KELLEY, Dexter 1825-1901

KELLEY, THOMASSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/19/2010 at 17:59:22

Dexter Kelley [1825-1901]

Dexter Kelley was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts, January 23, 1825, and died at his home in Stacyville, March 28, 1901, aged 76 years, 2 months and 5 days.

Mr. Kelley came to Mitchell Co. in 1856 and settled in Union township. He was married April 5th, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Thomassen, who came to Iowa in 1857. Her birthplace was Cheshire, England. This wedding was the first to be solemnized in the township. Two sons, William and John F. were born to them, who with their mother, survive the husband and father. In 1879 Mr. Kelley sold his farm and coming to Stacyville, purchased the hotel property then owned by B. P. Tyler, and was proprietor until last autumn, when he retired giving the hotel into the hands of his son William.

He was taken sick Saturday evening, March 23, and it was soon evident that it was "unto death", though loving hands ministered unwearily to him, and Tuesday evening at 9:45 he entered into rest.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. M. J. P. Thing in the M. E. Church, Sunday March 31, at 10:30 after which the body was interred in the village cemetery. Thus has passed away one who was a familiar figure on the streets of the village, and who though quiet and self assertive, was sure to be on the side he believed to be right, and once convinced, never swerved. He will be missed and he will be remembered for many kindly actions.

Submitted 2001 by Marilyn Oconnor