Father: John P Kelley
Mother Elizabeth Clark Wagstaff
Spouse: Mary Ann Oler [married 3 Aug 1892, American Fork, UT, died 1926]
Married Bessie Edwards 1 Mar 1927.
Died of stroke
Utah & Idaho Sugar Co.
Water Protective Union
Source: Post Register, Idaho Falls, 15 Sep 1949, pg 1 & 2; 16 Sep 1949, pg 1 & 9; 18 Sep 1949, pg 2, tribute.

(Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 3 by James H. Hawley 1920)

John E. Kelley, one of the prominent and well-to-do citizens of Shelley, and agricultural superintendent of the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, is a native of Utah, born at American Fork, August 3, 1870. His parents, John P. and Elizabeth (Clark) Kelley, were natives of England, where the father was a farmer. He came to this country about 1858 and settled among the early Mormons of Utah, taking up his residence at American Fork, where he secured a tract of land which he improved and operated for the remainder of his active life, his death occurring in May, 1896. His wife survived him for several years, her death taking place at Shelley, Idaho, in May, 1913.

John E. Kelley was reared and educated at American Fork, Utah, and remained with his parents until he had reached the age of twenty, up to this time being engaged in helping with the work on his father's farm. On starting out for himself, he bought some land and also rented a tract, which he began cultivating, adopting modern agricultural methods and bringing his place up to a high standard among neighboring farms. He continued to work the farm until March 1902, when he removed to Shelley, where he acquired a tract of land, which he improved and has been operating ever since, his labors bringing him a nice competence.

In June, 1916, Mr. Kelley was offered and accepted a position as agricultural superintendent with the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, and has since been performing the duties of that responsible office with zeal and ability. Aside from his business associations, Mr. Kelley devotes a share of his time to church affairs. On August 13, 1915, he was made bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has been connected with the bishopric since 1902.

In August, 1892, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Mary Ann Oler, and they have become the parents of nine children, all of whom are living with the exception of one which died in infancy. They are named as follows: Ella, wife of Rodick Miller, who resides at Shelley; Milton J., who married Caroline Jensen of Rexburg and is residing in Shelley; Floyd G., now in Denver, Colorado, engaged in missionary work; Ruby, Sadie, Pearl Lois, Leona and Bernice all at home with their parents and one which died in infancy. The family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and warmly interested in all its work.

For the past eight years Mr. Kelley has served as president of Snake River Valley irrigation district and under his guidance the work has made rapid strides. He is also a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Shelley. He is a warm supporter of the democratic party and ran for the office of county commissioner on that ticket but was defeated. Milton Kelley his eldest son, went on a mission to Australia, his work in that connection covering the unusually long period of two and one-half years. On his return to this country, in 1918, he immediately enlisted in the United States army and served about nineteen months. Floyd Kelley, the second son, also enlisted just before the signing of the armistice, in November, 1918. The Kelley family enjoy the respect and esteem of the community in which they have lived for almost twenty years.