History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 71

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

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Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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.

HERSCHEL L. MCCAFFERTY.

A record of sixteen years of faithful service in one public office in a great com- monwealth 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 incum- bent 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 pre- sented 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.

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 L. McCafferty, a civil engineer and educator of parts, came to this county in 1869 and

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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 apti- tude 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 engi- neering, 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 to 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, bis services ever having been rendered with an eye single to the good of the common- wealth, 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 judg- ment 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 organiza- tions 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 benefit mankind and his home com- munity ; 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 regarded 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

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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 community, his influence ever being exerted in behalf of the right.

On September 11, 1890, Charles Cheseldine was united in marriage to Minnie Min- shall, 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 superin- tendent 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.

W. H. CHRISTOPHER, M. D.

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. . * If 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

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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 thoughtful energies of the best years of his life. In all his comings in and goings out Doctor Christopher ever had 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 fled from the city. Through it all, how- ever, 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

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of the Madison County Medical Association, a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the official board of the Methodist church, 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 legislation.

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. Obio, and Miss Jennie Christopher, of London, are sisters of the decensed.

ELISHA S. GORDIN.

Elisha 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. Gordin is a native of the state in which his father, Frederick Gordia, 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 1809 removed from his early home to Stokes township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life, becoming eminently successful from the financial viewpoint. He was a Republi- can 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.

E. 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 nutil 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 undertak- Ing 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 Rank. of London, and Mr. Gordin was made the first. president of the bank, a position he has retained up to the present time.

-On March 28. 1872. Elisha S. Gordin was united in marriage to Caroline Frances

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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 Fred 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, a'nd 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 eurnest thought. Because of his sterling worth as a man of character, his kindliness and consideration, and his genial disposi- tion, 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 20th day of October, 1859, at London, Oblo. His father, Marcellus Leroy Bryan, was a native 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. Mar- cellus L. Bryan was born in Batavia, Ohio, March 23, 1820, 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, Jr., 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.

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MARCELLU'S L. BRYAN.

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CHESTER E. BRYAN

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wife of Walter Bryan, and Martell Bryan, all of London, and Addison Watson Bryan, of Marion.

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 Lon- don 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 Edi- torial 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 Con- gress 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 which 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 adminis- trations. Mr. Bryan was largely instrumental, during Governor James M. Cox's adminis- tration, 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 Woodrow Wilson was nominated. He was president at the Democratic con- vention in Chicago in 1800 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 trustee of the Carnegie library board of London for the past six years and is now president of the London Board of Trade.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 71

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

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