Michael Joseph Kelly : Short Biography

Michael Joseph Kelly of Carrigeenagappul, Roscommon was born September 24, 1881, and baptized September 25th as recorded in the parish baptismal record (Sponsors: Patrick Flanagan & Margaret Conry). His civil birth record states the date as of February 28, 1882. The discrepancy might be attributed to a delay in reporting his birth possibly for financial reasons regarding the recording fee.

His parents were Thomas Kelly and Elizabeth Beirne of Carrigeenagappul. He was the 7th child and 4th son of 9 children: (Siblings: Mary Ann, Brigid [Delia] + Winifred [twins], James, Stephen, Thomas, Patrick, and Luke.

His paternal grandparents were James Kelly and Anne Leneghan, who are listed as tenants (2a) in Griffiths Valuation 1847-'64 of Carrigeenagappul, Kilcooley Parish, agent, Joseph Kincaid. His maternal grandparents were Luke Beirne and Winifred McManus of Drisheane/Ballinameen.

In the Census of 1901 (at the age 19), he is recorded as residing in the home of Maria Sharkey of Main Street, Elphin, Roscommon, and is an apprentice in her shop.

Michael immigrates on May 9, 1903, to the USA landing at Ellis Island, New York from Cobh (Queenstown) aboard the Cedric. The manifest lists his home as Strokestown, Roscommon, and states that he is going to his sister, Winifred's home, at 324 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.

He finds employment as a clerk at Butler's Grocer in Tuckahoe (Bronx), New York.

On July 19, 1917, Michael enlists in the National Guard, Co "J" 69th New York Infantry (Fighting 69th / Irish Brigade) Grade: Private at NYC, NY in response to President's call to service of July 3, 1917. He is mustered into Federal Service on July 24, 1917, at NYC and with the declaration of war by the USA, his regiment is now part of the US Army. In November 1917, he is honorably discharged due to injury.

On November 28, 1922, he marries Mary Froehlich of Westbury, New York at St. Brigid Church, Westbury. Mary's family is a well-known farming family of German heritage.

Michael owns "Kelly's Grocers" of Post Avenue and later Maple Avenue, Westbury, New York. He caters to local families and also specializes in offering gourmet goods to the estates (Chrysler, Whitney, Phipps) in Old Westbury. His grocery store prospers.

He resides with his family on Butler Street in Westbury, NY. His first child, Michael, Jr. is born in 1923 followed by Rosemary, Catherine, James, and John (Joe).

In the spring of1932, he develops a blood clot and inflammation at the site of his leg injury, which he had sustained during his WWI service. He is unable to work at his business for over 2 months. He finally returns to his shop on May 10th, which is only days before the first birthday of his youngest son and becomes so sick that he returns home and dies the next day. In his obituary found in the "Westbury Times", he is remembered for his kindness and generosity to war veterans and their families. It states that he donated food baskets to veterans experiencing hardships and would not allow them to go hungry. He is given a funeral with military honors and is buried in Holy Rood Cemetary, Westbury New York. [1]