J. E. Kelly Obit

 

Updated: 06 Sep 2009

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30 July 1938
Sapulpa Herald
Sapulpa Creek Co. OK

Pioneer Citizen and Founder of Kellyville Dies

J. E. Kelly died Thursday in St. Louis Hospital; Rites Tomorrow

Last rites for J. E. Kelly, age 83, pioneer merchant, farmer and stockman of Kellyville who died Thursday in the St. Johns Hospital at St. Louis, MO will be held at the Methodist Church in Kellyville tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will be made in the Kellyville Cemetery.

Kelly was never married. He has no immediate surviving relatives but nieces and nephews and they do not reside here or near Kellyville.

The early day Kellyville man had been in ill health for about four years. His trouble did not become acute until sometime ago and he went to the hospital for bladder treatment. He never recovered.

Kelly retired from active business in 1913. He was instrumental in securing a number of the progressive movements that came to this area in the early days and was a familiar figure among the old timers. Dr. P. J. Conkwright of the Sapulpa First Baptist Church will officiate at the services and Lewis and Landrith undertakers of this city are in charge of arrangements.

One of the most unique old timers in this part of the state Kelly came to the Indian Territory in the early eighties. The town of Kellyville was named for him. He operated a store there even before the railroad came to Kellyville.

Prior to the establishment of a store he peddled merchandise in a wagon. He was a familiar figure on Sapulpa streets and carried a small red valise and an umbrella on all occasions.