During the time of William’s birth his family was living in Clogh, County Wicklow, Ireland. His parents were both school teachers and taught at the school house (still standing) across the street from the Leskinfere Church located of R772 south of Gorey.
William’s parents were Charles Kelly and Eleanor (maiden name unknown) and his siblings were Mary Ann and Charles Edward.
William immigrated to the U.S. 1873 and began working with an Irish friend, William Daly Burthchaell, on the railroad in Georgia and Florida.
He worked at Keely Co. in Atlanta, GA as a bookkeeper and would later enjoy part-ownership to the company.
He purchased a house at 145 Peeples Street in the area of Atlanta’s West End.
During his life in the U.S. he returned to Ireland on at least three occasions. Each time was to stay with family members. In 1885 he took his son, Charles John Kelly age 9, with him. In 1902 during his stay in Ireland he travel to England the 9th August to witness the coronation of King Edward VII. William last traveled to Ireland in the Summer of 1914.
William’s death was covered on the front page of The Atlanta Constitution, November 30, 1924. The headline stated “William Kelly Killed By Auto Near His Home”. He was hit and killed at 8 o’clock Saturday night while crossing the street at Gordon and Peeples. He was hit by a rented automobile which is really interesting when you think about it. Who would have thought cars would be rented way back then.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 11th May 1839 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 2nd Nov 1924 | VIEW SOURCE |
