Joseph (Micajah) Kelley 1825-1921

KELLEY, GIFFORD, SEYMOUR, RICHMOND, BENSON, SUTTON, ELLSBERRY, ELSBURY

Posted By: Pat Kelley Pyle (email)
Date: 4/22/2007 at 09:12:12

Joseph Kelley, who has been a resident of Delaware county for nearly a half century, is
a retired agriculturist living on his farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres on section
2, Coffins Grove township, in the operation of which he was actively engaged until
about ten years ago. His birth occurred in Vermont on the 27th of April, 1825, his
parents being Micajah and Betsy (Gifford) Kelley, likewise natives of that state. The
mother passed away in Vermont, and the father subsequently removed to New York,
where his demise occurred in 1882. Our subject is the only surviving member of a
family of six children.
Joseph Kelley removed to New York from his native state and there resided for a period
of twenty-three years. Subsequently he spent several years in Minnesota but returned
to the Empire state and there remained until 1868, when he came to Delaware county,
Iowa, within the borders of which he has since resided. He bought eighty acres of land
in Coffins Grove township and later extended the boundaries of his farm by additional
purchase until it now comprises one hundred and forty-nine acres. Here he devoted his
attention to farming and the raising of graded stock throughout the remainder of his
active business career, meeting with a gratifying measure of success in his
undertakings. For about ten years, however, he has lived retired, making his home on
the farm with his son, who operates the place.
On the 16th of November, 1856 in Wisconsin, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Miss
Julia A. Seymour, a daughter of James Seymour, of New York. To them were born four
children, two of whom survive as follows: James, of Delaware county; and J.E., who
wedded Miss Susan A. Richmond, a daughter of Justice S. and Mercy C. (Benson)
Richmond, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Kelley had the following
children: Edna, who is the wife of John Sutton of Delhi; Asa S.; C. Romeyn; Gladys,
who gave her hand in marriage to Fred Ellsberry of Honey Creek township; Harry
Edgar; Joseph Micajah; Susan Gyneth; and Kenneth. Mrs. Kelley passed away May 19,
1903.
Mr. Kelley gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as school
director, road superintendent and township trustee, ever discharging his public duties
in a prompt and capable manner. He has now passed the eighty-ninth milestone on
life’s journey and may look back with pride upon an active, honorable and useful
career. He enjoys the highest esteem and veneration not only on account of his years
but because they have been spent in such a manner as to reflect great credit upon him.

Source: 1914 History of Delaware County, Iowa