KELLEY, Gilbert D. 1860-1914

KELLEY, LOWRY

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/6/2013 at 23:28:11

[Waterloo Evening Courier, Tuesday, February 19, 1914]

VETERAN RAILWAY CONDUCTOR DEAD

A Four weeks' illness from bronchial pneumonia terminated in the death this morning at 1:50 o;clock of Gilbert D. Kelley, aged 54 years, one of the veteran employes of the Illinois Central, at St. Francis Hospital. Throughout his illness, the condition of Mr. Kelley was considered critical. During During ihe past few days, however, he appeared to improve and high hopes were held out for his recovery.

So marked was his improvement that he was removed from his home at 87 Lafayette Street to the St. Francis hospital the fore part of the week in order that he might recover more rapidly under expert care. His constitution, worn out with the long battle against the disease, was unable to prolong the fight and he passed quietly away.

Mr. Kelley was one of the oldest and most highly esteemed employees of the Illinois Central. He entered the employ of the road 35 years ago as freight brakeman and rapidly rose from the ranks to passenger conductor. For the past 25 years he had occupied the latter position with the company, and his bright and cheery manner and attractiveness to duty had made him a personage, both admired and esteemed by the patrons of the road. Ever on the outlook for means by which he could add to the comforts of passengers, he was noted as one of the most courteous conductors ont eh Minnesota division.

Particularly was the deceased known along the road between Waterloo and Dubuque. For many years he had charge of the train known as the Clipper running between the two cities and he became acquainted with almost every citizen along the line. For a while he also had the Albert Lea run. When sickness took him from duty he was in charge of train No. 13.

Mr. Kelley was born in Maine, N.Y., August 25, 1860. Here he spent his early boyhood and was reared to early manhood. When a young man he came west, settling at Fort Dodge, where he resided for a number of years. While a resident of that city he was united in marriage to Miss. Mary A. Lowry, in 1886. Twenty-five years ago he came to Waterloo and had since made his home in this city.

He was prominent in local fraternal and lodge circles, being a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Conductors, the B. P. O. E., the A. O U. W., and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Kelley was also a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Besides the widow, deceased is survived by the following children: Leo R. of Chicago, Joseph E. of Dubuque and Vincent L. of Waterloo. His youngest son, Gilbert M. Kelley, preceded his father in death less than a year ago.

As yet no definite funeral arrangements have been made, pending the arrival of the son from Chicago, other than the fact that the services will be held from St. Joseph's Church.