Arthur Joseph O'Hanlon, proprietor of the Thomas O'Hanlon Boiler Works of Utica, is the son and business successor of the late Thomas O'Hanlon, one of the pioneers in the boiler-making industry in this section, and his wife, Anna O'Hanlon. For fifteen years Thomas O'Hanlon worked for Philo S. Curtis, the proprietor of the first boiler shop in this city, after which he launched out in the business for himself as the owner of a small shop — some thirty-five years ago. For a time Mr. O'Hanlon was associated in this enterprise with a partner, Mr. Shaw, but eventually he was able to buy out the latter's interest in the business and thus become sole owner. About this time he admitted into partnership his two sons, Arthur Joseph and Thomas P. O'Hanlon, the firm becoming Thomas O'Hanlon & Sons. The father remained at the head of the concern, Arthur Joseph of this review became manager, and his brother became foreman of the shops. This happy association of father and sons was ended by the death of Thomas P. O'Hanlon on January 3, 1903. The business was continued under the old name, however, until after the death of the father on December 24, 1908. It was then that Arthur J. O'Hanlon took over the works, becoming proprietor, and in order to perpetuate the memory of his father, who built up the business, he renamed it the Thomas O'Hanlon Boiler Works. The industry that bears his name stands as a monument to the ability and business acumen of Thomas O'Hanlon. It was under his guidance that it grew from a small concern to its present size and prosperity. It was his knowledge of the mechanics of his trade that made possible the production of steam boilers of a quality that made a reputation for the firm and brought to it substantial success.
Arthur Joseph O'Hanlon was born in this city, on the 24th of July, 1875, and obtained his education in the public schools and Assumption Academy. Immediately upon leaving school he entered his father's business, where he set about learning all phases of the work by spending some time gaining practical experience in each department. He thus has the skill and efficiency in the boiler-making industry that comes only to those who have mastered their work by serving a long apprenticeship in the actual performance of the processes involved. Since the death of his father Mr. O'Hanlon has been conducting the business as the sole proprietor, enjoying deserved prosperity and a liberal patronage.
Mr. O'Hanlon was married on January 15, 1908, to Miss Dorothy Mary Cullen, daughter of John Cullen, and a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. O'Hanlon have one child, a daughter, Dorothy Mary, born December 20, 1916. Mr. O'Hanlon gives his support to those things that make for the commercial and civic development of Utica as a member of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. In connection with his work he is affiliated with the National Metal Trades Association. He belongs to Lodge No. 33, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is likewise identified with the Knights of Columbus, Lodge No. 189, which indicates that his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. Politically he votes an independent ticket, giving his support to those men he considers best qualified by experience and training for public office, regardless of their party connections. Like his father, Mr. O'Hanlon has made a success in life because he has applied himself diligently to his business and has not neglected any opportunity to better himself. Long sustained effort, if intelligently applied in a worthy direction, seldom fails to bring success, and Mr. O'Hanlon's experience has been no exception to this general rule.