ROBERT KELLY was born in Chester County, Penn., July 8, 1816, one of eight
children born to William and Rachael (Thompson) Kelly.  Our subject was
raised  on a farm, and in 1838 went to New Orleans, but shortly afterward
came to Bedford, lawrence County, and settled, where he followed
carpentering for some time.  May 26, 1845, he married Emily J. McLane, and
to their union five children have been born:  Edith, May F., Clarissa H.,
Josephine (Houston) and William Mc-L.  Mrs. Kelly died March 15, 1878.  In
1845 Mr. Kelly began doing a general merchandise business, under the firm
name of Dunihue & Kelly, at which time all goods had to be brought from
Louisville by wagon.   They did a large trade by flat-boats to points on the
Mississippi;  until 1865, when Mr. Kelly sold his interest, since which time
he has been engaged extensively in farming, having at the present time over
500 acres.  He is an A. F. & A. M. and a Republican, that party having
elected him Treasurer of the county in 1872, and again in 1882.


Data Entry Volunteer:  Diana Flynn  "ivie@tima.com"