The Shelby Democrat
February 13, 1879
VOL. 1; No. 37
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from the article, SMILING SHELBYVILLE!
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Samuel O'Connor
Is the oldest business man in the city of Shelbyville, now doing business,
who has been actively engaged in commercial life for the same number of
years who has paid at all times one hundred cents on the dollar for his
indebtedness. This is a fact worth knowing, and one of which Mr. O'Connor
may well be proud. Few men in this or any city who have been actively
engaged in business for twenty-seven years can say as much. During his
business life in this city, financial distress has several times appeared in
our midst, and he has passed through them without a blemish on his credit.
Such a man is an honor to any city. Mr. O'Connor
was born in Derry County, Ireland, in the year 1821. He came to
this country in 1847, landing in Philadelphia, when he immediately began
working at the tailoring business. He remained in that place until 1852,
when he came to this city and embarked in the merchant tailoring business,
in Dr. Robins' old frame building on the north side of the Square. After
remaining in that location for several years, he moved to the room now
occupied by Julius Joseph, and added to his merchant tailoring department a
stock of ready made clothing and gents furnishing goods. He carried on
business in that location until 1869, when he sold his stock to David
Robertson, and went into the liquor business in an old frame building, the
present location of THE DEMOCRAT office.
In 1873, he moved to his present location, and a short time after, purchased
that property of George Morrison. He now runs one of the most orderly liquor
establishments in this section of the country. During his residence in this
city, Mr. O'Connor has served about seven years as city councilman - served
so acceptably that no stain has ever been cast upon his character. He
carries a large stock of bourbon and other brands of whiskies, brandies,
gin, wines etc. Also a large stock of foreign and domestic cigars and all
kinds of tobacco. No rowdyism is ever seen about his place of business.
He
is a retail dealer, sells by the quart and gallon, in quantities not to
exceed five gallons.
Next biography in the "Smiling
Shelbyville" newspaper article, J. C.
Letsinger.
Contributed by Jeanne Surber
Biography Index