The subject of this sketch has been a resident of this county twenty-two years. A practical farmer, a practical business man, and soundness and substantiality are the leading characteristics of his organization. He was born in the state of Delaware, January 8, 1819, and is consequently now in his fifty-eight year, though his appearance would indicate ten years less to the casual observer. His avocation is that of a farmer, and a life-long experience has made it, with him, a financial success. He removed with his parents to Ohio in 1827, and settled in Miama county. During his residence there he married to Miss C. Benham, in 1843, and for thirty-three years have they traveled the journey of life together, with a larger amount of health and comfort than usually falls to the lot of humanity. They removed to Illinois in 1854, and settled on the farm where they now reside. An interesting family has sprung up about them. Mr. Kelly, in common with other substantial residents of our county, has served a full share in those humble but very important and useful positions of school and township trustee, and is a member of our county Board of Supervisors this centennial year; a body that feels his influence, and is benefited by the indebted to his judgment and practical business ability. Contributed by: Jeanie Lowe