My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM C. KELLEY, an old settler of Clark County, has lived for over seventy years on the farm which he now owns and which was his birthplace. The estate occupies a part of section G, Green Township, and although not so large as many, it is much more attractive than some, on account of its perfect order and thorough improvement. The fifty-seven acres which comprise it are divided into fields by the neatest of fences, and no unhinged gates, broken panels or loosened boards are allowed to remain here. The residence which is now occupied by those members of the family who are still at home, is cozy and well built, and was erected in 1875. Mr. Kelley is of Scotch lineage, having in his veins the blood of one of the oldest and most honored families of the ancient kingdom, and can proudly claim connection with patriotic citizens of America who have suffered in support of liberty.

The grandparents of our subject were James and Catherine (Stuart) Kelley, who upon emigrating from Scotland to America settled in Virginia. During the Revolutionary War, Mr. Kelley took up arms against the tyrannical rule of the House of Hanover, and suffered severely by being badly frozen. Grandfather Kelley spent a perilous night during the Revolutionary war, and came near freezing, as he and other comrades had crossed a stream in a small boat and in some way he was left without means of re-crossing, and it being very cold he marked out a place between two oak trees to parade so as to keep from freezing, and he became so fatigued at times that he would, almost succumb, but fear of freezing kept him going. Thus the night was spent. In the morning he discovered a prostrate hollow tree and in this were dry leaves, and Grandfather Kelley threw in some powder and fired into it and by this means soon had a rousing fire and shortly parties from camp found him and took him across safely to camp. After the war he removed to Kentucky, and still later came to Ohio, where he remained until his death. He bought a farm four and a half miles south of Springfield and continued the agricultural labors of his life. His son, Joseph, was born in Virginia and taken to Kentucky when quite small. There he married Miss May Dutterow, a native of the Blue Grass State and of German descent. Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812, Joseph Kelley joined a Kentucky regiment, serving until the close of the struggle. His family, in the meantime, had taken up their residence north of the Ohio River, and after the war he followed them to this State, coming on horseback from Kentucky to Springfield. In this place he was offered two blocks on Main and Limestone Streets for the horse he was riding, but replied that he would not give the horse for the whole town.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kelley settled near the Funston Farm, but after remaining there a time came to the place now owned by their son, the subject of this sketch. The country was heavily timbered and many hardships were endured while it was being cleared and made productive. A log house with a mud chimney was the primitive dwelling in which the family was sheltered and all bore a part in the labors which hard times necessitated. The family lived principally upon “hog and hominy,” corn pone being their pound cake. A few sheep were kept, from the wool of which winter clothing was made and they also raised some flax, which also supplied covering for their bodies. The mother not only carded, spun and wove, preparing cloth from wool, flax and tow for her own family, but she also performed the same service for others, and although neighbors were few was able thus to add to the family resources. The boys were kept busy in the timber, cutting down trees, grubbing out stumps, and placing the clearings in suitable condition for the plow. An incident of interest happened to a sister of our subject in this county during her girlhood; while on her way to school she was attacked by a huge black bear and fortunately escaped from bruin by throwing her dinner on the ground. Before the death of the father, which occurred September 2, 1849, the place was pretty well cleared and life became more easy and comfortable. The mother passed away March 1, 1860. The family which originally comprised eleven children is now represented by four survivors.

The natal day of our subject was January 28, 1820. He spent his boyhood days at home until eighteen years old when he began an apprenticeship to a blacksmith, with whom he served three years. He then continued to labor at his trade for an equal length of time, when his health failing, he returned to the home farm. When his strength was sufficiently renewed, he returned to the place at which he had served his apprenticeship and there spent a few years at his trade. He next bought out the other heirs and taking possession of the homestead turned his attention to agriculture as a means of subsistence. He carries on mixed farming and makes every portion of his farm useful, allowing no weeds to overcome the good seed from which he reaps an abundant harvest.

An important step in the life of Mr. Kelley, as it is in that of every man, was his choice of a companion, and many years of wedded happiness have proved his wisdom. On February 9, 1843, he became the husband of Miranda, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Jordan) Dudley, who has been faithful to every duty devolving upon her as wife and mother, and in whom the hearts of husband and children rejoice daily. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have suffered some of the bereavements which are the lot of mortals, having been called upon to mourn the loss of four beloved children, but they sorrow not as those without hope, believing that in the future they shall meet again.

Six sons and daughters rejoice the parental hearts, although all but one are now settled in homes of their own. Richard married May J. Smith and lives a half mile east of his parents; Lavina is the wife of James B. Toland, their home being in Jewel County, Kan.; Francis married Ruth Van Bibber, and lives in Lyon County, Kan.; George W. lives near Columbus, his wife being Flora Benson; Martha A. married William Balden and lives in Madison County; James E. is unmarried and still remains under the parental roof. Richard Kelley is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace and both he and his brother James belong to the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 33, of Springfield.

The long residence of Mr. Kelley at the same spot has given him a thorough acquaintance in the neighborhood and the position of a landmark in the county. His life since manhood has been marked with no wonderful event, but has been a quiet, industrious, and conscientious one, such as exerts a powerful influence in behalf of the principles of Christianity and perfect manhood. He has served his neighborhood as a School Director, and his church as a Class-Leader, Steward and Trustee, still holding the latter office. In politics he is conservative, giving his vote to the Republican candidates and principles. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and are heartily esteemed by their associates in that religious body and by their fellow citizens in general.