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Oliver Smith Kelly

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Oliver Smith Kelly

Birth
Clark County, Ohio, USA
Death
11 Apr 1904 (aged 79)
Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, USA
Burial
Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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O. S. KELLY

Passes Away at Ripe Old Age at 2:45 A.M.

End of a Notable Career

A Self-Made Man Who Won Success

Born on a Farm, Becomes a Carpenter, Merchant, Manufacturer and Capitalist

Hon. O. S. Kelly died this morning at 2:45 o’clock, after an illness covering several days. He had been unconscious for several hours, and the end came peacefully.
In his death, Springfield loses one of her most useful citizens, and the news of his passing will carry sadness in the homes of all who knew him.
Mr. Kelly was attacked by grip last week, and his extreme age precluded the possibility of his recovery. He passed away at the Arcade hotel, where he had made his home for some time.
Mr. Kelly was born on December 23, 1824, in one of the first farm houses of this county. His family was in moderate circumstances, but the death of the father, almost at the time of the boy’s birth, did not leave him with a very promising outlook in life. This was not improved when, at the age of 14, he faced the world, with the knowledge that he had only his two hands and a clear head to make his daily bread. When it is considered that Mr. Kelly started life under these conditions, and that in the very county where he first began his struggle with the world, he fought his way to the position of millionaire, a touch of romance is given to his career, which softens even the rugged facts of a ragged, hard-fought life.
Perhaps there was no citizen in this city or county who was so largely known, so thoroughly respected, so deeply revered, as was Mr. Kelly. He has been an old man here for many years. His figure that of a gray-haired, stoop-shouldered man, supported by his cane, has long been classed among the oldest residents of this county. He has never allowed his grasp on the active affairs of his business, however, to entirely relax. At an age which few men attain, and commanding a fortune which few men win, he yet could not pursue a life of ease with satisfaction. His was the strenuous nature, that of the typical American, and he maintained until, only a few days before his death, the same activity which was manifest in his life as a boy on the old farm.
Mr. Kelly said that he started to work with practically no wages and that he worked for a year on the princely sum $1.00 per week. He took a grim delight in repeating this anecdote, and those who are acquainted with the upward steps in his career, can appreciate the significance which he attached to it.
Mr. Kelly found a home with “Uncle Billy” McIntire, when he facet the world, a boy with his future and his fortune before him. Everyone knew Mr. McIntire. That gentleman was one of the most respected men in this county. It is safe to say that Mr. McIntire did everything in his power for the boy. But his own resources were limited, and he could not give free rein to his generosity.
It was in the spring of 1842 that Mr. Kelly entered on an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s trade under Joseph and John McIntire, brothers of “Uncle Billy.” He worked for three years at the apprentice bench, earning in this period the sum of $168 in addition to his board.
One year was then spent as a journeyman, after which, he formed a partnership with J. A. Anderson, under the firm name of Anderson & Kelly. The new firm prospered. It did a good business and made money. This business relationship was maintained until 1852, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Kelly leaving his wife and one child to seek a more rapidly growing fortune in the gold fields of California.
It was in 1856 when he returned to Springfield with a snug fortune tucked away in his belt. Mr. Kelly could have spent the remainder of his life in comfort, although still a young man, but as has been said, his was not a nature to permit of such a course. He at once went into business again, his first venture being in the grocery line. After a short time, he disposed of his interest in this direction, however, and in November, 1857, became a member of the firm of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly. This was in the early business career of the afterward famous “Reaper King.” Mr. Kelly proved to be a valuable addition to the firm, because he was an expert mechanic and was able, in addition, to bring with him ready cash, something which the firm was greatly in need of at that time. The business of the company was the manufacture of agricultural implements, and it soon began to make great strides in this field. The firm came to be recognized as a leader among the implement firms of the whole country. It was not until 1881 that Mr. Kelly severed his connection with the firm, remaining with them for over 20 years. The firm built a factory on the site which is now occupied by the Arcade building, which was recognized as the largest at that time in the world.
When Mr. Kelly retired from the firm, he sold his interest to Mr. Whiteley, and, a year later, purchased the Rinehart & Ballard Threshing Machine works, and organized a company under the name of the Springfield Engine and Thresher Company. This was incorporated with himself as president and O. W. Kelly as superintendent. Later the business name was changed to the O. S. Kelly Company and the capital stock was increased from $250,000 to $350,000.
This company manufactured threshing machines principally at Iowa City, Iowa. For the past five years the company has been extensively engaged in a new feature, the manufacture of piano plates.
After the Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly Company had erected its big East street shops, Mr. Kelly, on selling out his interest in the business, purchased the old factory of the firm, tore down the building, and on the site erected the Arcade hotel building. This block is now utilized by business houses and many offices. At one time Mr. Kelly was also connected with the banking interests of this city, being a director and vice president of the Second National bank during the period of its existence.
On December 23, 1847, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Ann Peck, whose father was a resident of New Jersey, emigrating from that state westward to Ohio. Four sons and one daughter were born to the couple, although there are but two sons now living. These are O. W. and E. S. Kelly, both of whom make their home in this city. In 1901, Mrs. Kelly passed away, in her 79th year. A pathetic celebration of Mr. Kelly’s wedding anniversary and birthday was given at the Arcade hotel, December 23, on the occasion of a banquet arranged by Mr. Kelly for all of the old men of this city and county. The youngest guests were 75 years of age, and every man in the county who had attained that age was invited.

Copied from the Springfield Daily Morning Sun, Monday, April 11, 1904.

O. A. KELLY
Will be Laid to Rest This Afternoon.
Funeral Services Will Be of a Very Simple Character
The funeral of the late Oliver Smith Kelly will be held from the residence of his son, Warren Kelly, 265 South Fountain avenue, at 2 p.m. They will be very simple and only the immediate friends and relatives will be present.
It is believed that Mr. Kelly would have been averse to display, and the form of the funeral is being carried out according to the preferences he had always expressed. The burial will be at Ferncliff. The Rev. Dr. A. C. McCabe, former pastor of Christ Episcopal church, and the Rev. E. P. Thomson, of the Second Presbyterian church, will have charge of the service.
The active pallbearers will be J. F. Businger, Willis M. Wise, Benjamin McIntire, E. O. Bowman, Alfred Cavelier and H. E. Schenck. The honorary pallbearers are E. L. Buchwalter, Adam Baker, P. E. Bancroft, A. R. Ludlow, John Foos, J. F. Chorpening, James Dick and Dr. H. H. Seys.
All places of Business and all offices in the Arcade have signified their intention of remaining closed between the hours of 1 and 3 in the afternoon out of respect to Mr. Kelly’s memory.

Copied from the Springfield Daily Morning Sun, Wednesday, April 13, 1904.
O. S. KELLY

Passes Away at Ripe Old Age at 2:45 A.M.

End of a Notable Career

A Self-Made Man Who Won Success

Born on a Farm, Becomes a Carpenter, Merchant, Manufacturer and Capitalist

Hon. O. S. Kelly died this morning at 2:45 o’clock, after an illness covering several days. He had been unconscious for several hours, and the end came peacefully.
In his death, Springfield loses one of her most useful citizens, and the news of his passing will carry sadness in the homes of all who knew him.
Mr. Kelly was attacked by grip last week, and his extreme age precluded the possibility of his recovery. He passed away at the Arcade hotel, where he had made his home for some time.
Mr. Kelly was born on December 23, 1824, in one of the first farm houses of this county. His family was in moderate circumstances, but the death of the father, almost at the time of the boy’s birth, did not leave him with a very promising outlook in life. This was not improved when, at the age of 14, he faced the world, with the knowledge that he had only his two hands and a clear head to make his daily bread. When it is considered that Mr. Kelly started life under these conditions, and that in the very county where he first began his struggle with the world, he fought his way to the position of millionaire, a touch of romance is given to his career, which softens even the rugged facts of a ragged, hard-fought life.
Perhaps there was no citizen in this city or county who was so largely known, so thoroughly respected, so deeply revered, as was Mr. Kelly. He has been an old man here for many years. His figure that of a gray-haired, stoop-shouldered man, supported by his cane, has long been classed among the oldest residents of this county. He has never allowed his grasp on the active affairs of his business, however, to entirely relax. At an age which few men attain, and commanding a fortune which few men win, he yet could not pursue a life of ease with satisfaction. His was the strenuous nature, that of the typical American, and he maintained until, only a few days before his death, the same activity which was manifest in his life as a boy on the old farm.
Mr. Kelly said that he started to work with practically no wages and that he worked for a year on the princely sum $1.00 per week. He took a grim delight in repeating this anecdote, and those who are acquainted with the upward steps in his career, can appreciate the significance which he attached to it.
Mr. Kelly found a home with “Uncle Billy” McIntire, when he facet the world, a boy with his future and his fortune before him. Everyone knew Mr. McIntire. That gentleman was one of the most respected men in this county. It is safe to say that Mr. McIntire did everything in his power for the boy. But his own resources were limited, and he could not give free rein to his generosity.
It was in the spring of 1842 that Mr. Kelly entered on an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s trade under Joseph and John McIntire, brothers of “Uncle Billy.” He worked for three years at the apprentice bench, earning in this period the sum of $168 in addition to his board.
One year was then spent as a journeyman, after which, he formed a partnership with J. A. Anderson, under the firm name of Anderson & Kelly. The new firm prospered. It did a good business and made money. This business relationship was maintained until 1852, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Kelly leaving his wife and one child to seek a more rapidly growing fortune in the gold fields of California.
It was in 1856 when he returned to Springfield with a snug fortune tucked away in his belt. Mr. Kelly could have spent the remainder of his life in comfort, although still a young man, but as has been said, his was not a nature to permit of such a course. He at once went into business again, his first venture being in the grocery line. After a short time, he disposed of his interest in this direction, however, and in November, 1857, became a member of the firm of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly. This was in the early business career of the afterward famous “Reaper King.” Mr. Kelly proved to be a valuable addition to the firm, because he was an expert mechanic and was able, in addition, to bring with him ready cash, something which the firm was greatly in need of at that time. The business of the company was the manufacture of agricultural implements, and it soon began to make great strides in this field. The firm came to be recognized as a leader among the implement firms of the whole country. It was not until 1881 that Mr. Kelly severed his connection with the firm, remaining with them for over 20 years. The firm built a factory on the site which is now occupied by the Arcade building, which was recognized as the largest at that time in the world.
When Mr. Kelly retired from the firm, he sold his interest to Mr. Whiteley, and, a year later, purchased the Rinehart & Ballard Threshing Machine works, and organized a company under the name of the Springfield Engine and Thresher Company. This was incorporated with himself as president and O. W. Kelly as superintendent. Later the business name was changed to the O. S. Kelly Company and the capital stock was increased from $250,000 to $350,000.
This company manufactured threshing machines principally at Iowa City, Iowa. For the past five years the company has been extensively engaged in a new feature, the manufacture of piano plates.
After the Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly Company had erected its big East street shops, Mr. Kelly, on selling out his interest in the business, purchased the old factory of the firm, tore down the building, and on the site erected the Arcade hotel building. This block is now utilized by business houses and many offices. At one time Mr. Kelly was also connected with the banking interests of this city, being a director and vice president of the Second National bank during the period of its existence.
On December 23, 1847, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Ann Peck, whose father was a resident of New Jersey, emigrating from that state westward to Ohio. Four sons and one daughter were born to the couple, although there are but two sons now living. These are O. W. and E. S. Kelly, both of whom make their home in this city. In 1901, Mrs. Kelly passed away, in her 79th year. A pathetic celebration of Mr. Kelly’s wedding anniversary and birthday was given at the Arcade hotel, December 23, on the occasion of a banquet arranged by Mr. Kelly for all of the old men of this city and county. The youngest guests were 75 years of age, and every man in the county who had attained that age was invited.

Copied from the Springfield Daily Morning Sun, Monday, April 11, 1904.

O. A. KELLY
Will be Laid to Rest This Afternoon.
Funeral Services Will Be of a Very Simple Character
The funeral of the late Oliver Smith Kelly will be held from the residence of his son, Warren Kelly, 265 South Fountain avenue, at 2 p.m. They will be very simple and only the immediate friends and relatives will be present.
It is believed that Mr. Kelly would have been averse to display, and the form of the funeral is being carried out according to the preferences he had always expressed. The burial will be at Ferncliff. The Rev. Dr. A. C. McCabe, former pastor of Christ Episcopal church, and the Rev. E. P. Thomson, of the Second Presbyterian church, will have charge of the service.
The active pallbearers will be J. F. Businger, Willis M. Wise, Benjamin McIntire, E. O. Bowman, Alfred Cavelier and H. E. Schenck. The honorary pallbearers are E. L. Buchwalter, Adam Baker, P. E. Bancroft, A. R. Ludlow, John Foos, J. F. Chorpening, James Dick and Dr. H. H. Seys.
All places of Business and all offices in the Arcade have signified their intention of remaining closed between the hours of 1 and 3 in the afternoon out of respect to Mr. Kelly’s memory.

Copied from the Springfield Daily Morning Sun, Wednesday, April 13, 1904.


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