| Contributor::
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Transcription contributed by John O'Neall on 12 March 2004 |
| Sources: |
The History of Warren County Ohio Part V. Biographical Sketches Wayne Township (Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992) |
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SAMUEL
KELLY, farmer; P. O. Waynesville; born in South Carolina
Nov. 17, 1798; is a son of Samuel and Hannah
(Pearson) Kelly, natives of South Carolina. The grandfather was
John Kelly, born in Ireland, who with one brother Samuel
and one sister Abigail, were brought to America by their
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father about 1750. Samuel married Ann Belton, whose daughter married Hugh O'Neall (see sketch of Abijah and George O'Neall); Abigail married a man by the name of Millhouse, a native of Ireland; John married Mary Evans of Pennsylvania, had six sons and one daughter – Isaac, who married Merris Gaunt; Anna, married Abijah O'Neall; Samuel (our subject); Timothy, who died at 16 years of age; John, who married Amy Devenpore, and lived and died in South Carolina; Robert, who married Sarah Paty; and Moses, who married Mary Teager. John, the grandfather, located in South Carolina, and like most of the people of that day became a slave-owner. Having one slave peculiarly attractive and interesting, he promised him if he would be good and faithful he would make him free; this pleased the slave very much, but finally he became so anxious to gain his freedom, that he concluded to try and expedite the matter by bringing about the death of Mr. Kelly; so this plan was carried out, and Mr. Kelly was poisoned by a fatal dose administered by the slave. Isaac, being the eldest of his sons (who are above mentioned), according to the custom of that time, came in possession of the property of his father, and at his death Samuel succeeded in possession of the estates. After getting the estate settled, he moved with his family further up into what was known as the "Newbury District" on the Bush River. During the war of the Revolution his father had lost a great deal of property, taken from them by the Tories. Mr. Kelly continued to reside in the Newbury District, till in the year of 1800, he with his family emigrated to Ohio, and located in Warren County. But prior to leaving their native State, he freed all his slaves, but two old and feeble ones, whom they brought with them, and kept them as long as they lived; they were provided with a cabin by themselves, and one night the cabin took fire, and the wife was burned to death. In 1798, prior to above date, Mr. Kelly and Abijah O'Neall left South Carolina on horseback, and visited this county prospecting for a home, having previously purchased 3,000 acres of land in this county, as they determined to get clear of slavery. They returned to South Carolina, and Mr. O'Neall returned with his family to Ohio; but Mr. Kelly had to dispose of his property and settle up his affairs, and having accomplished this, as stated above in 1800, he with his family removed to Warren County, and located on the place where Samuel now lives; here he commenced in true log-cabin and pioneer life, being one of the first settlers of the township. But they could never find the full 3,000 acres of land; some fraud was perpetrated upon their titles, but finally scattered here and there in various counties they obtained titles of about 2,000 acres. Here Mr. Kelly lived till his death, having performed his allotted pioneer work; he died Feb. 4, 1851, aged 91 years; his wife died July 26, 1839, aged 74 years. They had children -- Mary, Isaac, John, Timothy, Samuel, Moses (died in infancy) and Anna -- all now deceased but Samuel, our subject. Mr. Kelly was a true pioneer and remarkable for his kindness and hospitality; as he was one of the first settlers in this neighborhood, many who came later found shelter and welcome under his roof: "the latch-string of his door” was always out, and the cold and hungry, or weary traveler, or emigrant, ever found succor and relief at his friendly hands. He was also the leading, active spirit in establishing the first Society of Friends at Waynesville, the meetings being frequently held at his residence, prior to the erecting of the house of worship; and during his life he was a devoted and diligent attendant of their meetings, and took great delight in reading the Scriptures. His upright life was lengthened out to many years; and when the frosts of fourscore and ten years had whitened his locks, the true beauty of his Christian character shown forth more brightly, his very countenance beaming with the joy within him; his cheerfulness and child-like simplicity won the esteem and respect of all, and even his chil- |
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drens' children arise up and call him blessed. Our subject was 2 years of age when brought to this county; here he was raised and grew to manhood, inured to the roughness of log-cabin life. Mr. Kelly has been thrice married; first to Aschsah Stubbs; issue, four children, three now living -- Isaac, Anna and Hannah; second, to Ruth A. Gause, May 3, 1843; issue, two children (deceased); third, to Sarah Pine, April 30, 1868, with whom he lived till April 27, 1877, when she died. Mr. Kelly first located in Salem Township, where he resided eighteen years; thence by request of his father, returned to the old home place, where he has since resided, and where are clustered all the fond reminiscences of his early childhood. He is now in his 83d year; has lived in this county over fourscore years; has seen vast changes take place; forests have disappeared; log cabins supplanted by fine frame and brick houses, and such general improvements that comfort and plenty now prevail and future generations may reap the benefits arising from the vast labors of these noble and worthy ancestors. |
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This page created 12 March 2004 and last updated
5 May, 2005
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