For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 527
DAVID PAGE KELLEY....The farming interests of Muscatine county are ably represented by David Page Kelley, of Sweetland township, who ever since his earliest recollection has been intimately identified with agriculture and stock-raising. By natural talent and by training he is specially adapted to the pursuit which is his life work and few men of his age in the county have been more successful.Born in this county, September 11, 1870, he is a son of Samuel C. and Frances ( Eastman ) Kelley. The father was a native of Maine, born in 1826, and becoming a resident of Muscatine county, Iowa in 1861, locating on section 36, Sweetland township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He prospered as a farmer and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of as rich land as is to be found in the township. While he devoted close attention to his farming interests, he was also prominent in public life and held a number of responsible offices in his township. He was called from earthly scenes in 1902, at the age of seventy-six years. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Kelley, all of whom are now living : C. B., of Texas ; George E., of Vinita, Oklahoma ; Fred L., also of Vinita ; Fannie, who married Douglas Terry, of Rockford, Illinois ; Nettie, now Mrs. Harry Dickerman ; and David P., our subject.
Reared upon the home farm, David P. Kelley received his preliminary education in the district schools of Sweetland township, later attending Norton Academy at Wilton Junction. After laying his books aside he returned home and in 1895 became a partner of his father on the home farm. He is now the owner of four hundred acres in Sweetland township, his farm being one of the best developed properties in the locality. The improvements include a commodious residence, barns, etc., and a complete outfit of modern machinery to facilitate the work in the fields. Under good management the place has become highly porfitable.
In 1895 Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Minnie Shilling, a daughter of Henry Shilling and to this union four children have been born : Paul David, Bernice, Hildegarde and Doris Elizabeth. Mr. Kelley has always taken a deep interest in his work and is ever on the lookout for improved methods and better facilities. He is in charge of a farm of which any man might justly be proud. His life has largely been directed toward advancing the happiness of those with whom he has associated and he is justly regarded as one of the useful and progressive members of society.
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