Reuben Otis Shively From Santa Ana, Orange County, California

Reuben Otis Shively

The following newspaper articles were located relating to Rueben Otis Shively of Santa Ana, Orange County, California.  In an article from The San Jose Daily Mercury, Thursday Morning, November 26, 1903, Page 4, Columns 3 and 4 was the picture at the left and the following information: 

Reuben O. Shively Dies In Santa Ana

Was For Many Years A Prominent Merchant In This City, Where He Had Many Friends

Many of his old friends in this city have just heard with regret of the death of Reuben Otis Shively at Santa Ana.  Mr. Shively, who was about 60 years of age, was for many years a prominent merchant in this city.  His death occurred at his home, 423 East First street, Santa Ana, on the 22nd of November.  The funeral was held from the family residence on Monday last, the interment being at Santa Ana Cemetery.

Over a quarter of a century ago, Mr. Shively, accompanied by his brother, B. F. Shively, came to San Jose, and started a small dry goods store on South First street, where Hale's is now located.  After a short time they sold out to O. A. Hale & Co., not only in San Jose, but in several cities in California.  Mr. Shively then opened what he called the "Nine Cent Store," on South First street near the First National Bank.  J. L. Stull and Louis Sonniksen, now of the firm of Stull & Sonniksen, were employed as clerks.  Mr. Stull was a nephew of Mr. Shively.

  Mr. Shively later removed further down South First street in the Letitia block, where he remained a few years.  He then disposed of his dry goods business and went to Santa Ana.

   During his long residence here Mr. Shively took an active interest in public affairs and the upbuilding of the city.  He organized the first Chamber of Commerce and was President of that organization for a long time.  In connection with his dry goods business he published occasionally a paper called "The Pathfinder," which was distributed about the county.  In this paper he would set forth the superior bargains he was offering, and at the same time encourage local and other improvements.  He was a progressive citizen.

    After going to Santa Ana Mr. Shively became largely interested in the raising of chickens and other fowls.  He has lately been publishing with Claire Cottle, a newspaper called the "Santa Ana Leader".  Claire Cottle, formerly of this city, a son of Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Cottle, married Miss Pearl Shively.

    Mr. Shively was a native of Canton, Ohio.  He came to San Jose from South Bend, Indiana. His brother, B. F. Shively, was a Congressman from the Fifth District of Indiana.  He leaves a wife and daughter, the latter being Mrs. Claire Cottle.

In the above article is the mention of Pearl Shively, daughter of R. O. Shively.  A newspaper obituary was located for her in The San Jose Mercury Herald, Sunday Morning, January 4, 1914, Page 5, Column 2:

Mrs. Clair H. Cottle Dies In San Francisco

Was Formerly Pearl Shively, And Was Born In This City

Many old San Joseans will hear with sorrow of the death in San Francisco, December 31, of Mrs. Clair H. Cottle, who was Pearl Shively, daughter of the late R. O. Shively, was born and spent her girlhood days in this city.  Those who knew her will recall her lovely disposition, her sunny smile, her hearty handshake and her word worth while, which made one leave her feeling better.

The deepest sympathy will be felt for her bereaved husband, children and mother, who start the new year with this load of sorrow on their hearts, which only time and the Great Healer can lighten.