KELLY, Absalom M. (1839-1935)

KELLY, RANSHAW, GILBERT, LAWHORN

Posted By: Deborah Horzen (email)
Date: 8/8/2004 at 13:53:12

DEATH CALLS A.M. KELLY, VENERABLE GARNER RESIDENT
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HAD REACHED AGE 96 YEARS;FUNERAL SERVICES M.E.
CHURCH, FRIDAY P.M.
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Absalom Kelly, second oldest inhabitant of Garner, passed away at his home in the east part of town shortly after the midnight hour, Tuesday, August 6, at the advanced age of 96 years.
For the past two years Mr. Kelly had been confined to his home the greater part of the time, but not until the day before his death did his condition become alarming.
Mr. Kelly was one of the grand old men of Hancock county. His life span covers an interesting record of experience, change and historical development. He was born on ground now occupied by the town of Monroe, Wis., March 7, 1839. Wisconsin was at that time the western front for pioneers, having been organized as a territory but a few years. The earlier part of the 53 years which he spent in Wisconsin were in truth pioneer days. He was of Revolutionary stock - his grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. During the latter days of his life he was one of but few living grandsons of Revolutionary soldiers.
On July 7, 1861, he was united in marriage to Martha Ann Ranshaw, a native of Monroe. They continued to live in the town of their nativity for more than thirty years and then came to Garner. Mrs. Kelly departed this life January 31, 1918. Since that time Mr. Kelly has maintained his home with the helpful assistance of his daughters and his grandchildren.
Shortly before moving to this section Mr. Kelly purchased a couple of farms in Ell township, and title to these properties has remained in the family ever since. For many years he was interested in banking and was a stockholder in several Hancock county banks. For many years he was a director of the Farmers National bank of Garner.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. One of these children, a son, Joe, was drowned at the age of 18 years. Another son, A.M. (Spike) Kelly, well known to the people of this territory, passed on about two years ago. Amy, now Mrs. Peter Gilbert, and Ida, Mrs. Joe Lawhorn, both residents of this place are the surviving children. There are nine living grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. One brother, Alfred, whose home is at Monroe, Wisconsin, also survives.
For many years Mr. Kelly was a consistent member of the Masonic fraternity, and for more than twenty-five years, or so long as his health would permit, he could be depended upon to attend every communication of the several Masonic bodies of this place, always willing to do his part and more. For many years, Bethel lodge, Garner, enjoyed the distinction of having a trio of the oldest workers in the second section of the Master Mason degree, of any lodge in the state. The trio consisted of Mr. Kelly, Capt. Barnes and E.T. Wesson. In the later years of their active Masonic work these men had all passed their 80th birthday. During the many years of his residence in this community, he enjoyed the respect and the confidence of his neighbors and associates. “Dad” Kelly’s word was good - he never broke a promise or violated a trust.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon. There will be a short service at the Shannon-Bohn Funeral home at 2 o’clock and at the Congregational church at 2:30. Dr. W. Dibble of Mason City will be in charge. Interment in the family lot in Concord cemetery (Garner Leader and Signal, Wed. Aug 7, 1935, 1).