My Genealogy Hound

JOHN H. KELLEY, Esq., of Cortland, belongs to the younger generation of men, upon whose willing shoulders are slipping the burdens of those whom age is fast relegating to the honored and revered past. The traditions of Cortland County’s bar are especially honorable and worthy of study, for they reach far back into the early history of Central New York. Of the barristers of repute whose names are coming to the front, none rank higher than the subject of this sketch. He has prepared himself carefully and well for his chosen profession, and the increasing duties find him ever ready and capable of performing them. Mr. Kelley was born at Canastota, Madison County, N. Y., and was a son of Thomas H. Kelley, who was a native of St. Johns, New Brunswick. Thomas Kelley’s father at his death left him, quite a lad, to the care of an uncle. His home was not at all congenial to him, so the boy with the independence of action, that was afterward so characteristic of the man, ran away and took to the sea. For ten years he sailed before the mast, and developed a hardy manhood. He then left the life on the wave, married a Miss Margaret Vanderworker and established a home at Canastota, N. Y., where he turned his time and attention to tilling the soil, remaining in that locality for several years. He then removed to Hannibal, N. Y., spending his last years in agricultural pursuits, and dying at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. H. J. Watson, in Syracuse, N. Y., at the age of seventy-one. His wife passed away at the age of forty-nine. Six children made up the family of the sailor-farmer, as follows: John H., our subject; George C.; Mary E. (Watson); Catherine C. (Holmes); Thomas J.; and Grace (Byrne).

John H. Kelley was born in the Canastota home, but the removal to Hannibal gave him the advantages of the old Falley Seminary, where he finished the education commenced in the public schools. The study of law he began in the office of and under the Hon. William H. Paucher of Oswego, N. Y., one of the ablest jurists in the State. Before completing his legal studies, Mr. Kelley began teaching school in Oswego County, and taught at several points in the central part of the state, being at one time superintendent of schools at Whitehall, N. Y. As a teacher he attained prominence and marked success, but ever kept before him his original purpose and intention of ultimately being admitted to the bar. After twenty years of teaching, he returned to his legal work, striding with Judge Chester of Albany, and attending the Albany Law School, where he was graduated in the class of 1893. Shortly after his graduation he located in Cortland village, and is at the present writing engaged in a lucrative and fast growing general practice. In January, 1897, Mr. Kelley was elected justice of the peace.

Mr. Kelley was wedded in 1875 to Miss Jenny L. Smith, daughter of Eli Smith of McGrawville, Cortland County, N. Y. To them have come seven children, by name: Waldemar S.; Maud I.; Roger; Blanche; Hugh V.; Neal; and Lawrence H.

The subject of this writing has always been a sincere and loyal Republican and is active in all the local councils of that organization. He is secretary of the county committee, and chairman of the executive committee of the local Republican League. In social affairs Mr. Kelley is well known and popular, and holds a membership in Lodge No. 320, I. O. O. F. In all things, Mr. Kelley is a man of trained judgment and rare skill. On his professional duties he brings to bear a ripe experience and a training that is taken account of by his large and appreciative clientage. As one of the prominent and well-known attorneys of Cortland County, who has performed well his part in the life of the community, we are pleased to be able to present Mr. Kelley’s portrait* on a preceding page.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.