My Genealogy Hound

T. J. Kelley, farmer, was born in Shelby County in 1831, and was one of nine children, four of whom are living, born to Joseph and Frances (Isom) Kelley, both natives of South Carolina. The father was born in 1780, came to Tennessee about 1820, and settled in Shelby County, where he was among the first settlers. He was a farmer, and cultivated the soil at that place until 1854, when he moved to Arkansas, and there remained until his career ended in 1860. The mother was a few years younger than her husband. She died in 1851. The subject of our sketch was reared at home, and received his education in the schools near home. December 3, 1850, he married Mary McMinn, a native of Lincoln County, born 1833, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McMinn. Her father was born and reared near Charleston, S. C., but soon moved to Lincoln County where he remained some time, and then came to this county. Her mother’s maiden name was Patterson, and she was also a native of South Carolina. To our subject and wife were born these interesting children: Dora, wife of I. J. Pike; Cora, wife of A. A. Kelley; Olia, wife of F. Cross; Ophelia, wife of J. R. Kelley, and Missouri, wife of W. G. Harris. In 1861 Mr. Kelley enlisted in Company I, Third Arkansas Cavalry, being a resident of that State at the time the company was called Fifer’s Brigade. Mr. Kelley was orderly sergeant, and participated in the battles of Oak Hill. Mo., Iuka and Corinth, Miss., and had the misfortune of losing an arm in the last-named place. In 1863 he located near where he now resides. He is a Democrat in politics, a prohibitionist, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.