Edward F. Kelly 1834-1924

KELLY, MCNULTY

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 8/29/2010 at 10:49:16

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
6 Aug 1924
Page 5

Edward F. Kelly Is Called, Age 90

One of the Sturdy, Upright Christian Gentlemen of Our County.

Monday afternoon about three o'clock Edward Kelly, one of the pioneers of our county, passed away at his home in this city. For a few weeks he was not feeling very well but he was able to be about as usual and worked almost daily in his garden. A neighboring physician noticed him and cautioned his sons and daughters stating that he might, on account of his advanced years, drop dead while working. His son Dan called his attention to the risk he was taking but he replied: "While I work I'll gallop." Dan frequently took his small cultivator out of his hand to do the work but, on looking about, he would notice the old gentleman laboring with a hoe. He had been an earnest toiler all his life and he simply could not give up. Last week his condition became serious. The absent members of the family were called home but he was strong enough to sit up until a couple of days before the final summons came.

The funeral was held this morning at 9:00 o'clock. Services were conducted at St. Thomas church, the pastor, Rev. M. McNerney, officiating. There was a large attendance of relatives and old neighbors. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. The pall bearers were six nephews -- S. H. Lynch, Jr., and Edward Lynch, Vincent E. Kelly, Bernard E. Kelly, Edward D. Kelly and Thomas M. Kelly.

Edward F. Kelly was born near Fentonia, Tyrone county, Ireland, May, 1834. He came to the United States in 1856. He lived for some time in New York City and later was a resident of Shullsburg, Wisconsin. He located in Palo Alto county in April, 1870. He lived on a farm in Great Oak township for a number of years after which he came to Emmetsburg, subsequently living in this city. On April 30, 1859, he was united in marriage in New York to Miss Rose McNulty. Mrs. Kelly passed away in April, 1915. Mr. Kelly is survived by two sons and two daughters. His sons are Attorney Daniel Kelly of this city and Attorney J. H. Kelly, both of whom are well known to our many citizens. The daughters are Miss Cecelia, who has been with her father during the past few years, and Miss Jennie, who teaches in the schools of Seattle, Washington.

Mr. Kelly was one of the fine old Christian gentlemen of our county. He was a tireless worker, continuing active until a few days before death called him. Few of our citizens were aware that he assisted in the building of the Monitor, which, during the Civil war sank the destructive southern war vessel, the Merrimac. He was always rather reluctant about making a reasonable charge for his services. He was a quiet man but he read the daily newspapers regularly and he kept well posted on local and general affairs. When he spoke he expressed himself very clearly and definitely. He did not believe in wasting words. He was a kind neighbor and was very loyal to his friends. He was devoted to his church and practiced his religious duties quietly but fervently. His edifying traits survive in the worthy motives and the commendable actions of his sons and daughters. He lived to a ripe old age and he was mentally bright until the last. His death is widely mourned by the friends of his good family.