KELLEY
– John Kelly was born in Lewistown Pennsylvania in 1792. He served in the war
of 1812, moved to Old Franklin Missouri, in 1817, and married Miss Bertha
Lawless there in 1821. In 1825 he moved to St. Louis, living there until 1836
when he removed to Boonville. Under the ministry of Dr. Jesse Boyle he was
converted and joined the Church in 1847. He died February 22, 1822, and was burried by his Masonic brethren, with whom he had been a member sixty years. He
lived up to the principles of his order, and was held in great respect by his
brethren. But he did not depend upon his Masonry for eternal salvation. He
sought God through Christ, and lived a holy life for thirty five years. He died
in peace. Brother Kelly’s ripe age and pure character brought him great respect
from his many friends. He had been afflicetd for twenty five years, a quiet
sufferer in the family of his son-in-law, Brother R. R. Thompson, but never
murmured. He only wondered why he was so long desined here, and always ready to
depart. His good wife, who had been his comfort for sixty one years, survives
him, and has the tender sympathies of numerous friends. The aged pair were
[generally?] reserved in Boonville where they had lived so long and so
beautifully adorned the Gospel. The fruits of Dr. Boyle’s great revival in 1847
are still seen in Boonville and his works are still following him. Brother
Kelly is the last to have joined him above.
G.W. Horn