Charles S. Kay

As printed in 1908

CHARLES S. KAY, whose identification with the business interests of Springfield covers an extended period, was born November 4, 1853, at Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Isaac and Clara M. (Deckert) Kay.

Dr. Isaac Kay is the oldest resident physician in Springfield. He was born December 8, 1828, near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his parents brought their children to Ohio, in 1836. Dr. Kay was graduated from Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in the spring of 1849, after which he practiced medicine for four years at Lewisburg, Ohio, and then came to Springfield, establishing himself in his profession here in May, 1853. In all that concerns medical progress in Clark County, Dr. Kay has taken a deep interest and his name is honored in medical organizations all over the land. For years he has contributed scientific papers to medical journals and has spoken before medical conventions. He is a citizen in whom Springfield takes a just pride. On November 27, 1852, he married Clara M. Deckert, and they had two sons, Charles S. and Clarence H.

For about a decade in early manhood, Charles S. Kay was an editorial writer on the leading newspapers of Springfield and Cincinnati, and has always devoted more or less time to literary pursuits, thus finding relief from the engrossing cares of an active business life. In 1883 he entered the Superior Drill Company, which enterprise was incorporated in November of that year, and was its treasurer for twenty years. After a career of conspicuous success this extensive plant went into the American Seeding Machine Company in 1903, and Mr. Kay retired from active relationship, but retained his financial interest in the company. He was one of the incorporators and is now a director of the Citizens National Bank. Mr. Kay's other business interests are: The Springfield Metallic Casket Company, and The People's Light, Heat and Power Company. He has always manifested great public spirit, and has been active in securing for Springfield various utilities of a public nature, and has in many ways contributed to the general welfare. He has never asjjired to political prominence, but was for nine years a valued director of the Springfield public library. He is a member of the Commercial Club, of which he was once president, Lagonda Club, and Clark Lodge, F. & A. M., Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., and of Palestine Commandery, K. T. His church connection has long been with the First Baptist Church of Spring-field.

In 1893 Mr. Kay married Belle C. Gunn, a daughter of Capt. John T. Gunu, of Lexington, Kentucky. They have four children: Clarence M., Edith W., Claribel and Robert.

As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.