Upper Arlington in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John C. Elam
1924-2002
| | Trial lawyer, civic leader, pioneer in diversity, family man and friend | |
Photographed by Mark Moxley-Knapp, May 1, 2023
1. John C. Elam Marker
John was born in Indiana, served in WWII, and graduated from the University of Michigan. He moved to Columbus in 1949 to join Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, and was presiding partner 1963-1994. Under his leadership, the firm grew from 22 to 278 lawyers. With beloved wife Ginny, he moved to UA in 1958.
John earned national recognition as a trial lawyer. He taught at U of M and OSU law schools, was president of the selective American College of Trial Lawyers, and held high positions in the Columbus/Ohio/American Bar Associations, even reviewing US Supreme Court nominations.
John volunteered time and talent to his community, serving in leadership positions with the UA school board, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, CCAD, Wexner Center, First Congregational Church, and League of Women Voters. His power of persuasion was legendary. He helped raise over $18 million for Directions for Youth, Girl Scouts, Gladden Community House, Legal Aid, and United Way. He risked personal consequences for principles in which he believed, such as ethics and equal opportunity. He received many prestigious awards, including a professorship in his name at the OSU Moritz College of Law.
His devotion to family and friends was well known. He balanced his personal and professional lives, bringing enthusiasm, optimism, and laughter
this page online
Erected 1990 by Upper Arlington Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 40° 1.888′ N, 83° 3.087′ W. Marker is in Upper Arlington, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Tremont Road and Kenny Road, on the right when traveling north on Tremont Road. The marker is on the Wall of Honor at the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3600 Tremont Rd, Columbus OH 43220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Stefanie Spielman (here, next to this marker); Cynthia Rarey Dyas (here, next to this marker); James Turrell Miller (here, next to this marker); George R. Haddad (here, next to this marker); Dave Thomas (here, next to this marker); King G. Thompson 1876 - 1960 / Benjamin S. Thompson 1878 - 1949 (here, next to this marker); Paul R. Gingher (here, next to this marker); Bertha A. Bouroncle, MD (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Upper Arlington.
Photographed by Mark Moxley-Knapp, May 1, 2023
2. Wall of Honor
Photographed by Mark Moxley-Knapp, May 1, 2023
3. Wall of Honor
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2023, by Mark Moxley-Knapp of Columbus, Ohio. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 19, 2023, by Mark Moxley-Knapp of Columbus, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
