William Kelley(1835-1903)

KELLEY

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 7/22/2008 at 08:20:41

Maquoketa Recpord
September 9, 1903.

Wm. O. Kelley was born in Pennville, Pa., April 8, 1835, and died at Maquoketa of cancer of the stomach Sept. 3, 1903, aged 68 years, 4 months and 25 days. He was married to Margaret J. Kelly Aug. 1, 1867, in Perry township. Four children blessed this union, two of them, twin boys, are deceased and two sons survive, Oscar and Albert, who live in this vicinity. The early life of Mr. Kelley was spent in his native state where he engaged in farming, but when the war broke out he enlisted for the union in company K 11th. Pennsylvania Reserve. For gallant service he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. At the battle of Gaines Mills he was taken prisoner to Richmond, but after six weeks was exchanged; immediately thereafter he joined the army of the Potomac. At the battle of Antietam he was taken sick and sent to the hospital. In June he was honorably discharged after more than three years of hard service in the war. In 1865 he came to Iowa and settled in Jackson county. In 1871 he moved to Illinois whence after a sojourn of three years he returned to Iowa purchasing a farm in Perry township. Mr. Kelley has been honored by his fellow citizens in the local public affairs, having been elected township trustee, clerk, assessor and a member of the school board. He was identified with the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W.., G. A. R, and the U. V. U.’s, holding prominent offices in these orders. A broken hearted wife, two sons and a large circle of friends mourn his passing away. The funeral service was held at the home on Sunday at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. G. C. Chandler followed by interment in Mt. Hope cemetery according to the I. O. O. F. ritual. A large crowd of people accompanied the remains to its last resting place.