BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
Portrait Biographical Album
of
Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio
containing Full Page Portraits
and Prominent and Representative Citizens
of the County
Together with Portraits and Biographies of all the
Presidents of the United States.
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1890.

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WILLIAM C. KELLEY, an old settler of Clark County, has lived for over seventy years on the farm which he now owns and which was his birthplace.  The estate occupies a part of section 6, Green Township, and although not so large as many, it is much more attractive than some, on account of its perfect order and thorough improvement.  The fifty-seven acres which comprise it are divided into fields by the neatest of fences, and no unhinged gates, broken panels or loosened boards are allowed to remain here.  The residence which is now occupied by those members of the family who are still at home, is cozy and well built, and was erected in 1875.  Mr. Kelley is of Scotch lineage, having in his veins the blood of one of the oldest and most honored families of the ancient kingdom, and can proudly claim connection with patriotic citizens of America who have suffered in support of liberty.      The grandparents of our subject were James and Catherine (Stuart) Kelley,who upon emigrating from Scotland to America settled in Virginia.  During the Revolutionary War, Mr. Kelley took up arms against the tyrannical rule of the House of Hanover, and suffered severely by being badly frozen.  Grandfather Kelley spent a perilous night during the Revolutionary war, and came near freezing, as he and other comrades had crossed a stream in a small boat and in some way he was left without means of re-crossing, and it being very cold he marked out a place between two oak trees to parade so as to keep from freezing, and he became so fatigued at times that he would, almost succumb, but fear of freezing kept him going.  Thus the night was spent.  In the morning he discovered a prostrate hollow tree and in this were dry leaves, and Grandfather Kelley threw in some powder and fired into it and by this means soon had a rousing fire and shortly parties from camp found him and took him across safely to camp.  After the war he removed to Kentucky, and still later came to Ohio, where he remained until his death.   He bought a farm four and a half miles south of Springfield and continued the agricultural labors of his life.  His son, Joseph, was born in Virginia and taken to Kentucky when quite small.  There he married Miss May Dutterrow, a native of the Blue Grass State and of German descent.  Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812, Joseph Kelley joined a Kentucky regiment, serving until the close of the struggle.  His family, in the meantime, had taken up their residence north of the Ohio River, and after the war he followed them to this State, coming on horseback from Kentucky to Springfield. In this place lie was offered two blocks on Main and Limestone Streets for the horse he was riding, but replied that he would not give the horse for the whole town.      Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kelley settled near the Funston Farm, but after remaining there a time came to the place now owned by their son, the subject of this sketch.  The country was heavily timbered and many hardships were endured while it was being cleared and made productive.  A log house with a mud chimney was the primitive dwelling in which the family was sheltered and all bore a part in the labors which hard times necessitated.  The family lived principally upon “hog and hominy,” corn pone being their pound cake.  A few sheep were kept, from the wool of which winter clothing was made and they also raised some flax, which also supplied covering for their bodies.  The mother not only carded, spun and wove, preparing cloth from wool, flax and tow for her own family, but she also performed the same service for others, and although neighbors were few was able thus to add to the family resources.  The boys were kept busy in the timber, cutting down trees, grubbing out stumps, and placing the clearings in suitable condition for the plow.  An incident of interest happened to a sister of our subject in this county during her girlhood; while on her way to school she was attacked by a huge black bear and fortunately escaped from bruin by throwing her dinner on the ground.  Before the death of the father, which occurred Sept. 2, 1849, the place was pretty well cleared and life became more easy and comfortable.  The mother passed away March 1, 1860.  The family which originally comprised eleven children is now represented by four survivors.      The natal day of our subject was Jan. 28, 1820.  He spent his boyhood days at home until eighteen years old when he began an apprenticeship to a blacksmith, with whom he served three years.  He then continued to labor at his trade for an equal length of time, when his health failing, he returned to the home farm.  When his strength was sufficiently renewed, he returned to the place at which he had served his apprenticeship and there spent a few years at his trade.  He next bought out the other heirs and taking possession of the homestead turned his attention to agriculture as a means of subsistence.  He carries on mixed farming and makes every portion of his farm useful, allowing no weeds to overcome the good seed from which he reaps an abundant harvest.      An important step in the life of Mr. Kelley, as it is in that of every man, was his choice of a companion, and many years of wedded happiness have proved his wisdom.  On Feb. 9, 1843, he became the husband of Miranda, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Jordan) Dudley, who has been faithful to every duty devolving upon her as wife and mother, and in whom the hearts of husband and children rejoice daily.  Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have suffered some of the bereavements which are the lot of mortals, having been called upon to mourn the loss of four beloved children, but they sorrow not as those without hope, believing that in the future they shall meet again.      Six sons and daughters rejoice the parental hearts, although all but one are now settled in homes of their own.  Richard married May J. Smith and lives a half mile east of his parents; Lavina is the wife of James B. Toland, their home being in Jewel County, Kan.; Francis married Ruth Van Bibber, and lives in Lyon County, Kan.; George W. lives near Columbus, his wife being Flora Benson; Martha A. married William Balden and lives in Madison County; James E. is unmarried and still remains under the parental roof.  Richard Kelley is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace and both he and his brother James belong to the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 33, of Springfield.      The long residence of Mr. Kelley at the same spot has given him a thorough acquaintance in the neighborhood and the position of a landmark in the county.  His life since manhood has been marked with no wonderful event, but has been a quiet, industrious, and conscientious one, such as exerts a powerful influence in behalf of the principles of Christianity and perfect manhood.  He has served his neighborhood as a School Director, and his church as a Class-Leader, Steward and Trustee, still holding the latter office.  In politics he is conservative, giving his vote to the Republican candidates and principles.  Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and are heartily esteemed by their associates in that religious body and by their fellow citizens in general. Source:  Portrait Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio, Published Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 377

HON. OLIVER SMITH KELLY.  The advantages of a Republican Government are nowhere more finely illustrated than in the career of those who, dwelling under its protection, have been enabled to rise from an humble position in life to one of prominence and affluence, solely their own efforts; and the career of such a one should furnish to all those who are struggling up through many difficulties the strongest incentive to diligence and perseverance.  A position thus gained is of far more value than all the honors and emoluments which can be thrust upon a man without any effort of his own to obtain them, for he possesses the foundation stone of a character that is not likely to be undermined by the vicissitudes of fortune which will sweep from a sandy foundation the whole structure of a life, leaving nothing whereon to rebuild.      The subject of this notice, who is well known as the President of the Springfield Engine and Thresher Company, and Vice-President of the Second National Bank of Springfield, is a native of Clark County, and was born on his father’s farm four miles south of the city, Dec. 23, 1824.  Of substantial Scotch and Irish ancestry commingled, he inherited from his forefathers their sterling worth, honest integrity, and the industry which has enabled him to make for himself a worthy and honorable position among his fellow-men.  His immediate progenitors were John and Margaret (McBeth) Kelly.  John Kelly served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in the prime of life, when his son Oliver S. was but an infant of ten months.  The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Ireland, but came to America while quite young, and settled in Pennsylvania, and upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War shouldered his musket and did valiant service in the cause of the Colonists.      Mrs. Margaret Kelly remained a widow about five years, and was then married a second time.  Oliver S. lived with his mother and stepfather until past his fourteenth year, and then, on account of cruel treatment by the latter, was forced to leave the place which he had called home, and thus driven out without money or friends, he was compelled to seek the means of a livelihood.  In due time he found employment with a Mr. McIntyre, who lived on a farm a few miles distant, and with whom he remained probably three and a half years.  He finally decided to learn carpentering, and accordingly engaged, Apr. 13, 1842, with Joseph and John McIntyre, brothers of his former employer, and served an apprenticeship of three years, the first two years at the munificent salary of $4 per month and board, and the third year at $6 per month, giving thus the labor of three years for $168, out of which he clothed himself.      At the expiration of this time, starting out as a journeyman, Mr. Kelly entered the employ of James Leffel, the inventor of the wonderful Turbine Water Wheel, his wages being $1 per day, and he boarding himself and furnishing his own tools.  Later he engaged with Daniel Wessenger at $16 per month and board, and with him he remained nine months.  In the meantime such was his economy that with the exception of $8, he saved all his earnings, and in the spring of 1846, having the necessary money, with a thorough knowledge of his trade, he was taken into partnership with J. A. Anderson, who carried on a general carpenter and building business, and with him he continued for six years.      The next most important and interesting event in the life of Mr. Kelly was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23, 1847, the bride being Miss Ruth Ann, daughter of Baker W. Peck.  Mr. Peck was another soldier of the War of 1812, who settled in Springfield in 1817, and was a bricktmason.  To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly there was born in due time a family of five children, four sons and one daughter.  Of these there are now only two sons living:  Edwin S., who was born Apr. 17, 1857, in Springfield; and Oliver W., born Dec. 11, 1851, in the same place.  These sons are now able and enterprising business men, and with their father comprise the O. S. Kelly Company, owning a controlling interest in the stock, and also manufacturing engines, threshers, horse powers, feed mills, stackers, etc.      During the California gold excitement Mr. Kelly decided to seek his fortunes on the Pacific Slope, and accordingly leaving his young wife and infant son in Springfield, started, Mar. 29, 1852, for the new Eldorado.  He spent his first three months at mining, and then, there being a demand for skilled carpenters, he repaired to the city of Marysville,, and for nine months thereafter was in the employ of Daniel Sifford, with whom he finally went into partnership, and a few months later purchased the entire business.  He remained in California nearly four years, employing himself as above stated until Jan. 21, 1856.  On the 21st of February, following, after a month’s journey, he was re-united with his family at his old home in Springfield, and shortly afterward embarked in the wholesale grocery trade.      The above-mentioned enterprise proved distasteful to Mr. Kelly, and as soon as the opportunity offered he sold out.  In the fall of 1857 he became a member of the firm of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, and with them engaged in the manufacture of the Champion Reaper and Mower.  That first year they turned out one hundred and twenty-one machines, and the business increased so rapidly that in 1868 the product of their manufacture aggregated twenty-seven hundred machines.  The business had now become so extended that it was thought best to divide the United States into three territories, which necessitated the formation of three companies, namely: Warder, Mitchell & Co.; the Champion Machine Company; and Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, the first two mentioned paying to the latter a royalty from that date.      The Champion Reapers and Mowers grew in favor and universal demand, until in 1881 the combined firms had turned out machines to the number of no less than fifty-three thousand.  On the 12th of November, that year, Mr. Kelly sold his third interest in the business to Mr. Whitely, receiving as part pay the factory, buildings and grounds, these being necessarily abandoned for more extensive works, farther from the center of the city.  Mr. Kelly then tore down and removed the old factory buildings, and upon the site erected, at a cost of $300,000, the famous Arcade.  This is one of the most noticeable features of the city of Springfield, comprising the railroad depot, the celebrated Arcade Hotel, innumerable offices, studios and stores, the post-office and the beautiful Arcade proper.  All these buildings are models of architecture, utility, convenience and comfort, and illustrate in a marked manner the enterprise and perseverance of one man whose progressive mind is always reaching out for something great to conquer.      In October, 1882, Mr. Kelly purchased the Rineheart, Ballard & Co.’s threshing machine works at Springfield, and formed a stock company, under the title of the Springfield Engine and Threshing Company, of which he was unanimously elected President.  It soon became necessary to double the size and capacity of the building, and to the industries prosecuted therein was added the manufacture of portable and traction engines of various kinds.  Within three years the business increased about 100 per cent.  Through New York agents they began shipping to all parts of the world, and the value of their machines was indicated by the constantly increasing sales and a corresponding demand.      In the meantime, although having such extensive business interests, Mr. Kelly kept in view the material welfare of his adopted city, and became prominent in local affairs.  He served as a member of the City Council for a period of six years, and during the construction of the new waterworks was a member of the Board of Trustees.  Originally a Whig, he identified himself with the Republican party later, and is an ardent advocate of protection for American industries.  In his career has been largely illustrated the intelligence of the brain as well as the labor of the hand, and he generously acknowledges that during his years of struggle and toil he found a true and noble helpmate in his honored wife, whose wise management of her household, and whose industry and frugality, as well as her cheerful counsel and sympathy, proved of inestimable value to him, and he maintains that without this aid he would scarcely have arrived at the point of his present prosperity.      Personally, Mr. Kelly is of modest and unassuming demeanor, and while surrounded by all the appliances of wealth and culture, becomes the personal friend of his employes, neither cringing to the wealthy or looking down on the poor.  He is regarded as one of the fathers of his adopted city, and has contributed largely to her wealth and prosperity.  He enjoys the confidence and esteem of hosts of friends, and is one whose name will be held in honored remembrance long after he has departed hence.      Mr. Kelly among his other beneficences erected, in 1889, a large fountain, in the centre of what is now called Fountain Square, at a cost of $6,000, donating it to the city of Springfield.  It is a beautiful structure, adorned with numerous pieces of statuary, and proves one of the attractions of the the city.  Mr. Kelly served as Mayor one term, filling the position acceptably and with the good judgment which has characterized all his transactions whether of a public or private nature.  Elsewhere in this volume appears a lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Kelly. Source:  Portrait Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio, Published Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 391

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