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February 8,
1922, Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio
CHARLES DELL, SR., DIES; LARGE FAMILY SURVIVES
Middletown suffered the loss of one
of its oldest citizens today and the announcement of the death of Charles
Dell, Sr., at his home, 1024 East Third Street, at 6 a.m. was a distinct
shock. He was 86 years old. His family nor none of his friends were
prepared for the sad news as the venerable old man had been in unusually
good health considering his age. This morning he suffered a heart attack
and death ensued in less than half an hour. With his death a long and
useful career is ended.
While Mr. Dell was well known for the mark he made in his own life, he
was frequently referred to as the father of some of the most prominent
citizens in Middletown's civic and professional circles. The following
eight of his children survive him: Anna, Mrs. E.L. Frisch, Mrs. James
Kimball, Harry L., city commissioner, Dr. A. J., and Frank, all of
Middletown, and Charles and Otto, of Los Angeles. He also leaves 16
grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mrs. Dell, who was Margaret Yager,
of Trenton, before her marriage in 1860, passed away three years ago.
Mr. Dell's career emphasizes the worth of perseverance, good judgement,
wise investment and economy, careful of children in ways of painstaking
methods, combined with looking on the bright side of things and expecting
the best that time and occupation affords. His life is an instance of a
man starting out with few visible assets and through wise disposal of his
opportunities made his conditions of more than ordinary prosperity and
himself one of the most conscientious citizens of the city. He was a man
of wide interest in the subjects which concerned his family and community.
Mr. Dell was born in Bad Wildungen, Germany, May 25, 1835, and came to
the United States when seventeen years old to seek his fortune. After a
short residence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he went to Dayton, Ohio,
later going to Franklin, where he worked for some time as a shoemaker. In
1886 he came to Middletown and was variously employed. In all this time
his industry and thrift enabled him to accumulate some capital, which he
invested in the hotel business, his first stand being known as the Union
House, where Morris the tailor is presently located. He then built the
City Hotel, which he conducted for 22 years. Mr. Dell had been retired
from active work for several years, turning the management of the hotel
over to his son, Frank, who conducted it until 1916. Since his retirement
he had enjoyed the fruits of his many years of earnest and unremitting
labor. He gained the highest public esteem and at one time held the office
of city councilman. Everyone who knew the aged man considered him a man it
was a pleasure to know and general regret is expressed over his passing.
Arrangements for the funeral will be made later. Friends are asked to
omit flowers. |
by
Carolyn Lacey
4 Feb 2008 |