JAMES KELLY
Was born February 2, 1824, on the old family homestead, where he
still resides, near Emory, Washington county. He is a son of James
and Nancy Kelly, his father the son of Ezekiel Kelly, who came from
Ireland and settled in Virginia near Harpers Ferry. His mother was
Nancy, daughter of Jonas Smith, who came to Washington county at
an early date, and settled near Emory.
In this county, November 15, 1854, Rev. George R. Barr, D. D., officiating
clergymen, he married Mahala Helton, and their children were born
in the order named: Alice M., Melinda F., James N., Milton F., Jefferson
D., Thomas C., William H., Jonas S. The two eldest, Alice and Melinda,
are now deceased; James is superintendent of a large and prosperous
school near Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Kelly was born in Floyd county,
Virginia, July 1, 1829, the daughter of Reuben Helton and Nancy Helton,
nee Burnette, who were raised in Floyd county, and later were residents
of Washington county.
Mr. Kelly ably filled the responsible office of magistrate for about
eight years, before and during the war. He had a number of near relatives
in active service during the war, among them a cousin, John H.
Smith, killed in battle at Saltville.
