Joseph D. Oliver

Joseph Doty (J.D.) Oliver (August 2, 1850 – August 6, 1933) was an American businessman and President of the Oliver Farm Equipment Company in South Bend, Indiana.

Joseph D. Oliver
Oliver in 1901 publication
Born
Joseph Doty Oliver

(1850-08-02)August 2, 1850
DiedAugust 6, 1933(1933-08-06) (aged 83)
South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
Resting placeRiverview Cemetery
South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
Other namesJ. D. Oliver
EducationDePauw University
University of Notre Dame
OccupationBusinessman
Spouse
Anna Gertrude Wells
​
(m. 1884)​
Children4
Parent

Early life

Joseph Doty Oliver was born to Susan Catherine (née Doty) and James Oliver on August 2, 1850. His father was an inventor.[1] Oliver attended public schools in South Bend. He took courses at DePauw University and the University of Notre Dame.[2]

Career

His first job was in his father's plant, then called Oliver, Bissel and Company, for 75 cents a day. He was elected Treasurer at the age of 16, Director at 20, and became President in 1908 after his father's death. His public works include funding (along with his father) the Oliver Opera House in 1884, Oliver Hotel in 1899, and City Hall, as well serving as the Indiana Director of War Savings during World War I.[3]

Oliver served as a director of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, the First National Bank of Chicago and the Chase National Bank of New York.[4] He served as trustee of Purdue University for 18 years.[4]

Personal life
Oliver Mausoleum in Riverview Cemetery

Oliver married Anna Gertrude Wells of Johnstown, New York, on December 10, 1884. They had four children, James II, Gertrude, Joseph Jr. and Susan Catherine.[5] Oliver was a member of the Presbyterian church.[4]

The Oliver family built a house on West Washington Street in South Bend. It was named Copshaholm, in honor of the birthplace of Oliver's father.[6]

Oliver died on August 6, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana.[4] Oliver was buried in the Oliver mausoleum at the Riverview Cemetery in South Bend.[7]

References
  1. "James Oliver". History Museum, South Bend. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  2. Fassett, C. N. (June 30, 1917). "Joseph D. Oliver Fifty Years in Business". South Bend Tribune. p. 12. Retrieved November 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.open access
  3. "Copshaholm: The Oliver Mansion." (Docent Manual, Northern Indiana Historical Society, 2014).
  4. "J. D. Oliver Dies at South Bend". The Indianapolis Star. August 7, 1933. p. 1. Retrieved November 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.open access
  5. "J. D. Oliver and Family". History Museum, South Bend. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  6. "Oliver Home is Named". South Bend Tribune. May 31, 1900. p. 1. Retrieved November 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.open access
  7. "Services Held for J. D. Oliver". The South Bend Tribune. August 9, 1933. p. 10. Retrieved November 13, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.open access


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