M.D. Kelly 1872-1924

KELLY, COTA, HEFFERN, DILLON, SLATTERY, LARKIN, BYRNES

Posted By: AMK (email)
Date: 1/5/2010 at 14:01:24

Death of M.D. Kelly

This community was again shocked and saddened Thursday morning on learning that Michael D. Kelly had passed away late Wednesday night. He had been ailing just one week with neuritis of the heart, though he had every care and attention that medical skill could do, but all to no avail.
Mr. Kelly was the fifth son of the late Lawrence and Mary Kelly, pioneer residents of Paint Creek township, where he was born June 1, 1872. He was united in holy wedlock with Mary Ida Cota May 16, 1906, who survives him with one daughter Catherine, and five sons, Lawrence, Leon, Joseph, Clement, and Maurice, ranging in ages from 16 to 3 years, who will sadly miss the kind, loving and guiding hand of a lovable husband and father. He is also survived by four brothers, John of Harpers Ferry, James, Peter, and Joseph, and two sisters, Mrs. D.F. Heffern, and Mrs. B.J. Dillon of Waterville. He was preceded in death by his parents, also three sisters, Mrs. Slattery, Mrs. Larkin, Mrs. C.J. Byrnes, and two brothers, Frank and Timothy.
Deceased received his education in the rural schools of Allamakee county and a business college at Decorah. He followed the profession of teaching for several years, and was principal of the Harpers Ferry school a few years. He was one of those men who believed in getting the best there was in the lines of education and always aimed to better himself and others.
He enjoyed life and the association of his fellow men and was ever ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Of a sunny and friendly nature he made friends of all his acquaintances. He was a man of good morals and by his honest and upright character wielded a power for good in the community upon which a shadow has fallen now that his presence is withdrawn.
He was appointed postmaster of Harpers Ferry several years ago, which position he held until his death. Mr. Kelly was a devout member of the Catholic church and died fortified by its rites, his pastor, Rev. Fr. Nolan, being with him at the end. He was a member of the Catholic Foresters, who had charge of the funeral which took place Saturday from St. Ann's church at Harpers Ferry. A solemn requiem mass was offered for the happy repose of his soul. Rev. Fr. Nolan was celebrant; Rev. Fr. Neenan of Cherry Mound, deacon, and Rev. Fr. Costello of Wexford, sub deacon. The servers were John, Joseph, and James Kelly, nephews of the deceased, assisted by Isadore Guthneck and Harold Robinson. At the close Fr. Nolan paid a fitting tribute to the deceased. The pall bearers were T.A, Houlihan, Thos. Calvey, John Clark, U.V. Melvin, James Corrigan, and Don Brazell.
Tributes of floral offerings were given by the school, the rural carriers, C.J. Byrnes family, and there were many spiritual messages from relatives and friends. Interment took place in the Paint Rock Cemetery. The church was crowded with relatives and friends from a distance, who came to pay their last tribute to the deceased.

This was sent to me by a relative. Most likely from a Waukon paper.
In Woodmansee Burial Book he is listed as Michael P. Kelly.