Richard Kielty

Fairview township numbers among its most prosperous and progressive farmers and stock-raisers Richard Kielty, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of the old homestead, upon which his father settled in early times, and a half interest in a forty acre timber tract in the vicinity. He was born in Clayton county, near his present home, November 20, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Geraghty) Kielty, natives of County Mayo, Ireland, the former born in May, 1817, and the mother about five years later. The father crossed the Atlantic in 1852 and landed in New Orleans, whence he moved to Kentucky, then to Ohio and then to Virginia. He married soon after his arrival and in 1855 moved with his wife to Iowa, settling in Clayton county, where for a time he engaged in farming in the employ of others. In 1865 he purchased land of his own and upon it resided for eleven years after which he moved to Fairview township, Allamakee county, and bought the farm upon which the subject of this review now resides. He operated this for a number of years, steadily carrying forward the work of its improvement until a few months before his death, which occurred in September, 1907. He was very prominent in local affairs, having held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged in a capable and conscientious way. His wife survives him and still resides upon the old homestead. She and her husband became the parents of eight children, five of whom are living.

Richard Kielty acquired his education in the public schools of his native township and in those of Fairview township, this county, whither he removed with his parents in his boyhood. He grew up on the homestead and in his youth aided in its operation, gaining a practical knowledge of the best agricultural methods. When he was about thirty years of age he and his brother John rented the home farm, operating it together until 1907, when they purchased the estate and divided it, Mr. Kielty of this review receiving as his share the one hundred twenty acres which he still owns. He has also a half interest in a forty acre timber tract, which he owns in conjunction with his brother. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and his interests being carefully and practically conducted, have proven profitable, so that he is today numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of this vicinity. He is a stockholder in the Monona Creamery and in the Farmer's Commission Company of Monona and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.

On the 29th of July, 1907, Mr. Kielty was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Schofield, who was born in Linton township, Allamakee county, November 6, 1874, a daughter of Peter and Ellen (Joyce) Schofield. Mr. and Mrs. Kielty have become the parents of two children: John Richard, who was born May 14, 1908; and Ellen Catherine, born June 15, 1910.

Mr. Kielty is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in his political beliefs, having served for two consecutive terms as township assessor. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has resided in this part of Allamakee county ever since boyhood and has become widely and favorably known. For a number of years he has been influentially associated with business and agricultural interests here and is a man whose high moral character and unquestioned integrity merit the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.

-transcribed by Cathy Joynt-Labath

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