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Antique Engine Database
O.S. Kelly Western Manufacturting Co.
O.S. Kelly Western was a satelliet of O.S. Kelly Mfg. Co. of Springfield, Ohio. Heading the operation was Oliver Smith Kelly who was part of the great reaper triumvirate known as Whitely, Fassler & Kelly. This association began about 1856, lasting until 1867, when Champion Machine Company was formed. Kelly maintained an active interest in the reaper business during these years, and finally got into the thresher business about 1882 through the acquisition of Rinehart, Ballard & Company. This was reorganized as Springfield Engine & Thresher COmpany and finally as O.S. Kelly Company. The company’s role in the steam traction engnie business si outlined in Jack Norbeck’s Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines by Crestline Punlishing Co.
history
Kelly Simplex gasoline engines were first introduced about 1903, being the result of Thomas Van Tuyl’s experiments. The Simplex was patented under 825,433 of July 10, 1906, although application was made in early 1903. By 1911 the entire Kelly empire was in a state of collapse, and the engine operation was purchased by Superior Mfg. & Mill Company, also of Springfield, Ohio.
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