Last Survivor of the Famed Dove Creek Indian Battle Dies Here Monday
A Texas frontiersman, whose colorful life was one of superb service to his fellow man and devotion to God from 14 years of age ‘til some five years ago when Time put limitations on his activities, dimmed his fine eyesight, dulled his ears, and made slow the step of John James Kelly, who passed away at an early hour last Monday morning, March 8, at his home on the south outskirts of Hamilton. He had been seriously ill only a short time until the end came, a sweet quiet falling asleep.
"Capt." John J. Kelly spent the greater part of his life in Erath County and at Dublin, but for some seven years had resided in Hamilton with his "Uncle" Robert B Kelly and their niece, Miss Lois Kelly.
Memorial services for Captain Kelly were held on Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of Williams & Riley Funeral Home here with Rev. E. M. Scarlett conducting the service in solemnity, dignity, and love, fitly paying tribute to a man who as a devout Christian for seventy years served in the office of Cumberland Presbyterian Church Elder. A son, seventy-two years of age was present for his father's funeral, where others of his devoted family and descendants were gathered together to share the sorrowful loneliness that each felt in the parting hour with him, who they delighted to honor, honor.
Burial was in Dublin where his body lies in a grave made beside that of his beloved companion who preceded him to Glory Land 26 years ago.
John James Kelly was born in Walker County, Georgia, October 9, 1846.
The Kelly family came to Texas from Walker County, Georgia, in 1857. J. J. remembered well the trip from Chattanooga Fredonia in their own flatboat, 80 feet long and 18 feet wide.
Their first stop was at Gaines Landing, Ark, the trip from Chattanooga to this point taking two months. At the Sabine River landing, Fredonia, the elder Kelly sold his boat, established his family in a camp in the "yard" of a friend and set out on horseback for West Texas to prospect. He was two years on the way to Erath County, stopping on the way to teach school where he found settlements desirous of having some schooling for the children. Arrived at Stephenville, he found prospects good for an educator, started school, and sent for his family.
During the Civil War, Kelly recalls that his father was the tithe master in Erath County and also served as judge of the courts organized when necessary to try criminal complaints. Sometimes he served both as judge and jury, and on one request of the citizens, his son said. Young J. J. occasionally had to serve as guard for prisoners held in custody awaiting trial, since there were no places of confinement.
The signal service to his country was rendered by John James Kelly, who enlisted in the militia for the protection of the West Texas frontier. He was only 14 years of age at the time and the militia was formed by men below and above age, while those of military age were fighting in the Civil War.
The greatest Indian battle in which he participated was that of the Dove Creek combat, which took place near where the town of Midland now stands.
At a birthday celebration in his honor some two years ago, Captain Kelly, the only survivor of the Dove Creek Battle told the story saying at the end of his narrative, "We disbanded at the end of the Civil War and I returned to my home in Erath County."
Miss Martha E. Williamson became the bride of John James Kelly at Bagdad, Texas, in 1868, and six children blessed their union and survive. They are: C. A. Kelly, Waco; Oscar Kelly, Dallas; C. D. Kelly, Groesbeck; Mrs. M. C. Gillette, St. Louis; and T. B. Kelly, of Wichita Falls.
Other survivors are the brother named above and Henry Kelly, of Ranger; and their sister, Mrs. Francis King, of Handley.
A large group of young men relatives of Captain Kelly are with the armed forces of the United States in this war.
Hamilton County News March 12, 1943
A Texas frontiersman, whose colorful life was one of superb service to his fellow man and devotion to God from 14 years of age ‘til some five years ago when Time put limitations on his activities, dimmed his fine eyesight, dulled his ears, and made slow the step of John James Kelly, who passed away at an early hour last Monday morning, March 8, at his home on the south outskirts of Hamilton. He had been seriously ill only a short time until the end came, a sweet quiet falling asleep.
"Capt." John J. Kelly spent the greater part of his life in Erath County and at Dublin, but for some seven years had resided in Hamilton with his "Uncle" Robert B Kelly and their niece, Miss Lois Kelly.
Memorial services for Captain Kelly were held on Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of Williams & Riley Funeral Home here with Rev. E. M. Scarlett conducting the service in solemnity, dignity, and love, fitly paying tribute to a man who as a devout Christian for seventy years served in the office of Cumberland Presbyterian Church Elder. A son, seventy-two years of age was present for his father's funeral, where others of his devoted family and descendants were gathered together to share the sorrowful loneliness that each felt in the parting hour with him, who they delighted to honor, honor.
Burial was in Dublin where his body lies in a grave made beside that of his beloved companion who preceded him to Glory Land 26 years ago.
John James Kelly was born in Walker County, Georgia, October 9, 1846.
The Kelly family came to Texas from Walker County, Georgia, in 1857. J. J. remembered well the trip from Chattanooga Fredonia in their own flatboat, 80 feet long and 18 feet wide.
Their first stop was at Gaines Landing, Ark, the trip from Chattanooga to this point taking two months. At the Sabine River landing, Fredonia, the elder Kelly sold his boat, established his family in a camp in the "yard" of a friend and set out on horseback for West Texas to prospect. He was two years on the way to Erath County, stopping on the way to teach school where he found settlements desirous of having some schooling for the children. Arrived at Stephenville, he found prospects good for an educator, started school, and sent for his family.
During the Civil War, Kelly recalls that his father was the tithe master in Erath County and also served as judge of the courts organized when necessary to try criminal complaints. Sometimes he served both as judge and jury, and on one request of the citizens, his son said. Young J. J. occasionally had to serve as guard for prisoners held in custody awaiting trial, since there were no places of confinement.
The signal service to his country was rendered by John James Kelly, who enlisted in the militia for the protection of the West Texas frontier. He was only 14 years of age at the time and the militia was formed by men below and above age, while those of military age were fighting in the Civil War.
The greatest Indian battle in which he participated was that of the Dove Creek combat, which took place near where the town of Midland now stands.
At a birthday celebration in his honor some two years ago, Captain Kelly, the only survivor of the Dove Creek Battle told the story saying at the end of his narrative, "We disbanded at the end of the Civil War and I returned to my home in Erath County."
Miss Martha E. Williamson became the bride of John James Kelly at Bagdad, Texas, in 1868, and six children blessed their union and survive. They are: C. A. Kelly, Waco; Oscar Kelly, Dallas; C. D. Kelly, Groesbeck; Mrs. M. C. Gillette, St. Louis; and T. B. Kelly, of Wichita Falls.
Other survivors are the brother named above and Henry Kelly, of Ranger; and their sister, Mrs. Francis King, of Handley.
A large group of young men relatives of Captain Kelly are with the armed forces of the United States in this war.
Hamilton County News March 12, 1943
Last Survivor of the Famed Dove Creek Indian Battle Dies Here Monday
A Texas frontiersman, whose colorful life was one of superb service to his fellow man and devotion to God from 14 years of age ‘til some five years ago when Time put limitations on his activities, dimmed his fine eyesight, dulled his ears, and made slow the step of John James Kelly, who passed away at an early hour last Monday morning, March 8, at his home on the south outskirts of Hamilton. He had been seriously ill only a short time until the end came, a sweet quiet falling asleep.
"Capt." John J. Kelly spent the greater part of his life in Erath County and at Dublin, but for some seven years had resided in Hamilton with his "Uncle" Robert B Kelly and their niece, Miss Lois Kelly.
Memorial services for Captain Kelly were held on Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of Williams & Riley Funeral Home here with Rev. E. M. Scarlett conducting the service in solemnity, dignity, and love, fitly paying tribute to a man who as a devout Christian for seventy years served in the office of Cumberland Presbyterian Church Elder. A son, seventy-two years of age was present for his father's funeral, where others of his devoted family and descendants were gathered together to share the sorrowful loneliness that each felt in the parting hour with him, who they delighted to honor, honor.
Burial was in Dublin where his body lies in a grave made beside that of his beloved companion who preceded him to Glory Land 26 years ago.
John James Kelly was born in Walker County, Georgia, October 9, 1846.
The Kelly family came to Texas from Walker County, Georgia, in 1857. J. J. remembered well the trip from Chattanooga Fredonia in their own flatboat, 80 feet long and 18 feet wide.
Their first stop was at Gaines Landing, Ark, the trip from Chattanooga to this point taking two months. At the Sabine River landing, Fredonia, the elder Kelly sold his boat, established his family in a camp in the "yard" of a friend and set out on horseback for West Texas to prospect. He was two years on the way to Erath County, stopping on the way to teach school where he found settlements desirous of having some schooling for the children. Arrived at Stephenville, he found prospects good for an educator, started school, and sent for his family.
During the Civil War, Kelly recalls that his father was the tithe master in Erath County and also served as judge of the courts organized when necessary to try criminal complaints. Sometimes he served both as judge and jury, and on one request of the citizens, his son said. Young J. J. occasionally had to serve as guard for prisoners held in custody awaiting trial, since there were no places of confinement.
The signal service to his country was rendered by John James Kelly, who enlisted in the militia for the protection of the West Texas frontier. He was only 14 years of age at the time and the militia was formed by men below and above age, while those of military age were fighting in the Civil War.
The greatest Indian battle in which he participated was that of the Dove Creek combat, which took place near where the town of Midland now stands.
At a birthday celebration in his honor some two years ago, Captain Kelly, the only survivor of the Dove Creek Battle told the story saying at the end of his narrative, "We disbanded at the end of the Civil War and I returned to my home in Erath County."
Miss Martha E. Williamson became the bride of John James Kelly at Bagdad, Texas, in 1868, and six children blessed their union and survive. They are: C. A. Kelly, Waco; Oscar Kelly, Dallas; C. D. Kelly, Groesbeck; Mrs. M. C. Gillette, St. Louis; and T. B. Kelly, of Wichita Falls.
Other survivors are the brother named above and Henry Kelly, of Ranger; and their sister, Mrs. Francis King, of Handley.
A large group of young men relatives of Captain Kelly are with the armed forces of the United States in this war.
Hamilton County News March 12, 1943
A Texas frontiersman, whose colorful life was one of superb service to his fellow man and devotion to God from 14 years of age ‘til some five years ago when Time put limitations on his activities, dimmed his fine eyesight, dulled his ears, and made slow the step of John James Kelly, who passed away at an early hour last Monday morning, March 8, at his home on the south outskirts of Hamilton. He had been seriously ill only a short time until the end came, a sweet quiet falling asleep.
"Capt." John J. Kelly spent the greater part of his life in Erath County and at Dublin, but for some seven years had resided in Hamilton with his "Uncle" Robert B Kelly and their niece, Miss Lois Kelly.
Memorial services for Captain Kelly were held on Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of Williams & Riley Funeral Home here with Rev. E. M. Scarlett conducting the service in solemnity, dignity, and love, fitly paying tribute to a man who as a devout Christian for seventy years served in the office of Cumberland Presbyterian Church Elder. A son, seventy-two years of age was present for his father's funeral, where others of his devoted family and descendants were gathered together to share the sorrowful loneliness that each felt in the parting hour with him, who they delighted to honor, honor.
Burial was in Dublin where his body lies in a grave made beside that of his beloved companion who preceded him to Glory Land 26 years ago.
John James Kelly was born in Walker County, Georgia, October 9, 1846.
The Kelly family came to Texas from Walker County, Georgia, in 1857. J. J. remembered well the trip from Chattanooga Fredonia in their own flatboat, 80 feet long and 18 feet wide.
Their first stop was at Gaines Landing, Ark, the trip from Chattanooga to this point taking two months. At the Sabine River landing, Fredonia, the elder Kelly sold his boat, established his family in a camp in the "yard" of a friend and set out on horseback for West Texas to prospect. He was two years on the way to Erath County, stopping on the way to teach school where he found settlements desirous of having some schooling for the children. Arrived at Stephenville, he found prospects good for an educator, started school, and sent for his family.
During the Civil War, Kelly recalls that his father was the tithe master in Erath County and also served as judge of the courts organized when necessary to try criminal complaints. Sometimes he served both as judge and jury, and on one request of the citizens, his son said. Young J. J. occasionally had to serve as guard for prisoners held in custody awaiting trial, since there were no places of confinement.
The signal service to his country was rendered by John James Kelly, who enlisted in the militia for the protection of the West Texas frontier. He was only 14 years of age at the time and the militia was formed by men below and above age, while those of military age were fighting in the Civil War.
The greatest Indian battle in which he participated was that of the Dove Creek combat, which took place near where the town of Midland now stands.
At a birthday celebration in his honor some two years ago, Captain Kelly, the only survivor of the Dove Creek Battle told the story saying at the end of his narrative, "We disbanded at the end of the Civil War and I returned to my home in Erath County."
Miss Martha E. Williamson became the bride of John James Kelly at Bagdad, Texas, in 1868, and six children blessed their union and survive. They are: C. A. Kelly, Waco; Oscar Kelly, Dallas; C. D. Kelly, Groesbeck; Mrs. M. C. Gillette, St. Louis; and T. B. Kelly, of Wichita Falls.
Other survivors are the brother named above and Henry Kelly, of Ranger; and their sister, Mrs. Francis King, of Handley.
A large group of young men relatives of Captain Kelly are with the armed forces of the United States in this war.
Hamilton County News March 12, 1943
Gravesite Details
A Confederate veteran; on double marker with Martha Kelly (1853-1915)
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