Benjamin F. Kelley

    Benjamin F. Kelley, a worthy and respected citizen of Washington Township, is a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, born in June, 1823, and is a son of James and Betsy (Stone) Kelley, natives of Virginia, both of whom died in Pittsylvania County. The father was of Irish ancestry, his grandfather being a native of Ireland, and on coming to America settled in Virginia, in which State he lived until his death.

    Benjamin F. grew to manhood in his native State, and was there married January 4, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Hall, a native of Campbell County, Virginia, where she was married. Two years after his marriage Mr. Kelley left his native county for Mc Minn County, Tennessee, where he remained about eight months, working by the month for a farmer. He then immigrated with his family to Clinton County, Indiana, where he farmed on rented land for six years. From Clinton County he came to Blackford County, where he made his first land purchase, buying a tract of eighty acres of heavy timber land in the school section of Washington Township. By persevering industry and years of toil he cleared his land and added to his original purchase until he became the owner of 280 acres, part of which he has given to his children. He still retains 105 acres, his farm being well improved and under cultivation. Here the family endured many of the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, but are now living to enjoy the fruits of their years of toil. Their humble log cabin has been replaced by a comfortable and commodious frame residence, and the out building on his farm are noticeably good, the entire surroundings showing care and thrift.

    Mrs. Kelley died January 16, 1880, leaving at her death three children -Joshua T., William H. and Martha J. Mr. Kelley was married a second time in November, 1882, to Mrs. Amanda J. (Baker) Bowen, widow of James Bowen, and to this union have been born four children, whose names are _Minnie M., Ida M., John A. Logan and Benjamin Franklin. Mrs. Kelley is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1846, and when fourteen years old was brought by her parents to Blackford County, Indiana. She was twice married in Blackford County, her first husband, James Bowen, leaving at his death two children, named Della M. and William T. In his political views Mr. Kelley affiliates with the Republican party.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.