History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 75

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

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HARRY VINCENT CHRISTOPHER, M. D.

With the recent passing of the useful life of the lamented Dr. William Howard Christopher, of London, this county, there was widespread and earnest congratulation in this community that the name of Dr. Christopher was not soon to die out; that it should be so worthily perpetuated in the person of that fine old physician's son. Dr. H. V. Christopher, of London, whose years of practice with his father had given him a place in the affections of the people hardly second to that held by the elder physician. Literally "born to be a doctor," the younger Christopher was reared with that end in view, his devoted parents giving him every opportunity to achieve his youthful . ambition, and upon completing his admirable educational course, the younger doctor entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in the office of his father, being thus properly and lovingly inducted into the very best traditions and practices of his honorable profession ; traditions which he has most faithfully observed in his rela- tions with the people of Madison county. Coming to these relations with the best motives, actuated by the highest ideals. Dr. H. V. Christopher has most worthily per- formed his part in the community and has been rewarded by many expressions of the full confidence and high esteem of all with whom these relations have been so happily sustained, and none in the community is held in higher regard than he.

Harry Vincent Christopher was born at Van Wert, Ohio, on June 6, 1883, son of Dr. W. H. and Nancy E. (Patrick) Christopher. the former of whom, for many years a well-loved physician of London, this county, died on April 2, 1915, and the latter of whom still is living at her pleasant home in London. On another page in this volume there is set out, in a memorial sketch relating to the late Dr. W. H. Christopher, further details regarding the history of the Christopher family in this county, to which the reader is respectfully referred in this connection.

Being but twelve years of age when his parents moved from Van Wert to London,

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Harry V. Christopher completed his common-school education in the schools of the latter city, being graduated from the London high school with the class of 1902. He then entered Ohio State University at Columbus, where he spent a year in the classical course, after which he entered Starling Medical College in the same city, pursuing his medical studies, in which he had been far advanced by conscientious study in the office of his father, in that excellent institution for a period of two years after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1908. In connection with his work in the latter college, Doctor Christopher secured the inestimable advantage of a year spent as an interne in a Chicago hospital, the practical value of which has been amply demonstrated in his wide practice since definitely entering upon his life work at home. In the fall of 1908 the younger Doctor Christopher began his practice in the city of London in association with his father, the late Dr. William H. Christopher, and ever since has been thus engaged, very suc- cessfully and with the highest consideration for the public welfare. He specializes in his treatment of diseases affecting the ear, nose and throat and in this form of practice has achieved a fine reputation throughout this part of the state, few physicians hereabout having been more successful in this particular line of practice than he.

On September 11, 1907, Dr. H. V. Christopher was united in marriage to Helen Knowles Downing, daughter of D. D. and Alice K. Downing, of London, this county, and to this union two children have been born, Alice Jane, born on July 2, 1910, and Nancy Elizabeth, October 5, 1914. Doctor and Mrs. Christopher are earnest members of the Methodist church, in the various affairs of which they take an active and promi- nent part, Doctor Christopher having served the local congregation as one of the trustees for three years, 1911-13, and they are likewise devoted to all good works in the com- munity, there being few worthy local causes of importance in which they are not found among the earnest supporters and promoters. In the social life of the com- munity they also take an influential part and are very popular with all who know them, their many admirable qualities of head and heart making them prime favorites with all.

Doctor Christopher is a Republican and takes a good citizen's interest in the political affairs of the county, being one of the most ardent exponents of good govern- ment hereabout. He served the public very acceptably as coroner of Madison county for four years, 1909-12, and for two years, 1914-15, served equally faithfully as a member of the London city council, his public service ever being marked by the utmost consideration for the common weal. Since the year of its organization, Doctor Christo- pher has been a prominent member of the influential London Club and in every way has given his most devoted service to the good of the community. Enterprising, public. spirited and energetic. he is regarded as one of the best "boosters" London has and is generally recognized as one of the leaders in the movement which led to the inauguration of London's popular electrolier system of lighting. The Doctor is a Mason and has attained to the council of that ancient order. He also is a member of the Macabees and of the Eagles at London and is extremely popular among all his lodge associates. He is a member of the American Medical Association. the Ohio State Medical Association and the Madison County Medical Society, in all of which he takes a warm interest. A fine student, he keeps fully abreast of the latest advancement in his honorable profession and his activities in these various medical societies are highly appreciated by his confreres. Doctor Christopher's popularity as a student is attested by his membership in several of the leading college fraternities, he being a member of the chapter of Kappa Sigma at Ohio State University, the Theta Nu Epsilon and Phi Sigma Si at Starling Medical College and the Nu Sigma Nu at the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons. Strong and vigorous physically. Doctor Christopher takes

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an ardent interest in local athletics and is one of the leaders in the various activities of the Columbus Athletic Club, as an up-to-date physician being an earnest advocate of physical culture as a means of maintaining the fine natural tone of the human body. An earnest and devoted physician and a good citizen in every respect, Doctor Chris- topher enjoys the confidence and the esteem of all.

JUDGE OLIVER P. CRABB.

One of the citizens of London whose long and eventful life is worthy of special mention in this work is Judge Oliver P. Crabb. now in his ninetieth year. Judge Crabb has served Madison county in many public capacities, these opportunities coming as evidence of the esteem and good wishes of his fellow citizens. In his election to the bench of probate judge, an office which he held for eighteen years, he was given recog- nition of his fitness to serve the people among whom he had been reared. and no better testimony of the efficiency of such service can be given than the length of time during which he retained the various political offices he held, these leading up to his honorable judicial career. One remarkable fact concerning the judge is that, without long years of academic training, he was able to begin the practice of his profession, and he occupied places of ever increasing importance.

Oliver P. Crabb is a native of this county. his birth having occurred on June 26, 1826. He is a son of Henderson and Jemima (Downing) Crabb. who were natives, respectively, of Maryland and Virginia.

Henderson Crabb was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, a denomination in which he became widely and popularly known. He was also engaged in the mer- cantile business in connection with his ministerial labors in the early days of the county. His death occurred in Jefferson. after a long and useful life, and his wife died in London, Ohio.

Oliver P. Crabb did not have the extensive educational advantages which a similar career would seem to demand in the generation which followed his own, and whatever success he has been able to achieve professionally is undoubtedly the result of his own efforts, strenuous labor. resolute purpose and much personal sacrifice. Much of his training came from actual experience in the business and legal world.

The first public county office which Judge Crabb held was that of recorder of Madison county. to which he was appointed in 1854. Six months later he resigned to become deputy auditor. and about two years after this was elected auditor of Madison county. serving in this capacity three terms, or a period of six years. At the close of his last term as auditor. he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continued until 1888. when he became justice of the peace. About two years later he was elected probate judge, and served six terms, or eighteen years.

In 1850 Oliver P. Crabb was married to Sarah A. Putnam. the daughter of John and Sarah (Heath) Putnam. residents of Madison county. To this union six children bave been born, Ella. Albert P .. William P., Helen, Martha and Oliver P .. all of whom are deceased. except William P. and Martha B. The mother of these children is now deceased.

Judge Crabb is an adherent of the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in local and county politics. He is recognized as one of the representa- tive members of his profession, a student of life and affairs. and a man of sound prac- tical judgment. His decisions while serving on the bench were always notably fair.

Judge Crabb is a prominent Mason. He was made a Mason in Chandler Lodge No. 138. Free and Accepted Masons, at London, Ohio, in 1850. In 1852 he was a charter member of Madison Lodge No. 221. at West Jefferson, Ohio, and served as master of

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the lodge for one year. He then removed his membership back to Chandler Lodge No. 138, and served as master for fifteen or sixteen years. In 1856 he was a charter member of Adoniram Chapter No. 73, Royal Arch Masons, at London, was scribe and afterwards king, later serving as high priest for several years. In 1866 he was a charter member of London Council No. 41, Royal and Select Masters, in which he was thrice illustrious master for several years. He is a life member of Mt. Vernon Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar, at Columbus, Ohio. Judge Crabb still takes an active interest in these bodies, rarely missing any of their meetings.

MILTON HARRISON WALLACE.

Journalism is one of the most important factors in the life of the present day community. It exerts an influence on society which is practically incalculable. The relation between the general public and the newspaper is quite as potent in the smaller cities and towns as in the larger citles. The man, who directs the policy of a news- paper, exerts a personal control over community thought and action, which is not equalled by any other profession. Among the newspaper men of Madison county, who have, by their progressive support of local enterprises, contributed in a very sub- stantial measure to the advancement of the community, is M. H. Wallace, editor and proprietor of the London Enterprise, a semi-weekly newspaper founded by his father, the late John Wallace, one of the widely-known newspaper publishers of the state of Ohio.

Milton Harrison Wallace, who was born on September 28. 1868, in London. Ohio. is the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Foster) Wallace, the former of whom, born on June 4, 1838, in London. died on September 30, 1901, and the latter, born on May 15. 1841. at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, died on July 6. 1887. to whom were born two children, Elizabeth, of London, and Milton H., the subject of this sketch, who was educated in the London public schools and, after leaving school, took a position with his father's paper as a reporter. later assuming the management of the business.

The death of the late John Wallace, following a stroke of apoplexy in 1901. brought to a close a busy and successful life. For a period of more than twenty years, Mr. Wallace. unfortunately, was deprived of his eyesight. but. being possessed of energetic character and indomitable will. successfully carried on his business. During all that period. he never missed an issue of the Enterprise, which he established on January 1, 1872. For several years, the Enterprise was independent in politics, but in 1879, at the solicitation of the Republican county executive committee. it was made the official Republican organ of Madison county and ever since that time has ably and fearlessly represented the interests of the party in Madison county. Since October. 1890. the Enter- prise has been issued every Tuesday and Friday. and is the oldest semi-weekly in Madison county. The Enterprise has continued to enjoy a good circulation and a thriving business. Three years ago the paper was moved into its own home and now occupies a two-story brick building at 31 West First street. Mr. Wallace is ably assisted in the publication of the Enterprise by his sister. Elizabeth Wallace.

On August 25, 1897. Milton H. Wallace was married to Clara Elizabeth Chrisman then a teacher in the London public schools, who was born in Range township, this county. on January 15. 1875. the daughter of Richard and Sarah Chrisman. the former of whom. horn in the same township. April 17, 1851, died on . September 7, 1905. Mrs. Wallace's mother was born in Fayette county in 1853. To Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman were born five children, Lucy. who died on March 4. 1897, Clara Elizabeth. Carolyn, Kate Minshall and Auburn. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have no children. Mr. Wallace is an ardent Republican. He is a member of London Lodge No. 539. Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of the London Board of Trade.

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M. L. BURNHAM.

One important and very highly appreciated service which Mayor Burnham has performed since taking his seat as chief executive of the city of London, county seat of Madison county, is his very practical . solution of the "tramp problem." London bad been much pestered by tramps for years and none of the ordinary restrictions of the law seemed to have any effect in turning the errant feet of these peripatetics away from that devoted city. When Mayor Burnham took charge of affairs in London he made a rule that tramps should be taken in charge upon their arrival in the city and after being cared for over night in the city jail be given their breakfasts and then compelled to do a period of labor on the streets of the city. After a few practical examples of this form of restraint, the presence of tramps in the city became noticeably less objectionable, for the very simple reason that there were no tramps; the word apparently having gone forth among these itinerants that the horrible penalty of actual labor confronted any "Weary Willie" who might inflict his presence upon the city of London, with the very gratifying result that there has been a real abatement of the tramp nuisance in that town, Mayor Burnham incidentally having made himself very popular with the ladies by reason of his simple solution of the long-vexing problem. Nor is this the only instance in which London's present mayor has been able to convince the people that he is the right man for the place he now occupies. Enterprising, energetic, public spirited, courteous, obliging and, withal, a man of fine executive ability. he has brought to the administration of his official duties the same quality of business sagacity which had brought him success in the administration of his own personal affairs and it is not too much to say that he is proving to be one of the most popular mayors London has ever had.

M. L. Burnham was born on a farm in Pike township, this county, on October 13, 1860, son of John and Celina ( Fullington) Burnham, the former a native of Con- nerticut and the latter of this state. John Burnham was brought to this county as an infant by his parents, who settled in Pike township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, becoming substantial farmers and widely known as among the most influential pioneers of that part of the county. John Burnham grew up to the life of the farm and remained a farmer all his life. He married Celina Fullington. member of a pioneer family of this county, and to this union were born eight chil- dren. of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the youngest, the others being as follow : Henry. of Bedford. Indiana: Charles, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Anna, decensed : Darius J .. of Mechanicsburg: Pearl. who also lives in Mechanicsburg: Mrs. Ada Bradley, of Delaware. Ohio, and Asa. who occupies the home farm in Pike town- ship, this county.

Though reared on the farm. M. L. Burnham was given exceptional advantages In an educational way as a youth. Upon completing the course in the common schools of Madison county he attended Ohio State University and the Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity and thus acquired a fine equipment for the important public duties which he later was to be called upon to perform. The opportunities of the farm appealing to him upon completing his education. he remained on the home farm, assisting ably in bringing it to a high state of cultivation, and there resided until 1900, in which year he moved to the county sent. where he engaged quite successfully in the livery business. Ten years later. when the automobile industry became so well established in this country. he enlarged his business by taking over the agency for several popular makes of automobiles and organizing the Madison County Automobile Company, which handles in this section the Hupmobile, the King and the Briscoe machines. During his residence in London. Mr. Burnham ever has given thoughtful and intelligent atten- tion to civic affairs and from the very beginning of his residence there has been

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M. I. BURNHAM.

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regarded as one of the most public-spirited men in the city. His first official con- nection with public affairs was as a member of the city council, in which capacity he performed faithful service in behalf of the city's best interests. In 1913 he was elected mayor of London, on the Republican ticket, and since that time has devoted bis utmost energies to the welfare of the city.

On December 22, 1882, M. L. Burnham was united in marriage to Lizzie R. Cheney, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, daughter of James Henry Cheney, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Cheney E., who married Mabel Chenoweth and who makes his home in London; Anna S., who married William V. Relma, of Springfield, Ohio, and Howard M., who is a student in Ohio State University. Mayor and Mrs. Burnham are deeply concerned in all the good works of the community in which they have been such active factors for the past fifteen years and are exceed- ingly popular both in the city and in that section of the county in which for years previously they had resided. The mayor's interest in municipal affairs gives him a close personal concern in his official duties and he is devoting his best energies to his office, with the result that the people are with him in his efforts to make a better city and to Advance in every way the welfare of the county seat, all having the utmost confidence in his good faith and public spirit.

EDWIN PITZER FISHER.

Edwin Pitzer Fisher, superintendent of the London Water Works Company, was born near Sedalia, Range township, Madison county, Ohio, April 29, 1858. He is the son of Rev. W. H. R. and M. J. (Minshall) Fisher. the former of whom was of German descent, but who was born in Madison county.

The Rev. W. H. R. Fisher was the son of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Jefferson). Fisher. Isaac B. Fisher was born in Virginia, and his wife was a native of New Jersey. Their home place was located near Sedalia. Mr. Fisher died in 1864, from the effects of a sunstroke. His wife died in London at the age of eighty-four years. Only two members of their family are living in 1915, Mrs. Elizabeth Minshall, the widow of Wyatt Minshall, of London, and Isaac Newton, who resides in Toledo, Ohio.

M. J. Minshall, the wife of Rev. W. H. R. Fisher, was the daughter of Walter W. Minshall, and was born in Paint township, Madison county, Ohio.

Rev. W. H. R. Fisher died in 1870, at the age of thirty-four years. He served as pastor of the churches of the Swan circuit, Vinton county, and the Berlin Cross Roads circuit. Jackson county, Ohio. His widow, in 1872, removed to London, making this. city her home until a few years ago. She row resides in Kansas City, Kansas.

To the Rev. W. H. R. Fisher and M. J. Fisher were born five children, of whom Edwin Pitzer was the eldest. Ada Luella died at the age of eleven years. Elizabeth M. is the wife of Rev. William N. Brewster, superintendent of the Hing Hua district, Foo Chow conference. of the Methodist Episcopal church, China. Mrs. Brewster has super- vision of the mission schools of the same district. Carrie Annette was a graduate of the London high school, and taught for several years previous to her death, in 1886. William B. M., the youngest of the children. is a merchant in Kansas City, Kansas. He left London when a young man.

Edwin Pitzer Fisher, the subject of this sketch, came to London at the age of fourteen years. He attended the schools during the winter terms for three years. entering the grocery of S. H. Cartzdafner, in 1875.

In 1881 Edwin Pitzer Fisher was married to Martha Virginia, daughter of Adam and Sarah Kidwiler, of Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Of this union two children were born, who died in infancy. Martha Virginia (Kidwiler) Fisher died in 1885.

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In 1884 Mr. Fisher entered the employ of Thomas Gosslee, grocer, where he remained until he engaged in business for himself.

In 1891 Mr. Fisher was married to Mattie R. Frames, of London, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have two children, Willis R. and Dorothy A., both students of Ohio Wes- leyan University, at Delaware, Ohio.

In July, 1899, Louis E. Miller, receiver of the London Water Works Company, appointed Mr. Fisher superintendent. In April, 1905, he was appointed superintendent and manager of the Washington Water Company, Washington C. H., Ohio-both com- panies being under the same control .. Mr. Fisher, at this writing, still continues to hold both positions.

Mr. Fisher has served as a member of the village council, member and clerk of the board of education, and was clerk of Union township for ten years. He was one of the organizers of the county work of the Young Men's Christian Association, and the first chairman of the county committee. He is a Mason, and a Knights Templar, and has passed the chairs in the blue lodge, chapter and council. He is a member of the Methodist church, the Twentieth Century Men's Bible class, and stands for all the forces which make for the betterment of the community in which he lives and which are essential to the peace and contentment of its people.

FOSTER BEERY.

The son of a merchant, the subject of this sketch has spent his whole life in the atmosphere of commercialism and there are few better known merchants in this section of Ohio or who have a wider repute or are held in higher regard than he. Coming to this county twenty years ago with a mercantile experience of years behind him, Mr. Beery entered into the commercial life of the county seat with energy and industry and has prospered as his talents entitled him to prosper and is now accounted one of the most substantial merchants in the city of London, possessing the entire confidence of his business associates throughout this section of the state.

Foster Beery. well-known clothing merchant of London, this county. was born at Upper Sandusky. in Wyandot county, this state, on February 10, 1858, son of Isaac and Leefe (Fowler) Beery, the former of whom was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter of Wyandot county. For fifty years Isaac Beery was a merchant and banker of Upper Sandusky, during which time he built up a name which long will persist in that community, an honorable testimonial to his rectitude as a business man. Going to that city as a lad. he entered into the commercial life of the town as a clerk and presently rose to the position of proprietor of a store of his own, for years being regarded as one of the leading merchants of the place. He was a man of large stature, a just and honest. plain. conservative business man, who did well his part in life and left a good name as a priceless heritage to his children:' He died in March, 1884. at the age of sixty-five. His widow. who was born in 1832, survived him until 1897. She was a kind and loving wife and mother. a woman who endeared herself to all whom she met and was universally liked for her many splendid qualities. and her loss was keenly felt by all who knew her. They were the parents of four children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Fowler. deceased : Mrs. Leefe McConnell, of Upper San- dusky, Ohio, and Mrs. J. H. Powell, also of Upper Sandusky.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 75

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

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