The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1919-12-20

Governor William N. Runyon is
a descendant of one Of the Oldest New
Jersey families. Coming from French
Huguenot stock, his people have always
lived in Central New Jersey, since his
forefathers came to the shores of this
country in 1868. The family name in
those days was spelled RogniOn, but
this was soon dropped for the more
common American spelling.
The Acting Governor was born in
Plaintield on March 5, 1871, the son of
Nelson Runyon and Wilhemina THROW
Runyon. Nelson Runyon was the dean
of the Plainfield bar at the time of his
death in 1915, and was one of the
most respected and best known men in
the community, taking an active part
in his younger days in everything for
the building up of the city, Union coun-
ty and the State. He was the first city
clerk of Plainfield and served as city
judge, in addition to enjoying a lucra-
tive law practice.
1t was natural that William ~. Run
yon, in view of his fathers success,
should elect to follow in his footsteps.
After our years of preparation at the
Plainfield High School, where he was
president of the class of 1888 in his
senior year, he entered Yale Univer-,
sity, graduating in 1892. While in coll
lege he was a member of Delta Kappa
Epsilon fraternity and "Scroll and,
Key Senior Society.
Upon leaving college Governor Run
yon entered the New York Law School,,
graduating in 1894, and being admitted
to the New York bar the same year,
He was admitted as an attorney inl
New Jersey in 1898, and as a count
selor in 1901.
Always %evidencing a keen interest
In politics, it was but natural that
the young lawyer should heed the urg-I
ing of his friends and become a canj
didate for City Council in Plainfield,J
where he served for two years, 1871
1898. In 1899 he became a c~andidateI
for city judge, and was elected to thisI
position for four terms of three years.
each, declining to again become a cant
didate in 1910. 1t was in this positionI
that the Governor had his first real
opportunity to show the broad under-
standing and great sympathy which
has made him so many lasting friends,
and has made him such an excellent
judge of character. Always firm in hisI
decisions and melting out justice wher-l
ever it was due, Judge Runyon seldom
failed to send men from his courtroom!
satisfied that, nc matter how severeI
the sentence, they had only received
their deserts. Many of his most loyal
supporters in Plainield, and the lat-l
ter include a great majority of the resi-I
dents of the city, as has been shown
by the election eturns In the past, areI
people who have been before him I'M
court and have benefited by the adyiceI
and friendly criticism which he be-.
slowed upon them in court.
Declaring that he would devote his
time to his law practice upon leaving
the city judgeship, Governor Runyon
remained out of public office through
1911, in which year friends in the par
ty persuaded him to become a candi-
date for the House of Assembly. He
had little difficulty being elected for
the 1913 session, receiving the highest
vote in Union county, being chosen by
a large majority oyer the highest Dem
ocrat on the ticket.
When Mr.. Runyon reached Trenton
he became the logicai candidate for the
/ lea nIShin nf tho DOnII1;..-
ty, an honor which seldom comes to a
nrst GEAR man in the House. He dis
charged the duties with marked abili-
" ana with such uniform courtesy that
he won the friendship of men of both
parties. Thomas f. Martin. now Sec
rotary of State, was the Democratic
leader In the louise at that time, and a
personal friendship grew up between
the two men such as Is seldom seen
between occupants of positions which
call for frequent clashes of interests.
MI. Runyon was reelected to the
House for the session OF 1916-1e17
each time by q larger majority than
before, and continued to serve with
distinction and ability. 1t was logical.
therefore, that Union County Repub-
llcans should turn to him as their can
dldate for State Senator In the fall of
1917. He was easily elected.
After n years service In the SEN
are Mr.. Runyon was chosen its Presi-
oeht, n by virtue of that office be-
came Acting Governor, when Walter
Z. Edge was sworn into office as Unit
ed States Senator.
throughout his entire political ca
req Governor Runyon has remained
q ~Steadtast party man. In 1907 he
Jo'urd the lnsurgent ranks within the
party under the leadership of FORMER
Senator Everett colby OF Essex GUN