History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 70

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

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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 con- ception 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

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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 prac- tice at 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 23, 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, Elizabeth 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 has 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 Knights of Columbus, in the affairs of both of which organizations he takes au 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 scrupu- lously 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 considera- tion, 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 prom- inent 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

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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 for 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 suc- cessfully 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 Exchange 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, bis 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 called him, and it is undoubted that he performed a very great service in this com- munity. 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

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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 marriage 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 business, he built up a large fortune which was invested mostly in farm lands.

Hiran 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 Phila- delphia 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 care of three or four meu. 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 him 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 years was associated with his brother in the purchase and sale of horses.

Altogether Hiram W. and William Richmond were in partnership for about thirty- five 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 be married and spent the rest of bis 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

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Hiram W. Richmond

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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 main- taining 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 per- sonally 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 Rich- mond 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, (31)

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but keeps up the improvements on the farm. She also owns the Paint township farm of three hundred acres, which her sister formerly owned.

Mrs. Richmond was president of the ladies' aid society of the Methodist Episcopal 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 Franchise 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 I.ondon 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 charm- ing 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 productive 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. Runyan 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.

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alice R. armstrong,

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named, in the order of their birth, as follow: James A., Clarence, Edward, Percy, Charles and Maude.

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.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 70

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

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