of Ada, Ohio, and Miss Jennie Christopher, of London, are sisters of the deceased.

Elisha 8S. Gordin

Hlisha S. Gordin's business activities have been marked by steady progress, due to his splendid executive ability, which, in building up his own fortune, has also increased the commercial prestige of the town in which he has lived and has been favorably known for many years. Mr. Gordin is an alert and capable business man, a conscientious public official, and a public-spirited citizen. As former sheriff. county treasurer, and member of the school board, as well as president of the People's Commercial and Savings Bank, of London, this county, Mr. Gordin has had a share in the making of local history for a number of years.

Born in Bethel township, Clark county, Ohio, on November 30, 1853, Elisha S. yordin is a native of the state in which his father, Frederick Gordin, also was born. His mother, who. before her marriage, was Hulda Barrett, was born in New Jersey and lived there until her sixth year. Frederick Gordin was a farmer, and in 1859 removed from his early home to Stokes township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life, becoming eminently suecessful from the financial viewpoint. He was a Republiean in politics, and a devout member of the Baptist church. He died on November 6, 1897. His wife had passed away on December 31, of the preceding. year. Of the eight children born to Frederick and Hulda (Barrett) Gordin, only four are now living, namely: R. B. Gordin, of Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Malissa Olin, of Muncie. Indiana ; Mrs. Amanda Brock, of Stokes township, and Elisha S. Gordin, the subject of the present biography.

EB. S. Gordin was born on a farm and was educated in the local common schools, having had the privilege also of one year of schooling in Clark county before his parents moved to Madison county. At first, following the line of least resistance, he joined his father in the farming and live stock business, and. then engaged in business for himself until 1898. The preceding year, having interested himself in local politics, he was elected sheriff of Madison county and entered upon that office in 1898, serving for two terms, or four years. At the expiration of his official term, he went to England, in quest of a prisoner, and: while abroad spent five days in Paris. On his return he formed a business partnership with M. L. Bunham, in the livery and horse business, which partnership continued six years. But. Mr. Gordin could not be content with merely a commercial life, and again he was elected to public office, becoming county treasurer of Madison county in 1906. He held that office for five years - two elective terms and one year appointive, on account of a change of the law: His next undertaking was in the mercantile and grain business at London, in which business he engaged in 1910 as a partner of V. E. Jordan, which partnership still continues. That same year witnessed the completion of the organization of the People's Commercial and Savings Bank, of London, and Mr. Gordin was made the first: president of the bank, a position

Thomas, daughter of G. W. Thomas, of Stokes township, to which union two children have been born, Louie Belle, wife of Harry Howard, of Port William, this county, and ¥red Pearl Gordin, of Port William.

Mr. Gordin's life has been a very active one. Besides his personal activities as a business man, he has taken time to serve as a member of the Stokes township school board for sixteen years and has served in the same capacity in London. Added to local business enterprises, he has large landed interests in South Georgia, and is a director of the Farmers' and Traders' Bank, of South Solon, this county. His political influence, which has been considerable, has been cast on the side of Republicanism. Mr. Gordin is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge in South Solon, to which place his business takes him frequently, and is an attendant on the services of the Presbyterian church in London, and is president of the business men's bible class of the Sunday school of that church, to this cause giving much time and earnest thought. Because of his sterling worth as a man of character, his kindliness and consideration, and his genial disposition, he has won the warm regard of his many associates.

Chester Edwin Bryan

Chester Edwin Bryan, editor and publisher of the Semi-Weekly Madison County Democrat (published by father and sons for fifty-eight consecutive years), was born on the 29th day of October, 1859, at London, Ohio. His father, Marcellus Leroy Bryan, was a hative of Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio, while his mother, Martha Sidney - Materson, was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, and came to America with her parents, an infant in arms. Prof. Ormond Masterson, Mr. Bryan's grandfather, taught languages at Trinity University, Dublin, and came to America in 1831, settling at Columbus, Ohio, where he established the first private school in that young city. Professor Masterson, during the summer vacations, engaged in surveying and assisted in establishing the line for the National road through central Ohio.

Marcellus L. Bryan was editor and founder of the Madison County Democrat, which paper he published from its establishment in 1857 until 1898, and the history of which is given elsewhere in this work. He died on May 26, 1902, and was succeeded by his sons, Chester E. and Ormond M. The latter died on September 7, 1908, and his interest in the business was purchased by Chester E., who has since controlled it. Marcellus L. Bryan was born in Batavia, Ohio, March 23, 1829, and was a representative of one of the oldest families in the state. His grandfather, David Chester Bryan, was born on Long Island in 1771, was united in marriage to Ruth Bryan in 1792, and came to Ohio before the opening of the nineteenth century. He died in Batavia, July 31. 1829. He was a prominent man in the early history of southern Ohio, and laid off the village of Williamsburg, Clermont county, afterwards, in 1825, removing to Batavia, which town he platted and named. In 1806 he was elected a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, but his seat was contested and given to Thomas Morris, who afterward became United States senator. Mr. Bryan was subsequently chosen member of the House, 1806-1807, and served as state senator, 1807-1811. Marcellus Bryan's father was also named David Chester Bryan, and on July 14, 1828, he was married to Mary Melvin Moore, a daughter of Capt. Charles Moore, who was a sergeant in the Revolutionary War and an officer in the War of 1812. He was one of the earliest settlers in Clermont county, having come from Philadelphia, and bought a large tract of land near Batavia, on which he erected a flouring-mill and a distillery. David C. . Bryan, Jy., was a man of prominence in the community in which he lived, and for some years he was the leading merchant of Batavia. He served as auditor of Clermont county and died there in 1859. Marcellus L. Bryan left five other children besides Chester E., Mrs. James Livensperger, Charles Moore Bryan, Mrs. Mattie Tenny Bryan,

Marcellus L. Bryan Chester E. Bryan

Chester Edwin Bryan, present editor and publisher of the Democrat, and who was named after both his grandfather and his great-grandfather, was educated in the London public schools, being a member of the class graduated in 1878. His life work, up to this time. has been spent in conducting the newspaper which he so loves. He is well known by newspaper publishers throughout the state, having been honored as president of the Ohio Editorial Association, the Hocking and Ohio Valley Editorial Association, and the Buckeye Press Association, the latter of which he was instrumental in forming by merging the other two organizations while serving as their presiding officer. For ten years he was a member of the executive committee for Ohio of the National Editorial Association and was elected a life member of that organization.

In politics, Mr. Bryan has always been a stanch Democrat. He has served as chairman of the Madison county Democratic committee for a number of years and also as a member of the Democratic state committee. In 1902 he was a candidate for Congress from the seventh Ohio district. In 1900 and again in 1904 he was a candidate for presidential elector on the Democratic ticket. He was appointed president of the board of trustees of the State Institution for the Deaf, by Governor Judson Harmon, «a position whicb he held until the boards of all Ohio state institutions were abolished by the passage of an act in 1910, placing their control under the state board of administrations. Mr. Bryan was largely instrumental, during Governor James M. Cox's administration, in securing the location of the Ohio penitentiary farm at London. With but two exceptions, he has attended all the Democratic national conventions which have been held since he reached his majority. He served as alternate delegate at the Kansas convention in (1901, also in a similar capacity at the Baltimore convention in 1913 when President Woddrow Wilson was nominated. He was president at the Democratic convention in Chicago in 1896 and heard William Jennings Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech,' which he considers the greatest oratorical feat of all times. He has served as a tiustee of the Carnegie library board of London for the past six years and is now president of the London Board of Trade.

Mr. Bryan was married, February 25, 1886, to Maria Daley, of Monroe township. To this union four daughters were born: Hazel, wife of Warren A. Stevens, of Columbus; Beulah Marie, deceased, wife of Godfrey Strauss, of Cincinnati; Uarda, wife of Harold Robertson, of Fulton, New York, and Naomi, at home.

Who can estimate properly or convincingly the influence for good upon the life of a community wielded by the conscientious physician? What record, save that of the great Recording Angel, ever will contain a complete transcript of the unselfish labors of the healer who goes about. his 'business in behalf of ailing humanity, all uncomplainingly, patiently, devotedly and sincerely giving himself, the strength of his hand, of his mind and of his heart, to all who call for such relief of bodily suffering as may be therapeutically possible? A mere historical and biographical work of this character is highly informative and instructive, and to future generations of this county this volume will be held as a priceless heritage of the past. but there is very much the future generations ought to know of the doings of their forbears that cannot be put down in cold letters and figures on a printed page. Among these phases of communal life that only can be recorded in the hearts of men here below, that relating to the unselfish labors of the devoted physician properly may be considered as of paramount importance. While no attempt will be made to convey a further message of sentiment in that connection on this page. it is but proper that, in a work of this nature, something of the life's record of the late lamented, former well-known and popular physician whose name forms the caption for this sketch, shall be here presented for the information of those generations yet to come who will want to know all that is obtainable of the history of the devoted men and women who wrought, giving the best that was in them, in order that richer material blessings than they had ever known might descend upon those who were to follow.

The late William D. Williams, M. D., in his day one of the best-known and most substantial citizens of Madison county, and at the time of his death the oldest resident physician of London, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, on July 15, 1836, and died at his home in London, this county, on March 22, 1906.

Doctor Williams was a good man and an exemplary citizen, and when the word was passed along in this county that the scenes in which he so long had played an active part would know him no more, there was general and sincere mourning hereabout, for he was held in the highest regard throughout this whole community,.as there were few who had not, at one time or another, come under the kindly influence of his gentle ministrations. A physician in the truest sense of the word, whose sympathetic interest in the welfare of those committed to his professional care was one of the great secrets of his remarkable professional success. Doctor Williams had endeared himself, throughout years of ceaseless endeavor, to the entire community and the general grief expressed at his passing was heartfelt.

The professional career of Dr. William D. Williams was begun in London, this county, in the year 1864, when, a newly-diplomaed doctor, fresh from the scenes of his graduation from a Homeopathic college at Cleveland, Ohio, he came to this county and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. From that time forward, until a few years before his death, Doctor Williams devoted his best talents and his utmost endeavors to the welfare of the community which he had selected as the scene of his life's labors, and in the proper fulness of time became known as one of the ablest physicians and most public-spirited citizens of this section of the state. 'There were few movements of large public import hereabout which were not given further impetus by the fostering influence of his intelligent attention and by such unselfish and ungrudging personal service as this he became known as one of the largest personal factors in the development of this region. As a very fitting and proper reward for his painstaking and conscientious professional services, Doctor Williams was enabled to prosper in a material way and, being a far-seeing and prudent investor, acquired large landed and other interests in Madison county, being accounted, at the time of his death. one of the county's most substantial citizens. He was faithful.in his practice. as he was in all the relations of life, and continued his professional service in the community up to a few years of the time of his death, his later years having been spent in practical retirement from the cares of a long and busy practice. An intelligent and diligent reader of the world's best literature, Doctor Williams was a cultured and broad-minded gentleman and had traveled extensively, having made several comprehensive tours in both hemispheres. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and ever displayed a hearty interest in all good works, being a leader in many of the best movements ever designed to advance the common weal in this county. Madison, county, has had few, if any, more popular citizens than was Doctor Williams, and he enjoyed the highest esteem ofall: -: , es Nige shone

In 1866, Dr. William D. Williams was united in marriage to Delia Chrisman, to which union there was born but one child, a son, Lee H. Williams, now and: for many years' past prominently connected with the Central .National Bank, of London, this county. Mrs.' Williams died in September, 1902, a little more than three years before the death of her husband. and she also was widely mourned, for she was a good woman, for many years having been devoted to all that was best in the community, a very earnest and influential factor in the social and religious life of the county seat.

Doctor and Mrs. Williams left many very pleasant memories, and it is but fitting that their names should be held in remembrance in this volume of history relating to the county in which they had so long and so earnestly labored, a respectful tribute to their worth and a proper recognition of the value of their services to the community.

James F. Bell

Engaged in the practice of law for many years in London, the county seat of this county, of which town he was at one time mayor, James F. Bell is not only a prominent lawyer, but has identified himself with so many of the important organizations of the community that the influence of his strong personality has been widely felt. He is a man of excellent scholarship and legal training.

James F. Bell was born on a farm in Oak Run township, this county, on January 12, 1872, son of Joseph and Flizabeth (Amos) Beli. The family for several generations back were prominent in the agricultural industry, and took pride in their work, as is exemplified by the remark once made by William Bell, great-grandfather of James F. Bell, who boasted of 'tending ten acres of corn when he was ninety years old. James D. Bell, grandfather of James F.. was also a farmer, as well as a school teacher of Ross county. of which county he was a pioneer settler, having located there with his father. James D.-Bell married Elizabeth Dewey. and to that union were born seven children, of whom but two are now living. Benjamin. who lives in Columbus, Ohio, and Ann, the wife of Leven Trout. of Terre Haute, Indiana, those now deceased having. been William, Jane, Joseph, George and James.

Joseph Bell, the father of James F.. was born in Fairfield township. this county, April 21, 1831. in the neighborhood where he passed his entire life. He was only eleven years old when both of his parents died. and after that he lived with an uncle and learned the business of farming and stock raising. Plizabeth Amos, his wife, lived in this county. and it was here that they met and married, the marriage ceremony taking place on September 23, 1852. He and his brother, William married the only two daughters of Robert C. Amos, a pioneer of the county. who came here from Maryland. Joseph Bell became a successful farmer, although he lived a plain, quiet life. He died on June 11, 1907. Benjamin and Margaret (Conn) Amos were the parents of Robert C. Amos. The paternal great-grandparents of James F. Bell were William and Sina (Wilson) Bell. , : |

The maternal grandmother of James F. Bell was Mary Wilson, the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Rea) Wilson, the latter of "hom was the daughter of Joseph and Betsie (Conn) Rea. To Robert C. and Mary (Wilson) Amos. the maternal grandparents of Mr. Bell. were born five children. as follow: Margaret. who became the wife of William Bell; Elizabeth. the mother of James F. Bell; and three sons. John, Robert and William, all three of whom died in childhood. The mother of these children died when the girls were of a tender age. and the father. Robert C. Amos, later married Hannah Rush. of Baltimore. Maryland, who conferred the greatest of motherly attention on the children who were entrusted to her care. She died in 1886. There were no children by the second marriage. The mother of Mr. Bell was born on January 18, 1833. and died on May '9 1900. To Joseph and Elizabeth (Amos) Bell were born eight children, as follow: Wesley H., born on September 18, 1853. who died on October 2, 1860; Mary E., Jilly 9. 1856. wife of R. N. Mowry, who left at her death. on' October 4. 1885, a son, Joseph B.. who died on April 19. 1893: Emma J.:; May 31, 1859. who died on March 22, 1866: Eva A.. September 28, 1861. who married A. L. Fitzgerald. of Wester- ville, Ohio, and is the mother of a married son, Fred; Minnie F., February 25, 1864, who married William Edmund Taylor aud until recently lived on the home farm in Oak Run township, this county, with her husband and three children, Robert, Ollie and Fay, but now resides on a farm near Plainview, Texas; Sallie M., August 30, 1866, who died on May 2, 1876; James F., the subject of this biographical sketch, and Lee A., October 24, 1875, of Columbus, Ohio, who married Belle W. Alkire, and has one son, Joseph Maxwell.

Until his fifteenth year, Jumes F. Bell attended the district schools and then assisted his father on the farm, in the meautime continuing his studies during the winter months until he was nineteen. It would seem that from early boyhood this lad had dreams of the future, for before his school days were finished, he was preparing to teach, and at the age of nineteen, having procured a teacher's certificate, he began teaching in the same school which he had attended as a pupil. The following eight years he spent in teaching and in attendance at college, thus preparing the foundation for his later career. He taught at intervals in his old home school during eight years, and never had to apply for the school, but once. Following his graduation from the College of Law, Ohio State University, with the class of 1899, on June 7, of the same year, he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, und in December, 1902, was admitted to practice in the United States courts.

Mr. Bell's marriage to Rowena Moore, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Batavia, took place on June 27, of the year of his graduation from college, his wife being the daughter of W. B. and Marianna Moore. Mrs. Bell was born on March 11, 1880. To Mr. and Mrs. Bell have been born four children, as follow: Martha Frances, born on October 20, 1902; Virginia, March 7, 1905; Joe Amos, September 12, 1911, who died on December 9, 1913, and James Finley, Jr., January 12, 1915, his father's 'birthday.

Mr. Bell located in London in the spring of 1900, and at once began the practice of law, his office being in the Union Block, opposite the court house. Mr. Bell applied himself assiduousiy to the practice of his profession and soon became recognized as one of the ablest young attorneys of the community. He had been before the public before entering on bis profession, his first public office, having been that of clerk of Oak Run township, this county. Mr. Bell has always been allied with the Democratic party, and it is a singular and splendid testimonial of his character that his election to all public offices which he has held has been as the candidate of a minority party, his success being largely attributable to his eminent qualifications and personal popularity. During the years 1908 and 1909 he was mayor of London, and in 1911 and 1912 was the prosecuting attorney of Madison county. He was his party's nominee for judge of the common pleas court in 1914, but was defeated by a slight plurality.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bell have taken a prominent part in the life of the church of which they are members, the First Presbyterian church of London, the church in which the former's grandfather, Robert C. Amos, was, in his day, one of the ruling elders. Mr. Bell is now an elder, and was formerly a trustee. He is keenly interested in the work of the Sunday school, in which he has been the teacher of a Bible class for many years. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bell, 166 Washington avenue, which is a modern one, haying been erected in 1913, is frequently opened for the social functions of the church, as well as for the reception of their friends, and many thus enjoy the hospitality of this :mniable couple. Mr. Bell is the owner of three-quarters of the home farm and other valuable land near by and is regarded as one of London's most substantial citizens.

Besides his affiliations of a professional nature, Mr. Bell is a member of Madison Lodge No.-70, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past grand and past district deputy of that lodge. He is a member of the influential London Club and of the London Board of Trade. : subject has received no inconsiderable part of the respect and honor which every comjuunity bestows upon the men who serve it with honesty and fidelity. He has been true to every public trust, conscientious in the discharge of his duties, whether of a public or private nature, and true to his ideals.

Omer Fe. Jones

In a biographical sketch presented elsewhere in this volume, relating to the life and the public services of the late Hon. William M. Jones, of London, this county, there is set out at some length the history of this well-known family in Madison county. It will, not be necessary, therefore, in this connection to review the genealogy of the gentleman whose name is noted at the head of this brief biography, the reader being respectfully referred to the sketch above mentioned for further essential details. Omer EB. Jones, a worthy son of his distinguished and lamented father, is doing well his part in the life of this community and it is but fitting that there should be set out here some brief and modest mention of his active career. Having been a resident of the city of London, county seat of Madison county, since he was three years of age, Mr: Jones has been a most interested witness of the later development of that thriving little city, and it properly enough may be said that he has been a no small factor in that development. Identified with the banking interests of the city since he was twenty years old, Mr. Jones has acquired an acquaintance with the business interests of the county which gives to his service in the bank with which he is connected, as well as to the community at large, a special value, and it is not too much to say that he is regarded as one of the leaders among the younger set of enterprising business men who have done so much in recent years to bring about better conditions hereabout.

Omer E. Jones, teller of the London Exchange Bank, of London. this county. was born on a farm in Fayette county, Ohio, on September 4, 1879, son of the iate Hon. William M. and Lucy A. (Pancoast) Jones, proper mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Being but three years of age at the time his parents moved to London, in 1882, Mr. Jones has spent practically his whole life in that city. Receiving his early education in the excellent public schools of London, he entered Duff's Mercantile College, a high-grade commercial school at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was graduated from that institution. Upon receiving his diploma, Mr. Jones returned home and at once entered upon his business career as a bookkeeper in the London Exchange Bank, with ° which his late father at that time was prominently connected. That was on September 1, 1899, and Mr. Jones ever since then has been connected with this bank. He rapidly rose to the position of teller in the bank, which position he now is holding, much to the satisfaction of the customers of the bank, with whom, it is not improper to say, he is exceedingly popular, as he is with his business and personal associates generally throughout the county. In addition to his connection with the above bank, he also is secretary of the Citizens' Loan and Savings Company, of London.

On November 2, 1904. Omer FE. Jones was united in marriage to Carrie W. Warrington, of South Charleston, Ohio, daughter of William O. Warrington, a prominent citizen of that place, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Virginia. Mr. and Mts. Jones are members of the Methodist charch and are earnestly interested in the various good works of the community. "They are prominently identified with the social life of the town. and their many friends are pleased to regard them as among the leaders in London's pleasant social activities.

Mr. Jones is a Republican, as was his honored father before him, and takes a good citizen's interest in the political affairs of the county, though never having been included in the office-seeking class. He is a Mason of high degree, being a member of the chapter and of the council of that ancient order in London, as well as a Knight Templar and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being attliated with Aiaddin Temple of the latter order at Columbus. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at London and is treasurer of the three Masonic bodies at London. In addition to his banking interests, Mr. Jones owns a fine farm in Oak Run township, this county, to which he gives considerable personal attention, he being much interested in the wonderful developments recently made in the science of agriculture. Enterprising, energetic and public spirited, Mr. Jones is performing admirably his part in the complex life of his home city and very properly enjoys the utmost confidence and the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact.

Xerxes Farrar

Hach generation necessarily builds upon the foundation laid by preceding generations. According to the firmness of the foundation, the superstructure will be substantial vr not. The future, of course, must be the judge of what character of foundation has been laid for the social, moral, civic, commercial and financial edifice being erected by the citizens of Madison county. However, from what the present historian notes of the high character, the determination of purpose and the exalted standards of conduct maintained by the leaders of thought and action in this part of the state, in their work of carrying on the labors of those who wrought so wisely and securely in the past, it hardly may be doubted that the superstructure of the coming civilization of this region will be all that the present generation may hope for those who shall come after. It is partly the purpose of this volume to preserve for the future some account of the lives and the labors of those who now are doing so well their part in bearing aloft the torch cf civilization in this region, and it therefore is fitting and proper that brief biographies be here presented of those who are leaders in this noble work. As such a purpose would be but incompletely carried out without the introduction of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this modest sketch, it is a pleasure for the biographer here to present for the consideration of the future historian a brief resume of the life history of Xerxes Farrar, cashier and practical head of the Central National Bank, of London, this county.

Xerxes Farrar, son of John and Sarah (Holway) Farrar, is a native of Madison county, as was his father before him, the Farrars for several generations having been prominently 'identified with the best interests of this county, in the affairs of which they have ever taken a conspicuous and prominent part; the influence. of this family having been exerted for good almost since the days of the beginning of the social order hereabout.