History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 131

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207

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On May 27, 1858, Matthew J. Fauver was united in marriage to Maria J. Prugh, who was born in this county on February 17, 1842, daughter of G. W. and Louisa ( Wilson) Prugh. His father was born in Somerford township, this county, on June 16, 1816, son of George and Margaret (Markley) Prugh, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Ohio in 1812, shortly following their marriage, and located in Somerford township, this county, where the rest of their lives were spent, they being regarded as among the leading pioneers of that section of the county. George Prugh died in 1841 and his widow survived him more than twenty years, her death not occurring until in 1864. G. W. Prugh, son of this worthy pioneer couple, was a prosperous farmer and was trustee of Somerford township for a period of seven years. On February 8, 1838, he married Louisa Wilson, who was born in this county on January 5, 1823. and to this union three children were born, Valentine H., Maria J. and Theodore.

To Matthew J. and Maria J. (Prugh) Fauver were born three children, namely : Anna L., born on January 1, 1861; Harry F., the immediate subject of this sketch. and Augusta L., born on July 27, 1875. Matthew J. Fauver died on October 26. 1898. and his widow is still living at Summerford. enjoying, in the beautiful evening of her life, many evidences of the affection of the entire countryside.

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HARRY F. FAUVER

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Harry F. Fauver received his elementary education in the common schools of his home township, supplementing the same by a course in Antioch College, following which he engaged for a few years with his father in the grocery business at Summer- ford and then, for about ten years, was engaged in the carriage and vehicle business, five years as a traveling salesman and five years located at Mechanicsburg, this state. In 1894 Mr. Fauver located in London, where he opened a real estate and Insurance office and ever since has been thus engaged, in that time having built up a business in this line second to none in this immediate section. He continues to make his home in Somerford township, where he owns one of the best-appointed farms in that part of the county and where he and his family are delightfully situated, their fine resi- dence possessing all the conveniences conducive to the fullest measure of domestic comfort.

On May 13, 1890, Harry F. Fauver was united in marriage to Alice J. Mitchell, daughter of Charles and Mary E. Mitchell, the former of whom was a well-known and substantial farmer of Somerford township and whose history will be found else- where in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Fauver three children have been born, Gwynneth, Matthew Mitchell and Harry Ordell, all of whom are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Fauver are members of the Christian church at Summerford, of which Mr. Fauver for years has been one of the trustees, and their children have been reared in that faith.

Harry F. Fauver is a Democrat and for years has given close attention to the political affairs of his home county, ever having been an exponent of the best prin- ciples of good government. For two terms he was treasurer of Somerford township. his father and grandfather having served in their lifetime as trustees of the same township. His services in that connection were valuable to the public and much appre- ciated by the people of that township. Mr. Fauver is a Mason, having joined . the lodge of that order in Mechanicsburg in 1894, and also is an Odd Fellow, having joined the lodge of that order at Summerford in 1886. In all his relations in life he has done well his part, and few men in the county may rightly claim to have been actuated by a higher sense of civic duty than he. In both his business and social obligations he has faithfully met all the requirements and possesses in full measure the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

JUDGE SYLVESTER W. DURFLINGER.

Perhaps no greater tribute can be paid to a judge than that his own code of ethics is higher than any written law. In a profession in which one's moral and ethical standards are so frequently and so severely tested, a man of whom this can be said is strong indeed, and deserving of the highest esteem which it is possible for the people to give. To such there is but one ideal of right and justice, and to this he must hold himself as rigidly as he would hold others. The above characterizes Judge Sylvester Durflinger, who was one of the most distinguished citizens of his time, being a widely known and popular lawyer and judge. Sylvester W. Durflinger was born at Lilly Chapel, Madison county, Ohio, on April 20, 1836, the son of Philip and Mary (Lilly) Durflinger, the former a native of Ohio, to which state he came in its early history. the latter a descendant from a very old Virginia family which was of English and French extraction.

Philip Durflinger devoted himself to farming. and after a useful life died in 1839. His wife's ancestors emigrated to Ohio as pioneers and located in Ross county, where they became unusually well known and where they amassed considerable wealth. Lilly Chapel was named for this family, and the ground upon which Lilly Chapel was erected was a generous donation from James Lilly, former county commissioner of Madison

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county. Mrs. Mary (Lilly) Durflinger, the mother of Sylvester W., was married. secondly, to Samuel T. Pearce, of London. She passed away in London on August 6. 1891.

Sylvester W. Durflinger was one of a family of two children and was educated in the district schools. He early aspired to be an attorney and made his plans with that in view. Having taken the studies preparatory to a collegiate course he matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware when only eighteen years of age, graduat- ing from that famous institution in 1860. Soon afterward he came to London and upon the invitation of the Hon. R. A. Harrison, entered his law office. After seven months of valuable experience here, he removed to Bloomington, Illinois. When the Civil War broke out this patriot was one of the first to enlist as a private in Company A, Thirty-third Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Having served four years he was honorably discharged in July, 1865. Returning to his native state he located per- manently in London, where the Republican party, in 1866, nominated and elected him county recorder. He was ambitious for higher honors and availed himself of every spare moment to acquire further knowledge of the law, with the result that he was able to pass a creditable examination and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He early formed a partnership with George W. Wilson, a partnership which lasted many years and resulted in a lifelong friendship.

In 1871 S. W. Durflinger took the next step in his conspicuous public career by being elected prosecuting attorney, a position which he filled with credit for the fol- lowing four years. About this time also he became a member of the board of education. By 1883 Mr. Durflinger had become so well known and so popular that it was an easy matter for him to be elected to the state Senate from the eleventh district, com- prising Clarke, Champaign and Madison counties. The next milestone in the life of Mr.' Durflinger was his election as judge of the court of common pleas, which took place in 1895. Five years previous to this he was appointed by President Mckinley as census director. Another honor of which he was proud was his election as trustee of the 'Central Insane Asylum, an office which he held for many years. Perhaps, how- ever, the greatest public service which he rendered along purely humanitarian lines was in connection with the Ohio Wesleyan University, his alma mater. In this insti- tution he took a keen interest, giving unsparingly of his time and thought as one of its most distinguished trustees.

Sylvester W. Durflinger was twice married, his first wife being Eliza J. Silver, a native of Madison county, and to her he was married on October 17, 1867. She died on May 23, 1878, leaving two children : Mary K., now Mrs. Edwin M. Knowles, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Annie L., now a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark. Judge Durflinger was married, secondly, to Mary A. Flannagan, who is still living, in her beau- tiful home north of London. Mary A. Flannagan was born in New York City on November 27, 1858. Three children were born of this union, namely: Florence, wife of Richard D. Logan, of Toledo, Ohio, her birth having been on December 26, 1880; Lillian, now Mrs. Frank Conway, of London, was born on February 28, 1883, and Clarence W., the youngest child, was born on September 15, 1892.

Mrs. Mary A. Durflinger comes of a family with a very interesting political his- tory, her father having been very active in New York politics. She is the daughter of John C. and Mary A. (Maloney) Flannagan, he being a native of Ardagh, County Roscommon, Ireland, and she a native of the ancient city of Galway. John C. Flanna- gan ran away from school in Ireland and came to New York City in 1810. Being a man of strong personality and with those qualities which make for leadership, he became one of the first members of Tammany Hall which was then being organized. He at first adhered to the principals of the Democratic party, but after much political

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activity in New York, he renounced that party. He was a merchant in New York City until 1868 when he came west and located in Madison county, settling near Plain City on a farm, and in this county he lived the rest of his life. Mr. Flannagan was a representative Irish gentleman and in many ways a remarkable man. He had a fine education, which was rare for the Irishmen of his time. The latter part of his life was spent near London, during part of which time he lived in Clark county. He died in London. He and his wife were the parents of six children, five of whom are living. His wife died on August 10, 1894, at the age of eighty.

Mrs. Durflinger, the widow of Judge Durflinger, is prominent in the literary and social circles of her home city. She has been a prominent member of the Woman's Relief Corps for thirty years and is one of the leading spirits in the High Street Club and the Women's Federation. It would seem that this cultured woman is, in a way, continuing the life work of her husband and no doubt she still feels the uplifting influence of his strong personality.

Returning to the organizations with which the judge was actively affiliated, perhaps the one closest to his heart was the Grand Army of the Republic, he being a member of Lyon Post No. 121. Next in importance was the college fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, membership in which is a distinct honor, as it indicates a high degree of scholarship. The esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens may be partially indicated by the fact that for twenty-five years Judge Durflinger was on the board of county school examiners. He was also a member of Chandler Lodge No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons. Judge Durflinger was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in April, 1913.

Judge Durflinger was a man of many estimable qualities, one of the most promi- nent of which was his hospitality. He was unusually fond of people, and was never so happy as when surrounded by his friends and loved ones. Thus the home of the judge and his charming wife became a real social center, radiating joy and good cheer to all who came within its beneficent influence. Judge Durflinger was the type of man who, by sheer force of character, inspired confidence and respect. Such are never wanting in public honor, and his section of the state showered upon him nearly all of the honors which it had to give. Nor was its trust betrayed. This distinguished man discharged every public duty with fidelity and courage, and lived the life of a private citizen with that integrity which endears a man not only to those who know and love him but to the whole community affected by his life.

JAMES T. AND MARY ANN (HARRINGTON) BLACK.

The Black family, of Madison county, Ohio. came to America about the time Washington was first inaugurated President and settled in Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania.

The late James T. Black, one of Madison county's noted citizens, was of this family. He was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Ozborne) Black. His father was but one year old when his parents came to this country and was of Covenanter ancestry, his family being of the early, hardy Scottish Covenanters who crossed over from Scotland into North Ireland and helped to make up the Presbyterian community of Ulster. Daniel Black and family came, at an early date, from Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled in Madison county.

Hon. James Thomas Black, named for two paternal uncles, was born on August 28, 1831, in Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania, and died at Plain City, Ohio, March 6, 1913. In early life he came with his father's family to Ohio, where they located on a farm just east of Plain City. In 1863 Mr. Black removed to Plain City where he

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became one of the most progressive citizens. His efforts in building up his home community and surrounding country made for the betterment of the entire county. He was a worker for good roads, one of his last acts being the signing a petition for a macadamized road past the old home farm, an earnest advocate of efficient drainage and ditching, an ardent believer in good streets and sidewalks, and ever presented the beautifying and refining influence of shade trees upon the folks who lived in their neighborhood. An amusing incident is recalled in connection with his interest in shade trees. The town council had by ordinance made the planting of shade trees compulsory. Once when he and a fellow member of the council were superintending the placing of trees along a certain sidewalk, an irate lady, the owner of the abutting property appeared with a kettle of boiling water and threatened to scald the last man of them.

Mr. Black was almost continuously giving his time, means and talents as village, township and school district officer, but was once defeated as a member of the board of education because he advocated a more than four-room school building, the majority saying that four rooms could never be filled, whereas in twenty years the development justified his foresight in that the schools were filling a twelve-room building. He was a member of the General Assembly of Ohio, having conferred upon him the rare compliment of being elected as a Democrat from a Republican county, and here as elsewhere he was a valuable public servant, being greatly interested in whatever touched the farming element and being a foremost champion in preserving the canal systems of the state from spoilers and grabbers for the time when these rights-of-way will be expanded into noble water courses for carrying all kinds of heavy and nonperishable freight, to the great saving to the people.

Mr. Black was in early life a farmer, but ill health forbade his following this occupation. After coming to Plain City he became a successful merchant in the hardware and furniture business, but he always also conducted operations on the farm. In these pursuits he acquired a modest competency, besides giving all his chil- dred college educations. He himself was a finely educated man, having attended Pine Grove and Juniata Academies, then as now, leading Presbyterian institutions of learn- ing in western Pennsylvania. For a time he taught school but he preferred a more active, out-door life. He was a very popular man, had a pleasant word to everyone, was generous to a fault, and kindly in his home. No worthy person was ever turned from his door; he never counted charity.

Mr. Black held membership in Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons; Adoniram Chapter. Royal Arch Masons; London Council, Royal and Select Masters and Mt. Vernon Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar, at Columbus, Ohio. He was for many terms worshipful master of his lodge. He was the founder of Avery Lodge, Free and Arrepted Masons, at Hilliards, Ohio, and by request became its first worshipful master.

James T. Black was united in marriage on January 6, 1857, with Mary Ann Har- rington, daughter of Alvin and Elizabeth (Beach) Harrington. Mary Ann Harrington was born on April 2, 1834, near Amity, Madison county, Ohio, lived practically her entire lifetime within the borders of her native county, and departed this life on December 15. 1912, at Plain City. Mrs. Black's father, descended from Revolutionary War stock, came from Vermont, a Yankee school teacher, to the then wilds of Ohio, settling in Madison county. Her mother's people came to Madison county but little later than 1800. Some of them were refugees from the Canadian colonies, having been exiled and their property confiscated by the British government on account of their sympathies being with the southern colonies in their struggle with the mother country. These. together with those in the New England colonies, were in the Revolutionary War.

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Mrs. Black's people were active in community upbuilding. Her grandfather oper- ated mills and factories at Amity. She had two uncles who were members of the General Assembly of Ohio and a brother, one of the great lawyers of the South, who was speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, and at the time of his death at the early age of thirty-nine years was commissioner from his state to the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia.

Mrs. Black attended Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. She was one of Madison county's early school teachers. A notable happening was that in one district fathers and mothers came to school to her father, their children to her, and their grandchildren to her son. She was of a wonderfully cheery disposition, always looking on the bright side of things and was one of her county's most intellectual women. She was a brilliant writer. often contributing to home and foreign papers and fre- quently being called upon to prepare addresses for church and school. She was a life- long, devout and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an earnest and intelligent worker in all its departments. She served as corresponding secretary of her church's branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society from the time of its founding until her death, a period of over thirty-five years. She enjoyed the friend- ship and esteem of Ohio's leading Methodist women.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Black were Howard C., a graduate of the University of Wooster and a law practitioner; Lizzie, graduated from Shepardson College of Denison University, now deceased, who was married to Judson L. Philips, also a graduate of Denison University ; Jennie, who attended Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, and who now resides in Plain City, and Olive, who was graduated from the Plain City high school, a member of its first class, attended Ohio Wesleyan University, was married to J. F. Feather. who was a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and who died in August, 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Feather was born a daughter, Elizabeth. who graduated with high honors from the Plain City high school and is now a student at Ohio Wesleyan University. The two daughters, Lizzie and Olive, were organists in the Plain City Methodist Episcopal church almost con- tinuously for a period of over forty years.

PAYTON RANDOLPH EMERY.

For many years the name Emery has been indissolubly associated with the best life of Madison county. Benjamin Emery, a substantial farmer of this county, served the public very acceptably for two terms as sheriff of Madison county and later served with equal acceptance two terms as county treasurer. His son, P. R. Emery, one of the best-known lawyers in central Ohio, junior member of the distin- guished firm of Murray & Emery, attorneys, at London, the county seat of Madison county, served his country as a lieutenant in one of the regiments which Ohio sent out during the Spanish-American War and from the time of his entrance at the bar of the Madison circuit court took a position at that bar which grew in strength as he grew in favor with the people until now that position is recognized as firmly fixed, Mr. Emery occupying a station in legal circles throughout this section of the state which might well be envied by many lawyers of much more than his years.

Payton Randolph Emery was born on a farm in Range township, Madison county, Ohio, on September 1, 1867, son of Benjamin and Caroline (Chrisman) Emery, the former a Virginian and the latter a native of Range township, member of one of the best-known pioneer families of that section of Madison county. Benjamin Emery was a farmer until the time of his election, in 1890, to the office of sheriff of Madison county, at which time he moved to London, the county seat, which ever since has been

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his home, he and his wife still living there in quiet and comfortable retirement, their home the scene of much genial hospitality, for they have a very large circle of friends, all of whom hold them in the highest regard. Following his service as sheriff, Benjamin Emery was elected, in 1894, to the office of county treasurer and served so faithfully in that important position that he was re-elected for another term. He is a Republican and for many years has been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county, a man of much influence in public affairs.

To Benjamin and Caroline (Chrisman) Emery seven children have been born, all of whom are still living, namely : Payton Randolph, the immediate subject of this sketch; Annette, who married Edward F. Baird, of South Charlestown, Ohio; Frances, who married Walter Converse, of London, this county; Louise, who married Calvin Davidson, of Columbus, Ohio; Angus, who resides at Lincoln, Nebraska; Maud, who married Angus Bonner, of London, this county, and Richard, who also lives in London.

Reared on the paternal farm in Range township, P. R. Emery received his ele- mentary education in the district schools of his neighborhood after which he entered the high school at London, from which he was graduated in 1888. He then entered Ohio State University, from the law school of which fine old institution he was graduated in June, of 1893. Returning to London he was admitted to the bar of the Madison county court immediately thereafter and entered upon the practice of his chosen pro- fession, as a partner of Judge S. W. Durflinger. This partnership was maintained until January, 1904, at which time Mr. Emery formed a partnership with Michael S. Murray, one of the best-known lawyers in this part of the state, which mutually agree- able and profitable partnership has been continued to this time, this firm having a wide practice in the courts of this section.

On May 9, 1907, Payton Randolph Emery was united in marriage to Anna Gould, of London, this county, daughter of E. J. Gould, and to this union two children have been born, Georgiana and Theodore Kellogg. Mr. and Mrs. Emery are members of the Methodist church and take an active part in the various beneficences of that church, their efforts in behalf of all good things in this community being well directed. They also are prominent in the social affairs of the county seat and are held in high esteem by their large circle of acquaintances, their engaging qualities firmly cementing many close ties of friendship.

P. R. Emery is a Republican and takes an active part in the political affairs of the county, being looked upon as one of the leaders of his party hereabout. During the Spanish-American War he enlisted in the United States volunteer army and saw service in that brief but conclusive struggle as a lieutenant of Company E. Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is now one of the most active workers in the ranks of the Spanish-American War Veterans. He is a Mason of high degree, past master of Chandler lodge, at London, and a Knight Templar. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at London and in these several organizations takes an active and influential part. Mr. Emery also gives considerable attention to the business and financial affairs of his home city and is a director of the Madison National Bank, of London.

Active, energetic, enterprising and public spirited, P. R. Emery is doing well his part in the social, moral and professional life of his home county. A profound student of the law, he has brought to his professional services both intellectual vigor and moral courage and in consequence has attained a high place in legal circles in this section of the state, having gained the entire confidence of bench and bar alike. Affable and courteous in his intercourse with his fellow men, he has a very large follow- ing of personal friends hereabout and no one in the county possesses in greater measure the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 131

Author: Chester E. Bryan Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1207

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207