Thomas J. Green (1870 – 1915) was a prominent attorney in Shelby, partnering with his father-in-law George M. Skiles, but he was more likely known for his part in one of the largest disasters in town. He was mayor in 1898 when the Main Street bridge collapsed under the weight of more than 1,200 people viewing a wedding Green was officiating. More than 200 were injured and seven lost their lives. Green sustained a broken finger and badly bruised body.
Green was born in Shelby and graduated in 1888 from Shelby High School. After attending Baldwin University, he taught in the public schools for four years. Green attended law school at Ohio State in 1896 and joined the law firm Skiles & Skiles. He married Blanche Skiles, daughter of George, in 1902.
He was as savvy in business as the elder Skiles, becoming vice president of Ohio Seamless Tube Company and Shelby Printing, treasurer of Shelby Telephone Company, director of Citizens bank, Autocall, Standard Manufacturing, and Speedway Remedy Company. Green was instrumental in raising funding to rebuild the seamless tube company after the fire in 1908.
Green was president of the National Mausoleum Company when it moved to Shelby as the Oakland Mausoleum was built.
He was on the board of education at his death, and was also in the Elks, Masons, Knights of Pythias, Maccabees, Colonial Club, and Shelby Business Men’s Association.